Making A Bow

There are many different styles of bows. The bow I use with a dozen roses arrangement is usually 5 loops on each side of a center loop with streamers. This bow is made by pinching and twisting the ribbon in the direction you desire. I secure the bow with a piece of wire wrapped with floral tape. I then place the bow to the arrangement.

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The ribbon I use is either a florist grade satin or FloraSatin, which is a plastic.  The florist satin ribbon has a front and back.  The front of the ribbon is shiny, the back is grainy. FloraSatin is shiny on both sides. 

The size of the ribbon usually used for vase arrangements is #9 and #3. #9 is about 1 ½” wide and #3 is about ¾” wide. #9 is usually used on tall vases, #3 on budvases.

You will need for a Dozen Roses Arrangement:
          # 9 Florist Grade Satin Ribbon – about 12 feet
          18” #20 Wire -  Wrapped with Floral Tape

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Begin making the bow by making a tail about 8” long.  Cut the bottom of the ribbon at an angle. The length of the tail depends on the height of the vase the bow will highlight. Pinch the ribbon, then twist the ribbon to create a loop over your thumb. This loop should be about 3 inches tall. Pinch the ribbon, then twist the ribbon to place the next loop at the top of the center loop. Pinch and twist the ribbon so the shiny side goes to the bottom of the center loop. These three loops should be the same size to make a fuller bow. Pinch the ribbon and twist it so it goes to the top and left, a little bit taller than the previous loop. Pinch the ribbon and twist it so that it goes to the bottom and opposite side of the center loop. Pinch and twist the next loop to go top and opposite the last loop. Pinch and twist next to go bottom and opposite. Pinch and twist the next loop to the center of the two top loops a little taller. Pinch and twist the next loop to the center of the bottom loop, the same as the previous loop. Pinch and twist the next loop to the bottom of the bow, then pinch and twist the next loop to the opposite side of the bottom of bow. Pinch and twist the ribbon to form the last tail of the bow. Cut the ribbon tail, at an angle, about 2” longer than the other tail. This forms the streamers of the bow.
Complete the bow by taking the wrapped wire through the loops by running the wire over your thumb toward the top of your hand. Push the wire around the center of the pinched ribbons toward between your middle and ring finger, and down the bow. Turn the bow upside down, remove your hand, and secure the wire by tightly twisting close to the ribbon. Adjust the wire downward to make the bow front facing. Holding the bow by the wire, near the ribbon, you can adjust the loops to fluff out your bow.
The bow is be placed in the front of the arrangement at the top of the vase.

​Remember, learning to make a bow is like appearing at Carnegie Hall - All it takes is Practice, Practice, Practice!