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How to Make Bows

By BRITTNEY | Published: OCTOBER 2, 2012

Have you been wondering how to make bows like the pros? Britt from Charlie’s Halo shares her techniques to get beautiful, high quality bows. See techniques on the Twisted Boutique Bow, Pinwheel Bow, Spikes, and Surround Loops!

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Hello! I’m Britt from Charlie’s Halo. You might remember my other tutorials on adding marabou, bottle caps anddetachable centers to hair bows. This time I will be teaching my specialty, stacked boutique bows. I have been making bows for over 2 years and I’m entirely self taught. There are many different techniques used by different bow makers, but in this tutorial I will cover the basics and techniques that I use. I made 3 different styles of stacked boutique bows using the Halloween Candy Corn, Dino-mite and Lil Sister Ribbon Mixes from The Ribbon Retreat.

Each Ribbon Mix includes 5 different ribbons, expertly matched in various widths. The Ribbon Retreat carries a large selection of ribbon mixes. They are wonderful because it takes the guess work out of matching colors and sizes. It’s already done for you! Check out the ribbon mixes by clicking the link.

What widths work for what bows and layers?

For stacked bows, 1.5” is often used for base bows and spikes, ⅞” is commonly used for base bows, topper bows, and spikes, ⅝” can be used for bow surrounds and spikes, and ⅜” is great for bow surrounds, wrapping bows, lining clips and adding other small embellishments to your bows.

I also used the following basic tools: Needle, Heavy Duty Thread, Cardboard, Scissors, Lighter, Ruler, Hot Glue, Straight Pin and Stiffener.

~ How to Make Bows ~

This fabulous Halloween bow is the first style we will make.

When making stacked bows, the most basic skill you will need to learn is the ever so famous Twisted Boutique Bow. This bow can take some time to master, but with some practice, it will become second nature. I make twisted boutique bows using a cardboard template that is easy to make and economically practical. In this tutorial I will be using 5”, 6” and 7” templates. Here is how to make them:

Find a piece of sturdy cardboard and cut it to the width you would like your template to be and make sure it’s at least 3” long.

Measure to the middle of your template and cut out a ¼” strip that is about 1.5” or so long as show in the picture.

For this tutorial you will need templates in 5”, 6” and 7”.

Now is time to use your new template! If this is your first twisted boutique bow, I would suggest trying with a 5” template and use ⅞” as I’ve done in the picture. You will need 23” of ⅞” ribbon. This will make a 3” bow. I trim and seal my ribbon ends after I’ve sewn my bow, but it’s okay to do it before you make your bow as well. You will also need an alligator clip, needle and thread and a straight pin.

pita lipat lipat 

http://www.theribbonretreat.com/blog/how-to-make-bows.html

Measurements:

5” Template – 23” Ribbon – 3” Bow
6” Template – 28” Ribbon – 4” Bow
7” Template – 33” Ribbon – 4.5 – 5” Bow

Use an alligator clip to hold your ribbon while you wrap it around your template. Clip the ribbon in the center of the ‘middle opening’ and the end of the template.

After wrapping the ribbon around your template two times, turn the template over and push a straight pin through the center of the ribbon as shown.

At this point your are ready to remove the ribbon from the template. Carefully pull it off of the template, but do not remove the pin.

The next step is the very most important part of making twisted boutique bows. Hold your ribbon with the tail facing up, and maintain pressure on the back of the pin. Start by pulling the tail and bottom ribbon to the left. When you do this your ribbon will begin to form an ‘X’.

Pull the loops to form a uniform ‘X’. When you look at the back of your bow, your ribbons should be aligned horizontally. The above pic shows a bow ready to be a creased.

I crease my bows by sewing them. Using a strong needle and heavy duty thread with the ends knotted together. Stitch through the center of the bow making sure that the ‘X’ does not lose form.

Bring your needle and threads through the ribbon and pull it tight.

Wrap your bow a couple of times, knot and finish off.

I like to stiffen my twisted boutique bows before and after stacking them. I spray them with stiffener and use a fan to help them dry fast while I make the rest of the bow.

This is the same technique I used for all widths of ribbon and with my templates.

Another part of stacked bows are spikes. You can use any width of ribbon to make spikes, for this Halloween bow I will be using 1.5”, ⅞” and ⅝” ribbon. I’ve measured each spike to 5”, V-cut and heat sealed the ends with a lighter. Then roughly arranged them in a pattern that I liked for this bow.

Here is how to make even spikes. Fold the spike in half to find the center and push your needle through. Do this with each spike and add them in an ‘X’ pattern as shown.

This is how I have arranged my spikes. The next step is to crease them, just like a bow.

Now all of your parts are ready to stack! You will need a hot glue gun and glue sticks to attach your bow parts. For this Halloween bow I used a 4.5” boutique bow made with 1.5” ribbon for the base bow, 5” spikes, 3” boutique bow made with ⅜” ribbon for surrounds and a 3” boutique bow made with ⅞” ribbon for the topper.

After gluing your bow parts together, it’s important that your bow be securely attached to a clip.

Use ⅜” ribbon and hot glue to attach a clip as shown. The Ribbon Retreat has how to attach a clip to a bow tutorialif you need more help.

Lets try another bow!

This awesome dinosaur bow is a different style, as you can see it’s not quite as tall.
Here’s how I made it!

I used 1.5” ribbon and a 5” template to make a 5” pinwheel. Unlike boutique bows, pinwheels will be just about the same size as the template used. I used 5” spikes made of 1.5” and ⅞” ribbon, surround loops made with ⅜” ribbon and 1.5” ribbon layered with ⅞” ribbon for the topper bow.

To make a pinwheel bow, start by clipping the end of your ribbon to your template as shown.

Overlap the ribbon around the template.

Stitch down the middle and remove the ribbon from the template as you go. Crease your pinwheel bow just like a twisted boutique bow, tighten, knot and finish off.

To make a twisted boutique bow with layered ribbons, all you have to do is align then them and wrap them as shown. Be careful to keep them aligned while sewing and creasing.

I made these surround loops by taking a rough estimate of the size I wanted each loop to be. I did not glue or sew anything, I simply make a sample loop to take a measurement.

I decided 6.5” is the length I need for each surround loop to be for this bow.

I measured the length of each loop to 6.5” and sewed them as I went along. You can also use hot glue.

After finishing your bow parts, you’re ready to finish your bow by stacking, wrapping and adding clip!

I have one more style to show you!

This bow is a little bit bigger, because the base bow and topper bow are both made with 1.5” ribbon. Check out the bow parts that I used for this style!

Stars and Stripes Bow

By SHIRLEY | Published: JUNE 18, 2011

I almost wonder if the Red Stripes Ribbon was made just for the 4th of July.
It goes perfectly with the Royal with White Stars Ribbon. 

I am still working on perfecting my Twisted Boutique Technique.
This is a technique that definitely takes practice, but I think I am getting closer.
At the end, I will share some tips that helped me with this bow.

I now do this technique by hand, instead of the bow maker.
I never thought I would say this, but it is easier now that I know the shape I am going for. 

The bottom layer is 4 1/2″ wide using Royal with White Stars Ribbon in 7/8″.

The top layer is 3 1/2″ wide using Red Stripes Ribbon in 7/8″.

I attached both bows together by taking my needle and thread through the center
and tightening around the bow.

If you’ve made a bow before, you’ll know how to do this next part, but if you’ve been wondering how to finish off the bow and add a clip, here is the how-to.

First, line your clip.
I always use 3/8″ ribbon.
(With french barrettes, you have to remove the springy part, line the top,
attach the bow, and then put that part back on.)

Cut a piece of ribbon for the center knot.

Make your knot. Apply hot glue to the bottom of the knot and place it in the center of the bow.

Apply hot glue on your lined clip and attach it to the back of the bow.

Bring one piece of the ribbon towards the back.
Open the clip and apply hot glue where your ribbon will go.
Put the ribbon on the hot glue.
Cut the excess ribbon and then seal your ends.

Do the same thing to the other ribbon.

And you’re finished!

The first tip I learned is to watch how the bow is shaped when you add your knot and clip. When I made them before, I didn’t keep the ribbon loop bent forward. It would get pushed toward the back when I added my center knot and lose a lot of it’s shape. This tip isn’t just for Twisted Boutique technique bows, but all of them. It’s just a little thing, but can make all the difference.

The second tip is to glue the loops in the shape you want them. My bottom layer kept falling back so I just hot glued it so it stayed up better. I am not saying this is the way to go, but I’ll be doing it until I’ve perfected this cute technique. 

Now if you don’t know how to do the Twisted Boutique technique,
you can use these two ribbons in any technique and they will be festive!

I also made some bows using the Basic Boutique technique.
I just love these ribbons, I want to make all bow techniques with them. 

The bottom layer uses the same ribbon.
I made these on the 2″ setting of the bow maker.

The top layer is done on the 1 1/2″ setting of the bow maker.

I attached the two bows using the same technique as the bow above.

I finished off the bow with knotted centers using White Solid Grosgrain Ribbon in 3/8″.

There are so many fun ways to use these ribbons and the many other
4th of July Ribbons and 4th of July Ribbon Mixes.

So if you haven’t started yet, hurry over to The Ribbon Retreat.
Independence Day is coming quick! 

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Have a fun 4th of July Bow made using The Ribbon Retreat’s ribbon and want to show it off?
Email me at shirley@theribbonretreat.com.

How To Make A Twisted Boutique Bow

By SHIRLEY | Published: SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

The Twisted Boutique Bow

This is a VERY popular bow!

And there are tons of ways to make it.

Many of you may have learned how to make this bow through our Tricks of the Trade Hair Bow Instructions, where it gives you techniques for tons of bows! That’s where I learned how to make it. 

This is a different technique to use, especially if you don’t want tails.

All you need is ribbon and a needle and thread.
To finish it off, you will need matching ribbon, a clip, and a hot glue gun.

First you need to decide on how big you want your bow to be.
These bows look great huge or little, as a base for a big stacked bow, or as a center.

Once you know how big your bow is, you will use this formula to figure out how much ribbon to cut. For example, if you want a 3″ bow, you need to add 1 1/2″ to 3″ and then times it by 4. 3 + 1.5 = 4.5. Then times 4.5 x 4 = 18″. Using this formula, you will cut 18″ of ribbon for a 3″ bow.

Cut your ribbon and seal your ends.
Get your needle and thread ready.
Double your thread and make a knot on the end.

Fold your ribbon in half and mark the center.

Now lay your ribbon vertical.
Bring the top of the ribbon down and turn it so the right side is facing down (or the wrong side.)

Repeat with the other end of the ribbon.
Bring this end up in the opposite direction you used with the top end.

For this tutorial, I used ribbon adhesive so I could show what the technique looks like.
You can do the same thing just by putting adhesive on the end of the ribbon.
Just know, this does limit how much you can move the bow around at the end.

Now take the top part of the loop and bring it to the center.
Make sure both loops are even.

Repeat with the bottom loop.

Next we are going to secure the bow with your needle and thread.

Put your needle in the center of the bow.
Pick up the bow and bring the needle halfway through the bow.

Here is where you will do a little more straightening of the bow.
Pull the loops to the shape that you like.

When you’ve got your shape (and make sure to hold it tight with your finger and thumb),
pull the needle and thread all the way through.

Bring the thread up and around and back up, tightening as you go.

When you tighten the thread (while holding your shape), create an accordion style crease
in the center of the bow.

Tighten the thread until there is no more give and then go around 1 – 2 more times.
Take a couple stitches in the back to secure the thread.

Now your bow is done and ready to be added to a clip or to a bigger bow.

For Beginners: This bow is a difficult bow.
It takes a lot, and I mean A LOT, of practice so don’t get discouraged.

I have made many bows using this technique, and I still struggle.
The bows you see on this blog are most likely not my first attempt. 

For this bow (this was my second attempt), I hot glued some of the loops together in the back so they would hold their shape better. The picture below shows where I put my glue.

This bow is really fun and so popular!
I especially love this Houndstooth Ribbon. 

I finished my bow with 3/8″ White Solid Grosgrain Ribbon to wrap around the center, and then tied a knot in 5/8″ Island Blue Solid Grosgrain Ribbon and added spikes and glued it down.

I hope this tutorial was easy to follow, and please, let me know if you have any questions! 

http://www.theribbonretreat.com/custom/free_projects.aspx

Fabric Notebook Cover

By BRITTANY | Published: NOVEMBER 22, 2011

Stay organized during the holidays this year by using a simple notebook as a holiday planner.
For a fun holiday touch, keep your notebook in a cute Fabric Notebook Cover.

Fabric Notebook Cover

Supplies:

1 Notebook (I used a composition notebook)
1/3 yard patterned fabric (I used Jovial Christmas Fabric Mistletoe Naughty)
1/3 yard contrasting fabric (I used Jovial Christmas Fabric Flannel Pajamas Tonal)
27″ length of ribbon (I used 3/8″ Cranberry Solid Grosgrain)
1 1/2″ piece of Velcro
1 1/2″ piece of Pellon Stabilizer or felt
1 button (I used The Chubby Santa Resin)
Pins
Scissors
Rotary Cutter
Cutting Mat
Quilter’s Ruler
That Purple Thang
Fabric Marker

I used a composition book, but you can use any size notebook that you would like.
Even if you use a composition notebook, your measurements may be different than mine,
so make sure to measure.

Your first step is to trace your notebook onto a paper or manila file folder.
This will be your pattern.

Laying open, my composition book measured 19″ x 15″.

With a ruler add 1/2″ to each short side of the pattern.
Measure and add 1/4″ to the long side.
This will allow more room for the binding of the notebook.

Cut out the pattern you’ve drawn on the file folder.
Trace the pattern onto the printed fabric.

Measure 6″ in on the pattern. Draw a line and cut out.
Trace and cut out 2 pieces of your plain fabric.
The 2 pieces of the plain fabric will be your lining.

With a paper or file folder, measure and cut out a 6″ x 1 3/4″ strip.
Trace the strip four times; two times on both fabrics.

The two 6″ strips of your patterned fabric will be sewn inside of your cover on the top and bottom.
Also cut a long strip to sew inside the cover.
This step is optional, but it will be sewn to help reinforce the binding of your notebook.

Cut out the plain fabric 6″ x 1 3/4″ strips and round the corners on one end.

You should have one large patterned fabric piece for your cover,
2 plain fabric pieces for your lining,
2 plain fabric strips for the strap,
2 patterned fabric pieces to reinforce the bottom and top,
and one long, skinny strip of patterned fabric to reinforce the binding.

The two 6″ x 1 3/4″ plain pieces will be the straps for your notebook cover.
With the right sides facing, pin the two 6″ x 1 3/4″ strips together.

Using coordinating thread, sew fabric all the way around with a 1/4″ seam allowance,
leaving the unrounded end open.

Clip the rounded edge just above the seam.
This will help the fabric lay smooth when you flip it inside out.

Using That Purple Thang turn it inside out.
That Purple Thang has made my sewing so much easier!
I used to use a pencil and I was always poking holes through my fabric.
I must say, it was $3.50 well spent!

Press with an iron.

Sew a 1 1/2 ” fuzzy side of the Velcro to the inside of the strap.
I sewed around the Velcro three times to give it more durability.

Sew your button onto the top of the strap.
In my supplies you’ll see that I have a cover button kit pictured.
I planned on using one of those, but I had an extra resin Santa from another project,
that I thought would look cute!

The Notebook Cover would look great with a covered button, as well.
The Ribbon Retreat carries a button cover kits in a variety of sizes.
They’re easy to put together and turn out really cute!

Isn’t he cute?
The Ribbon Retreat carries the cutest resins!

I hot glued the resin Santa to the top of the strap. I’m not sure how well the hot glue will hold up, E600 glue might be the better choice.

Fold the long side of your plain fabric pieces down about 1/4″ and press with an iron.
Fold over one more time, iron and pin.

While you’re ironing, fold the 6″ x 1 3/4″ pieces of the patterned fabric under and press. Fold again, iron and pin. Also, fold both sides of your long skinny patterned fabric and press.

Sew a straight stitch down the fold line of your plain fabric, removing the pins as you sew.

Find the middle of your patterned fabric by folding it in half.
Pin the strap to the fabric with the raw edge facing in and the Velcro facing out.

Pin your 1 1/2″ square piece Pellon stabilizer in the middle of the opposite side.
The Pellon will help with durability.

With the button side down, sew the strap to the right side of the patterned fabric.

On the opposite side of the patterned fabric, sew on the piece of Velcro.
You will be sewing the Pellon at the same time. The patterned fabric will be “sandwiched”
in between the Velcro and Pellon.

Fold the patterned fabric in half to find the center.
Do the same with the 6″ x 1 3/4″ strips of patterned fabric.

Place the strips on the top and bottom, with the right sides facing, lining up the centers.
Pin and sew the raw edge of the 6″ x 1 3/4″ strips onto the patterned fabric,
with a 1/4″ seam allowance.

Iron and fold the 6″ x 1 3/4″ strips in.
Sew on the fold line with a 1/4″ seam allowance.

Now we are going to sew the long strip of fabric to the center of the patterned fabric.
Again, this step is optional, but will reinforce the binding of your notebook.

Find the middle of your large patterned fabric and with the wrong sides facing,
pin the long strip of fabric down the middle, tucking the ends under the 6″ x 1 3/4″ strips we just sewed.
Sew all the way around the long strip of fabric, removing the pins as you sew.

Next we are going to sew the plain fabric to the patterned fabric.

With the right sides facing, pin the two plain fabrics onto each side of the patterned fabric.
Make sure to tuck the strap in between the two fabrics.

Sew the plain pieces of fabric to both sides of the patterned fabric, removing the pins as you sew.

Using That Purple Thang, turn inside out and press with an iron.

You’re almost done, you should feel proud!

Tie the 27″ length of ribbon around your cover.
Trim it down to where you want it and seal the ends with your preferred method.

I’m thrilled with the way it turned out!
Now I have a pretty cover for my notebook filled with Christmas ideas.

You can customize this cover for different occasions using different designer fabrics,
ribbon and buttons.
You could add Ric Rac or flowers.

My mom made a darling one with lace on the edges.
It’s just darling and she uses it as a journal.

There are so many uses for notebooks, I’m sure I’ll be making a few more.
They’re a great gift idea, as well.

Whatever you decide to make it for I hope you enjoy making your Fabric Notebook Cover!
Have a great day!

You might also like:

Ruffled Satin Flower Tutorial

By BRYNDE | Published: SEPTEMBER 25, 2012

Learn how to make these beautiful, classy Ruffled Satin Flowers using our tutorial by Simple Design Bows. The instructions are so simple and the results are gorgeous!

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Hello Again! It’s Brynde from Simple Design Bows. Today I will be showing you
how to make a Ruffled Satin Flower. The hardest part is trying to decide what
color of Satin you want to use!

~ Ruffled Satin Flower Tutorial ~

The supplies I used are listed below. The Ribbon Retreat carries almost
everything needed to make this flower.

1 ½” Satin Ribbon (approx. 2 ½” yards)
Felt Circle
Mini Starlight
Needle
Thread
Hair Clip
Hi-Temp Hot Glue Gun
Scissors
Lighter

First, start by sealing the end of your ribbon using your preferred method. I like
using a lighter the best. If you need instructions on how to do this, The Ribbon Retreat has a video on how to seal your ribbon ends.

Thread your needle. I like to tie 3 knots in the end so it won’t slip through my
needle hole. Fold your ribbon in half and bring the needle up from the back.

Start taking up stitches. Don’t worry about making them even. It won’t matter in
the end.

It’s easier to keep a few stitches on the needle before bringing the thread all the
way through. Once your needle gets “full”, bring the thread through, and continue
taking up stitches. Your ribbon will start to ruffle. As you go, keep pushing your
ribbon down. You want a tight ruffle.

Once you get to the end of your ribbon, take a couple stitches and tie it off. You
can trim the end, so it has a straight finish.

Seal the end of your ribbon.

Start forming one end of your ruffle into the center of a flower.

Keep wrapping the ruffles around the back, continually making the flower larger.
I like to “un-twist” the ruffles so the gathered edge is on the inside as you make
your circle.

Be sure to add a bit of glue every so often.

2 ½” yards of ribbon gives you enough ruffles for an approximate 3” finished
flower.

Tuck the ribbon end to the back of the flower and secure with glue. I like to fill
in the entire back of the flower with hot glue. I feel it gives stability to the flower
once it dries, plus creates a flat surface to glue the felt onto.

Once the glue is dry, add a felt circle to the back for a professional finish.

Glue on your center of choice. The Ribbon Retreat has all sorts of fun Crystals &
Gems. I love the Mini Starlight!

Line your hair clip, and glue on to the back of the flower. This would also make a
beautiful brooch!

There you have it! A classy Ruffled Satin Flower. These are perfect for girls of all
ages. Make some mini ones out of a smaller ribbon width, cluster them together,
and make an adorable headband! There are so many fun possibilities. Happy
flower making!

Until next time,
-Brynde

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Thanks Brynde!

Isn’t she amazing!? These flowers are so beautiful and simple to do. And the gems and crystals in the center really make these flowers special.

We have a huge selection of satin ribbon, full of beautiful colors to make these gorgeous flowers. Our prices are awesome, so check them out!

If you’re happier just buying these hair accessories, check out Simple Design Bows for super cute bows and accessories for great prices!

We are currently searching for crafty contributors so if you’re a craft blogger or bow maker who’d like to submit a tutorial of your own, visit our Project Submission Page to see all the details. We love all tutorials, and now especially love holiday ones! We make it worth your while! We love our contributors!

Have a great day! ~ Shirley, The Ribbon Retreat Blog Editor

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Inside Out Halloween Bow

By SHIRLEY | Published: OCTOBER 4, 2011

The Inside Out Bow Technique is so fun and easy to do!
It is a great bow to use for the bottom layer of big stacked bows.

You can find instructions for this bow (and many more!) in our
Tricks of the Trade Hair Bow Instructions.

I used 1 1/2″ Black Striped Ribbon for my bottom layer.
I made two two-loop Inside Out bows and then sewed them together.

I did the same thing with my 7/8″ Candy Corn Ribbon.
Although, I did twist the tails and hot glue them down so you could see the printed side.

Then I made my Korkers.
We have wonderful free instructions on our Free Tutorials tab.

I cut my Korkers to be 4″ long. I wanted them to be about 1 1/2″ sticking up.
To cut them, I just put them on my cutting mat and used my Rotary Cutter to make even cuts.

I didn’t have a specific amount that I wanted. I just used whatever I could get from one dowel each.
This gave me three Korkers for each ribbon.

I used 3/8″ Yellow with White Swiss Dots Ribbon, 3/8″ Orange Solid Grosgrain Ribbon, and 3/8″ Black/OrangeSaddle Stitch Ribbon.

I found the center of the Korkers and put them on my needle, one by one.
Make sure to put them on facing up.

When they were all on, I stitched them together.

I put my Korker bow in the center of the Candy Corn Inside Out Bow.
My Korkers were a little long, so I trimmed them down.
(Remember to seal your ends!)

I stitched the Korker to the Candy Corn Inside Out Bow.

My Black Striped Inside Out Bow was pretty thick and it was hard to stitch through.
I just hot glued my Candy Corn Inside Out Bow to the center.

Now you just add your lined clip, and you’re done!
Maybe get some Candy Corn earrings to match. 

You might also like:

Ribbon Circle Halloween Bow

How to Make Bows

DIY Halloween Crafts

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