How to Make a Bow – Many Bow Tutorials
I’m asked all of the time how to make a bow – bows for a wreath, to tie onto a handmade ornament, to upgrade Dollar Tree crafts with fancy bows. A nice bow will level-up a craft or a gift, so here are my favorite ways to make a decorative bow.
RELATED READING: Dollar Tree Christmas Elf and Candy Cane Wreath
What You'll Find On This Page
How to Make Ribbon Bows
Here at Ruffles and Rain Boots, I’ve been sharing crafts online for more than a decade. Over that time, I’ve recorded myself making bows for readers who email me or people who ask in my Facebook group.
I decided to film a few of my most popular bow styles for wreaths, crafts, and ornaments. As we head into the most wonderful crafting time of the year (fall through Christmas), I thought it would be nice to put them all here. Each video can be watched right here!
If you love this idea but can’t grab ribbon right away and get started, use the sharing buttons to save this page. Whether you share it or save it to a DIY pin board, this page will be easy to find when you’re ready to begin.
How to Make a Christmas Bow (Triple Loop / Nine Tails)
This is the ultimate holiday bow tutorial because it’s a statement piece. The nine tails can be fanned out around the loop pouf or they can hang down as shown here.
When to Use This Statement Bow
- tree toppers (3-4 inch ribbon)
- wreaths (1.5-3 inch ribbon)
- very large gifts (use a 5 inch ribbon for cars)
COMING SOON (November 2025)
How to Make a Single Sided Ribbon Bow (Ugly Ribbon Bow)
I know, this is a confusing title but it is something we all face: the ribbon is gorgeous on one side and looks rough on the other. This style will change how you use those ribbons, trust me.
When to Use This Structured Bow
- gifts
- garlands
- craft projects (great for wall decor or large shelf sitters)
COMING SOON (November 2025)
How to Make a Loopy Bow (Poofy Bow / Wreath Bow)
This holiday loopy bow (often called the “Christmas bow,”) is one of the most popular styles because it’s a grand bow. You will finally be able to use all of that big, beautiful ribbon you have in your stash! Psst: we don’t judge another crafter’s ribbon collection here. :)
When to Use This Big, Poofy Bow
- wreaths
- large swags
- tree toppers
- very large gifts
How to Make a Double Loop Finger Bow
One of the easiest bows to make is a double loop bow you can make with your hands. It’s perfect for packages or as accents to crafts (I also use it to add ribbon accents to some of my Christmas trees).
When to Use the Double Loop Bow
- gifts
- crafts
- ornament accents (6″ or larger)
- on the ends of the branches of Christmas trees (tips or meristems)
How to Make a Layered Bow (Farmhouse Bow / Stacked Bow / Scrappy Bow)
The layered bow is a wonderful way to use up ribbon scraps! It’s often referred to as a stacked bow or farmhouse bow because of it’s relaxed style.
When to Use the Stacked Bow
- crafts (great for shelf sitters)
- gift packages
- shabby chic wreaths and decor
- farmhouse wreaths and decor
How to Make a Tiny Bow (Mini Bows / Fork Bows)
Friends, I never thought I would have a fork in my craft room at all, but here we are. This tiny bow tutorial is a quick one, but you want to hit up the kitchen drawer before you get started.
When to Use Mini Bows
- hair bows, decorative bobby pins (secure onto a clip / barrette or thread through a pin)
- gift cards, handmade greeting cards
- scrapbook pages / memory books
- mini ornaments or small embroidery projects
How to Make a Ruffle Bow (Floral Bow / Layered Bow / Fancy Bow)
If you want a structured bow or something a bit bolder than the loopy bow, learn how to make a ruffle bow. This is a beautiful gift packaging bow that can make even the most mundane item quite a bit more polished.
When to Use A Multi-Loop Bow
- on any basic gift packaging (the bow will become the star of the show)
- a flat wreath (one closed between a screen and door)
- for a special occasion gift
How to Make a Loop Bow with Satin Ribbon (Satin Ribbon Bow)
If you went hog-wild and bought a ton of slick ribbon before you knew the “right” type of ribbon to buy for big bows, this is the bow for you. The satin ribbon bow is a way to get structure from unstructured ribbons and it looks great with any shiny packaging.
When to Use The Unstructured Ribbon Bow
- you have an insanely robust stash of satin ribbon (not judging)
- colorful packaging
- as a ribbon scrap buster project to use on small gifts or gift card holders
- you’re decorating or wrapping anything with a polished metal look
More to Come and Other Crafts You Might Like
Be sure to bookmark this page, as I’m working on more bow tutorials. I have a beautiful tulle bow, velvet ribbon tying tips, how to use non-wired ribbon, and so much more.
- Easy Embroidery Hoop Wreath – The accents are the focus on this beautiful craft.
- DIY a Gorgeous Sunflower and Wood Slice Wreath – This is a show stopper for sure!
- Wow-Worthy Bundt Pan Door Hanger – Check out the bow on this fun bit of door decor.
Please Save or Share This List of Bow Tutorials
Your shares are how this site grows and I am sincerely grateful. Please save this to a DIY pin board or share it with a crafty group on Facebook.
Meet the Creator
Hi there, I’m Sarah Nenni-Daher. I’m a crafty gal and always have at least 14 projects going at once. I am a crafter, designer, DIYer, and pattern maker. I share my creations here and in the Ruffles and Rain Boots® Shop.
Here at Ruffles and Rain Boots®, you’ll find DIY gnomes, crafts, gifts, cupcakes, laser crafts, and so much more. I love sharing video tutorials over on YouTube and chatting with other crafters in my Facebook groups. We’d love to have you!