How to Make a Bow with Multiple Ribbons
If you are a frequent follower of mine, you know that I am a ribbon addict! I can’t get enough of fabulous ribbon because ribbon just makes me so happy!! Therefore, I’ve been searching for a way to make a bow with multiple ribbons using only a few yards of each ribbon. I saw this technique once at a floral show but only now have I mastered the technique to give it my flair. You see I had a customer request multiple bows with her wreath order but I forgot to purchase enough ribbon to make full bows. So I started thinking of ways to use the ribbon matching her wreath but where I only needed a few yards and then remembered this technique.
Why I LOVE using this bow technique:
- Save money! If you want to make a bow using expensive ribbon use this technique to incorporate the ribbon into the bow and add less expensive ribbon as the other ribbon choices.
- Limited Supplies – If you only have a couple of yards of ribbon, you can still incorporate it into a bow.
- Whimsical Look – This bow technique is definitely a more modern look but you can use traditional colors or bow fabrics to freshen up any traditional décor to a more modern look.
Video on How To Make a Bow With Multiple Ribbons
Notes/Tips:
If you have too much ribbon edge showing in the center, you can trim it with scissors.
I prefer my bows to have an odd number of loops; therefore, making the fourth ribbon tail short tricks the eye into thinking that there is another loop in the bow of that color but you can easily add another loop if you prefer.
Feel free to change the loop sizes to make a smaller or larger bow to work with your craft or décor need.
Feel free to add more ribbon making each ribbon layer 1” larger that the first.
Quick Reference to the above video:
Ribbon 1- 2.5” wide by 1 yd. 11” long (make 3 loops 5” long)
Ribbon 2- 1.5” wide by 1 yd. 28” long (make 4 loops 6” long)
Ribbon 3- 1.5” wide by 1 yd. 22” long (make 3 loops 7” long)
Ribbon 4- 2.5” wide by 1 yd. 17” long (make 3 loops 7” long)
Supplies used in the above video:
4 different ribbons, Scissors, Pipe cleaner
Written Steps to the above video:
Adding Ribbon #1
With the cut end of the ribbon facing towards the right, pinch the ribbon together one inch from the end and make a 5” loop. Move the tail of the ribbon down and fold it to the back to make a second 5” loop pushing the center of the ribbon behind your thumb. You should now have a bow tie with two 5” loops on either side. Form a third 5” loop as you did the first except twist the ribbon tail so that the decorative top of the ribbon faces you. The tail of this ribbon should fall to the right. 
Adding Ribbon #2
With the cut end of the ribbon facing towards the left, pinch the ribbon together one inch from the end and make a 6” loop. Move the tail of the ribbon down and fold it to the back to make a second 6” loop pushing the center of the ribbon behind your thumb. Continue making loops this way until you have four 6” loops forming an X behind ribbon #1 loops. Remember to twist the tail of the ribbon so that the decorative top of the ribbon faces you. The tail of this ribbon should fall to the right. 
Adding Ribbon #3
With the cut end of the ribbon facing towards the left, pinch the ribbon together one inch from the end and make a 7” loop. Move the tail of the ribbon down and fold it back to make a second 7” loop pushing the center of the ribbon behind your thumb. You should now have a bow tie with the loops of this ribbon falling between the X shaped ribbon #2. Form a third 7” loop as you did the first except twist the ribbon tail so that the front of the ribbon faces forward. The tail of this ribbon should fall to the left. 
Adding Ribbon #4
With the cut end of the ribbon facing towards the left, pinch the ribbon together one inch from the end and make a 7” loop. Move the tail of the ribbon down and fold it back to make a second 7” loop pushing the center of the ribbon behind your thumb. You should now have a loop on each side behind ribbon #3 loops. Form a third 7” loop as you did the first except twist the ribbon tail so that the front of the ribbon faces forward. This tail should fall to the left and be short to give the illusion of another loop. 
Secure with a pipe cleaner. Re position the loops if needed and fluff. Dove tail the ribbon ends.
Vendors: I purchased this ribbon wholesale but I’ve seen it also at trendytree.com, craftoutlet.com and carolinapottery.com.
Where to Use This Bow: wreaths, garlands, Christmas Tree, home decor, gifts, etc. This technique may take a little practice to get the hang of but once you do, I’m sure you will love it just as much as I do!
If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below and I will try to help.
Please feel free to share this blog post and video.
Happy Wreathing,
Julie
If you enjoyed this post, you might also like…
How to Make a Christmas Wreath Bow (Video)
How to do some wreaths
I have videos on making wreaths as well as 5 or 6 different wreath recipes in my ebook, http://www.learndecomeshwreaths.com
Thank You for showing us how to make your bows!
I purchased your learn deco mesh wreath e book, best thing I’ve purchased in a long time.
Love the way you explain your way of designing. Your designs are beautiful. also appreciate your updates, it’s nice of you to keep on adding additional little tutorials, Many people once you buy from them they forget about you. It’s always a nice treat when I receive a email from you. Thanks for your crafting talents.
Yay, so happy you like the ebook Nina!
I have become a ribbon addict too!!!!
In process of starting my business- A Lil Bit of Whimsy!
Thanks for all the tutorial and etc!
Laura
Great tutorial, thanks as always! This will come in handy as I am often trying to mix different ribbon and had previously finished each layer and then attached them to each other. Makes for a very bulky middle though – this makes perfect sense and I want to kick myself for not trying it sooner! 🙂
Glad you liked it Renee.
Hi Julie,
How much would you charge for this bow?
I would calculate the cost/expenses. Multiply it by 3. Add 20% labor and then if shipping any shipping charges (box, tapes, labels, etc.) This would be my retail cost. I purchased most of this ribbon wholesale.
Wondering if u have a tutorial video that shows how to make a ribbon wreath (no mesh) I saw one in a store here in San antonio Tx . The wreath had 4 different ribbons and they were loops attached to a 10 inch pencil wreath, shop owner did say u do not cut the ribbon until the very end after u trim the 4 tails. U also do not open the loops until u r completely done making the all the loops. Attempted to make one but I must be missing a step because my ties show even after I open the loops. They were not visible on the display. U could not see any part of the work wreath. Any suggestions will be appreciated.
I also love ribbon. My husband made me a ribbon shelf . I love it, to hold all my ribbon . But, it still would not hold all of them. Really like the multiple ribbon bow. Great for left over ribbon. Thank you for the video’s . Love watching all your video’s and seeing your work. All your wreaths are just lovely.
Dolly Farley
Wreaths By Dolly
I have been a ribbon addict for years. I love the idea of using beautiful little bits of leftover ribbon mixed in with others in a multi ribbon bow.
Carol of
Classystuff
I just wanted to let you know that your link to craftoutlet goes to a different site. I am starting my own crafting blog and saw your site. I love it! I just thought you would want to know that the link doesn’t work.
Thank you
Dude….TY u so much for this tutorial video!!!!! I think I finally got it! This has made my day! I’m definitely subscribing to ur pg!
Blessings…..
What would happen if you used all2inch ribbon instead of the 11/2 ” ribbon?
It would be fine!
I have joined your club of the month for making wreaths and I thought bows, but I go back on your emails to retrieve how to tutorials and am not able to. How can I get your tutorials ?
Hey Lucy – All tutorials are available in the Wreath of the Month Club portal. We have them separated out by season, holiday, type, etc… if you need help logging into the portal please email us at [email protected].
Great tutorial, thanks as always!
How can I join your class for ribbons, bows and wreath? I just saw the tutorial on this bow and can’t wait to try and make it. Please let me know…..
Thank you
Wanda Barnes
[email protected]
Hey Wanda – Currently the Wreath of the Month Club is closed to new members but you can learn more and join the waitlist here: http://www.learntowreath.com
It’s so pretty. I can never get mine to come
Out that good.