Bows are a fun and simple crafting project that can be made with just about any type of ribbon you have on hand.
In this article, we are going to be taking a look at how you can go about making a bow with a wired ribbon as well as looking at what exactly a wired ribbon is.
Let’s get started!
What Is A Wired Ribbon?
A wired ribbon is simply a ribbon that has been specially designed for use in creating bows.
The wires used in the design of these ribbons are typically either metal or plastic and they are placed in specific patterns so that when the ribbon is cut into strips it creates an interesting pattern that will make your finished bow unique.
These types of ribbons are also known as “woven” or “knitted” because the wires are woven together to form the shape of the bow.
Why Use A Wired Ribbon?
When using a wired ribbon, you do not need to worry about the size of your bow being too small or too big. You can easily adjust the size of your bow by adjusting the length of the wire that makes up the bow.
This means that you can create large, medium-sized, or even tiny bows with ease.
Another reason why people choose to use a wired ribbon over other types of ribbon is due to its durability. Wire ribbons tend to be stronger than most types of ribbons and therefore if you want to make a long-lasting bow, then a wired ribbon would be a great choice.
What Materials Will You Need?
You will need a couple of items in order to complete this crafting project. Some of these are essential and some are optional. Let’s take a look at them.
Essential Materials
Wired Ribbon
This is the main material that you are going to use for your bow. It needs to be long enough to wrap around your item several times.
The length should also depend on what size it is that you want to make the bow out of. If you are making a small bow then you may only need one or two inches of wire. On the other hand, if you are making a large bow then you may need up to four inches.
Wire Cutters
These are very important when using wire because they help you cut off any excess wire after you have wrapped it around an object. They can also be used to trim off the ends of the wire so that they don’t fray while you are working with it.
Scissors
These are necessary to cut the wire into smaller pieces.
Optional Materials
Glue Gun
A glue gun can come in handy when you are trying to attach items together when crafting. When making a wired ribbon bow, you can use a glue gun to attach the ends of the wire ribbon together.
Tape Measure
Tape measures can come in handy when measuring the length of your bow.
Ribbon Ties
These are little pieces of ribbon that can be attached to each end of the wire before you start wrapping it around your item. They can be used as decorative elements, but they can also be used to keep the wire from fraying.
Decorations
There are many different types of decorations that you can add to your bows. Things like flowers, beads, buttons, and more can really jazz up a plain-looking bow. Just remember not to overdo it! Too much decoration can make your bow look messy.
Making A Bow With Wired Ribbon
Step One: Cut The Ribbon Into Two Equal Pieces
The first thing you’ll need to do is get your ribbon ready for cutting. Start by laying out two pieces of ribbon side-by-side so they are parallel to each other.
Next, measure down from one end of the ribbon and mark where it should meet up with the other piece of ribbon. This will be your starting point for measuring the length of the bow.
Now, using your scissors, cut along the line you drew. Once you’ve done this, you’ll have two equal pieces of ribbon.
Step Two: Fold Each Piece Of Ribbon Into Half
Now that you have two equal pieces of wire ribbon, you’re going to fold them in half. To do this, lay one piece of ribbon flat on top of the other. Then, fold the bottom edge over until it meets the middle of the ribbon.
Continue folding the rest of the way across until it reaches the other side. When you’re finished, you’ll now have a folded piece of ribbon that looks like this. Repeat this step with the second piece of ribbon.
Step Three: Measure Your Lengths
Once you’ve completed the folding process, you’ll need some sort of measuring device to determine the length of your bow.
For this project, we used a ruler, but if you don’t have one handy, you can also use a tape measure or ruler. Just make sure you know what size you need before you start cutting!
Step Four: Begin Cutting
Once you’ve determined the overall length of your bow, you’ll begin cutting the individual pieces of ribbon. First, cut off one of the short ends of the ribbon. Then, lay the piece of ribbon flat on your work surface.
Using your ruler as a guide, cut the remaining length of the ribbon in half. Lay these halves next to each other so they form a V shape. Repeat this step for the other piece of ribbon, then continue cutting the remaining lengths of ribbon.
Step Five: Tie The Ends Together
When all of your pieces of ribbon are cut, you’ll want to tie them together. The easiest way to do this is to bring the long edges of your ribbon together and wrap them around themselves.
Pull the loose end of the ribbon through the loop you created, then pull tight. If you find yourself having trouble getting the knot to stay put, try wrapping the surrounding ribbon again and pulling the ends taut.
Optional Step: Add Some Glue
If you’d like to add a little extra stability to your bow, you may want to glue it down.
To do this, simply apply a small amount of hot glue to the back of the bow. Be careful not to let any of the glue touch the front of the bow. Let the glue dry completely before adding any decorations.
Optional Step: Decorate
If you’d like, you can decorate your bow with whatever you’d like. You could use buttons, beads, sequins, charms, etc., but keep in mind that anything placed on the outside of the bow needs to be removable. Otherwise, it might damage the fabric when you take it off.
Final Thoughts
Creating a bow isn’t difficult, but there are a few things you’ll need in order to complete the task successfully. In addition to having an understanding of how to properly measure your materials, you’ll also need to understand how to fold the ribbon correctly.
Once you master those skills, you’ll be able to create bows of virtually any size and style. It really is a simple crafting project that anyone can complete. All you need is a bit of patience, to know your measurements and a few basic supplies.
We hope that this guide has been helpful and inspires you to create more DIY projects of your own!
