How to Make A Funky Bow -Christmas Edition

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How To Make A Funky Bow - Christmas Edition

This bow is easy peasy! I know you can make this bow!

I developed the “funky bow” technique a few years ago when trying to help my ebook customers use up all of their materials. You see, I can’t stand to throw away any ribbon, even scraps. Why? Because I’m a RIBBON ADDICT! There I said it, yet again!

This technique developed when I had long strips of ribbon but there was not enough to form a full bow and certainly not enough to add to a wreath. What’s a girl to do?

Bam, it hit me…make a bow using all of my scraps…well not ALL of my scraps, just some.

See full video below.

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Supplies Needed

  • 5 -30” strips of ribbon in various sizes and coordinating colors. (I prefer a total of 5 but you can use more).
  • Scissors
  • Floral wire or pipe cleaner

Step 1 –Cut the ribbon

Cut the ribbon into 30” strips and dove tail the ends.

Step 2 – Form the Bow

9” from the bottom, pinch the ribbon in your fingers. Measure out 12” and loop the ribbon away from you securing in your fingers at the 12” mark. This forms a 6” loop with the tails below it. Twist the tail in the back so that the nice side of the ribbon is facing forward. Loop one is done.

Loop two…do the same thing with the next ribbon but in reverse so that the loop is facing downward and the tails are pointed upward. Hold both loops in the same hand.  Keep adding your ribbon strips in an alternating fashion with loops on top and below your fingers until all the ribbon is in your hands. Secure with a floral wire or pipe cleaner.

Step 3 – Attach and disperse tails

Once the ribbon is attached to your item (garland, wreath, etc.), you can move the bow tails around so that they are dispersed evenly.

Tips: Make the loops as large or as small as you like. If making larger loops, make sure that the wire in the ribbon is strong enough to hold the shape of the loop or your loops will sag. Also you will need to adjust the ribbon length if making larger loops.

The funky bows look great in wreaths, garlands, on lanterns, in Christmas trees, anywhere a bow is needed.

I want to see your funky bow pictures! Make sure to upload your picture on my Facebook Page Here

 

Like this tutorial? Then you might like my 9 Ways to Make a Bow Free Video!  Click HERE to download your copy.

9 Ways To Make A Bow For A Wreath

 

Let me know below if you enjoyed this tutorial.

Happy Wreathing,

Julie

If you enjoyed this post, you might also like:

How to Make a Bow with Multiple Ribbons

How to Add Ribbon Streamers to Deco Mesh Wreaths

How To Make A Simple Spring Wreath Bow

 

63 Comments

  1. Phoenix on January 25, 2016 at 3:01 pm

    Lovely idea!! Now why I haven’t ever thought of this awesome idea for using extra ribbon? Thanks for showing us thus technique.

    • Kimberly on October 12, 2018 at 9:45 pm

      Love all all your bows! I can make traditional bows but your funky bow is awesome! Love it m all your other ones. I’m going to give it a try. Thanks for sharing

    • Vicki on October 28, 2018 at 8:20 am

      I love the tutorial. I have to have someone show me how to do something. You are a wonderful teacher!!.

    • Starla on September 12, 2019 at 7:36 pm

      Gonna try this, u make it look so easy!!! Thanks

    • Lillie on March 16, 2020 at 12:36 am

      Great tutorial for bow making. Thank you for guiding us to make a beautiful bow.

  2. Gail on February 12, 2016 at 11:19 pm

    Loved it ! I want to make them!thanks

  3. Doris on March 3, 2016 at 1:21 am

    Thank you…..love the funky bows.

  4. Linda Shew on April 23, 2016 at 12:36 pm

    I love watching your videos. I have learned so much from watching you. Thanks for all your free videos. I love your e-book also.

  5. Donna Durand on July 11, 2016 at 9:27 pm

    Love your idea of the funky bow! Thank you so much for sharing! Can’t wait to try one!

  6. Cynthia Johnson on July 24, 2016 at 4:15 pm

    Thank you again, Julie. As always, you are the best. I enjoy your tutorials so much.

  7. CHRISTIE WICKHAM on July 27, 2016 at 10:34 pm

    Luv your bows!

  8. Leigh Coulter Beal on August 18, 2016 at 6:54 am

    Thanks so much for your great idea and fabulous technique! I’ve been making bows for more than 30 years and never thought about this idea (I know, right?). Great job! I’m hooked on you 🙂

  9. Janice on August 24, 2016 at 9:18 am

    I can’t wait to try to make one. Thank you so much!

  10. Cindy on August 31, 2016 at 7:35 am

    Great video. Thanks for sharing

  11. Paula faught on September 20, 2016 at 2:27 pm

    Love it! So glad you had the video. I was a little confused on the written directions. Thank you!

  12. Cindy Pelphrey on October 4, 2016 at 10:48 pm

    Love this idea! Can’t wait to make some funky bows for Christmas!

  13. Mary on October 5, 2016 at 11:22 pm

    I love your bows! Can’t wait to start making some, or attempt to make some. Lol Thank you for sharing!

  14. Wilma Maddox on October 11, 2016 at 11:18 am

    Thanks for sharing. Will be making some.

  15. LoLo on October 11, 2016 at 10:57 pm

    Loved the funky bow video. When I need a bow that’s what it will be. You have the most unique ideas! Thanks! Enjoy all of them.

  16. Jessicaerichard on October 16, 2016 at 1:41 pm

    Really great tutorial!

  17. B E Brown on October 27, 2016 at 9:32 am

    I have arthritis in my hands so it’s hard to hold the ribbons together until I get it all put together. Do you have any suggestions for something else I can use until it’s finished. Love your tutorials.

  18. Novagene Lowery on October 27, 2016 at 5:41 pm

    I love it now I know that I can make a bow . Thank you

  19. Bev on October 29, 2016 at 8:15 am

    Love this! Adorable!

  20. Diane Campbell on October 29, 2016 at 4:49 pm

    LOVE LOVE LOVE the funky bow idea. Thanks so much.

  21. EVE HASTY on November 15, 2016 at 12:34 am

    Miss Julie, I just have to tell you that since I found you on Pinterest I have learned so much. The best part is I feel like I have a brand new friend! Girl, I just adore you and I’m so thankful that you are willing to share your God given talent with the rest of us. I look forward to every new video! I’m hooked for life!

  22. Helen on November 27, 2016 at 8:59 pm

    Love your funky bows!

  23. Judi Mullery on November 28, 2016 at 3:58 pm

    Like You I am a ribbon addict and could open up my own ribbon store Just found your website How lucky am I Love your Funky Ribbon technique I was a little confused by written directions but the video was GREAT and explained and showed the necessary steps for completion Thanks so much Judi

  24. Margaret Barnett on November 28, 2016 at 7:14 pm

    Thank you for your demonstration. Love the multi colored bows. I am trying to get creative.

  25. cindy on December 11, 2016 at 11:55 am

    Love to watch you and your videos!! You do great work!!

  26. Karen Thompson on December 12, 2016 at 1:36 am

    Thank you so much for the easily understood directions! I think I might just be able to do make a funky bow—I need 12! Again, I love the look and the technique seems pretty straightforward!

  27. Amanda on December 14, 2016 at 3:02 am

    Thank you so much for sharing, you make it look so simple, now my home is going to be extra festive with funky bows this Christmas 🙂

  28. Jo on December 29, 2016 at 11:24 pm

    Love your funky bow technique. Can’t wait yo try it.

  29. Kat on March 8, 2017 at 7:38 am

    Love your videos, you explain everything so simple! Thanks!

  30. Donna Hart on August 9, 2017 at 1:29 am

    I really appreciate your tutorial on the “Funky Bow”. Thank you so much!! I just put mine on the Halloween wreath I made.

  31. Beverly Brewer on September 21, 2017 at 3:54 pm

    I love this bow, but why is mine so limp and wimpy??? I use the wired ribbon and follow your video but it just doesn’t turn out right.
    Thanks
    Bev

  32. Linda on October 2, 2017 at 12:52 am

    Thank you for showing how to do the Funky Bow, it look great. You are so easy to listen too.

  33. Sue on October 2, 2017 at 9:12 pm

    Love your lantern swags!

  34. Deborah on November 15, 2017 at 6:59 pm

    Loved watching your video. Love learning new techniques. I love wrapping sometimes more than the gifts. Thank you.

  35. DONNA McSPERITT on November 23, 2017 at 9:46 am

    TY FOR RE-POSTING THIS VIDEO, I LOVE THE FUNKY BOW IT IS MY GO TO BOW!! I USE IT TO DECORATE MORE THAN ANY OTHER STYLE … I PURCHASED U’R E-BOOK HOW TO MAKE DECO MESH WREATHS, BUT UNFORTUNATELY I HAVE NOT GOT TO MAKE NOT ONE WREATH YET, I BROKE MY WRIST AND WAS JUST RELEASED TO GO BACK TO NORMAL ACTIVITY…I HAVE BEEN MAKING XMAS WREATHS AND GRAPEVINE WREATHS FOR 30 YEARS , I HAVE LEARNED SO MUCH FROM WATCHING U’R VIDEOS. I JUST HAD MY 55th B-DAY SEE U CAN TEACH AN OLD DOG NEW TRICKS…LOL

  36. DONNA McSPERITT on November 23, 2017 at 9:47 am

    XOXO

  37. Elaine on December 8, 2017 at 11:42 am

    Thank you, Julie, for your well done video. I could never make a nice bow and like you, hated tossing out perfectly good ribbon. I’m a pretty “crafty” type but was having a hard time getting a clear picture in my head while reading the instructions, however, your video cleared up any confusion. My granddaughter is getting married in June and I’m going to be the “Head Decorator and Florist” … so I really appreciate your video. Merry Christmas from Ontario, Canada! ?

  38. Evelyn Mars on December 9, 2017 at 9:33 pm

    Love the Funky Bow, Thanks for sharing.

  39. Kay on December 24, 2017 at 5:59 pm

    Thanks for sharing how to use leftover ribbon pieces. I like the funky bows technic & look, and will start using your method . I only started making bows last year. Also, your presentation on the video was easy to see & follow.

  40. Robin Scott on September 7, 2018 at 5:28 pm

    I loved it. Thank you for sharing your talents!

  41. Shirley Matthews on October 8, 2018 at 12:32 pm

    So happy I found your funky bows video. I like to make bow & hate to waste the leftover ribbons.
    Thank you for helping me with both.
    Blessings!
    Shirley

  42. Karen on October 10, 2018 at 9:32 pm

    Beautiful as always! Thank you for sharing.

  43. Matina on October 12, 2018 at 4:40 pm

    Excellent tutorial, thanks for sharing, I now have to give it a try with all the ribbon scraps I have!

  44. Sherry on November 4, 2018 at 10:04 am

    Very neat, thanks for sharing!

  45. Alicia J on November 13, 2018 at 7:43 am

    Thanx for sharing this awesome technique!!

  46. Mary Michelle on November 18, 2018 at 6:45 am

    How wonderful of you to share your talent. Seeing how something is done is much better than just reading directions. I will definitely be making some funky bows. Happy creating beautiful things.

  47. Kristy on November 18, 2018 at 8:13 pm

    Some pictures would have been very helpful

    • Julie Siomacco on November 25, 2018 at 3:43 pm

      There’s a whole video on the bottom of the post.

  48. Grace on November 27, 2018 at 10:33 am

    Love it! Thanks for sharing.

  49. Sheila on December 5, 2018 at 9:46 am

    Finally! I can make a bow any size any ribbon! Love the Funky Bow!

  50. Sarah on December 16, 2018 at 10:48 pm

    What a great tutorial! I didn’t plan on using different colored ribbon until I saw this. It turned out beautiful and I was able to size it down for a slightly smaller bow.

  51. Carolyn on September 17, 2019 at 2:06 pm

    Gorgeous Bows! You make it look so easy. I am going to make a fall funky bow for our mailbox.

  52. Dorothy P. on October 30, 2022 at 10:55 am

    Hi Julie.
    You make bow craft look easy. I want use the funky bow technique when I make a Winter lantern swag following directions in your tutorial.

  53. Barbara on November 7, 2022 at 6:22 pm

    I always enjoy your videos

  54. Heidi on December 4, 2023 at 2:01 pm

    Great video! Thank you

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