Perfect Bows in 4 Easy Steps

From presents to pretty ribbons on centerpieces, ribbon bows are sure to make any event spectacular!

No matter what your use for ribbon rolls, whether it’s for a wedding or a corporate event, knowing how to tie a bow is extremely valuable. Here are a few easy-to-follow four-step ribbon bows to tie to meet any need you may have.

use single face satin ribbons for bows on candles and other centerpiecesClassic (or Traditional) Bow

The first bow, and probably the easiest to tie, is a classic, go-to look. It’s the same type of bow we all know from when we learned how to tie our shoes as children.

Step 1: Choose the desired ribbon length and form two loops.
Step 2: Cross the left loop over the right loop making sure that the ribbon tails stay in the back.
Step 3: Wrap the left loop around the right loop and pull it through the opening created.
Step 4: Adjust the tails and loops to the desired effect and tighten the knot.

Your bow is ready! Use classic bows for presents, candle centerpieces, utensils and other items that need to be held together, or that can fit into the opening created by forming this bow.

double face satin is perfect for dior bows and personalized ribbonsDior (or Layered) Bow

Not only are Dior bows extremely elegant, but they are also classic and useful. This bow works well with single face satin ribbons.

Step 1: Cut several pieces of ribbon from a roll making each strip two inches longer than the previous.
Step 2: Lay each ribbon piece face down and fold the ribbon ends to the center. Using double stick tape or glue, adhere these ends in place.
Step 3: Stack the looped ribbons one on top of the other starting with the largest on the bottom. Either use double stick tape or glue to hold them in place.
Step 4: Thread a long ribbon strip through the center loop and wrap it around whatever you are fastening the bow onto.

These bows are pretty attached to packages and presents.

satin acetate and organza ribbons for pew bows go great with personalizationPom-Pom (or Rosette) Bow

This bow is a classic pom-pom bow with tails. To make this bow, you will need one very long piece of ribbon. Personalized or printed ribbon is a nice look for this type of bow.

Step 1: Wrap the ribbon around your hand or another object 8 to 10 times.
Step 2: While holding the wrapped ribbon, use scissors to create a small notch on both sides of the center of the ribbon. Make sure to cut every layer.
Step 3: Secure the ribbon in the center by using florist wire wrapped in the notches.
Step 4: Spread out your loops to create a pom-pom effect. The longer the piece of ribbon, the fuller and bigger the bow will be.

This bow is fun and fancy! And, for an added touch, combine two pom-pom bows made from different ribbon types together for a pew or chair bow. The tails on these bows are great for accent pieces for presents and decorations.

So, no matter your ribbon, make sure to have fun with it. And now you can start creating perfect bows for anything.

How To: Creating Custom Ribbon Ends

Printing on ribbon ends is great for awareness ribbons, wrapping gifts and using at most events.

Use these instructions if you would prefer your imprint to only appear at the ribbon ends of your project, rather than repeating over and over the entire length of your project (example: awareness ribbons).

how to create custom ribbon ends infographic from coller industries personalized ribbonDETERMINE YOUR LENGTH
The best way to ensure correct placement of the imprint is to create a “mock-up” using ribbon similar to the width that you will be ordering. Create the loop or bow the size that you want. If you will be tying a bow around an object, make sure you use a similarly sized object to create the mock-up. Longer words or logos will require a longer imprint area; you may need to lengthen the “tails” of your ribbon. Trim or mark the ribbon ends.

MEASURE THE GAPS
Mark where you would like the imprints to begin and end on the ribbon ends. Please note that if you are tying a bow it is harder to get the tails to hang with both imprints showing; one side tends to flip over and show the back of the ribbon instead. Once marked, untie your ribbon piece and lay it out flat. See diagrams below and left for measuring details.

LONG GAP – This is the area of ribbon where your bow or loop happens, above the tails.

SHORT GAP – This is the area of ribbon at the tip of the tail, below the imprint. If you will be cutting the ribbons at an angle (recommended to minimize fraying in most ribbons) measure from the longest point. You will then have to double that measurement to create the same distance on either side of your cut (see below).

HOW WILL IT LOOK?
We will be imprinting one length of ribbon with the long and short gaps that you specify. It can be difficult to visualize how the measurements you’ve requested will look end-to-end.

View entire infographic by clicking on the image. (Infographic and text courtesy of: Melanie Bunch, Graphic Artist, Coller Industries Incorporated.)

9 Creative Ribbon Storage Ideas

Is storage an issue for your craft room? Craft rooms don’t always have the right storage so can be cluttered with all of your ribbons, lace, scrapbook supplies, buttons and other items that we think you’ll use eventually. These items were probably purchased for other projects that ended up not using everything purchased or not using them at all.

Making Ribbon Storage more Friendly

Instead of collecting piles and mounds of these leftovers in various spots around the room, here’s some quick ideas to help you get organized with your storage.

ribbon storage using a tension rod
ribbon storage using a basket
ribbon storage using a shoebox

1. Make tension rods your best friend.

This is probably the easiest way to get all those ribbon rolls organized into one storage space. And, it’s as simple as it sounds. Add a tension rod between two table legs or in a door way and simply slide each ribbon roll on to display. This is a great way to also measure out how much ribbon you might need and with a quick snip, you’re done!

2. A-tisket a-tasket, find yourself a basket.

Finding the right basket is the most daunting task of this project. Once you do find the basket simply find a small dowel that will fit through the holes on the sides of the basket. Secure it through the middle of each ribbon roll and through each end of the basket. As shown in the picture, the final step is to thread the end of each ribbon roll through a hole on the side of the basket. And, voilà, you’re done!

3. Not with a fox, but put them in a shoe box.

Here’s another easy project to wrangle all your ribbon rolls into one place. Either purchase a box, use an old shoe box that you can re-purpose, or give yourself a reason to go get that new pair of shoes. Whatever your choice, simply decorate the box however you want and find, or make, an elastic that will fit all the way around the bottom. Stack your ribbons inside and secure each end on one side underneath the elastic. Close the lid and it’s almost like decorating your craft room.

ribbon storage using a pant or skirt hanger
ribbon storage using canisters or jars
ribbon storage using a straw canister

4. Treat ’em like a pair of slacks and hang them up!

Another great way to store all those ribbon rolls but keep them handy is to hang them up. Find a skirt or pant hanger with multiple bars and simply slide them on. Typically these hangers have a swinging arm to add and remove rolls with. Use a push pin or a nail into your wall and hang it up!

5. Like time in a bottle, canisters work as storage too.

Remember those old glass candy and cookie jars? You’ve probably wanted one for, like, forever! Why not splurge a little and finally get one. Use it to hold all your ribbon roll odds and ends. Wrap the ribbons around craft sticks or clothes pins or just stuff ’em all in. Not matter what, this storage idea will help your craft room look like a candy store in no time at all!

6. Store them with the straws.

Here’s another one to make you take a trip down memory lane. Remember those old straw canisters from the diners? Grab yourself one next time you’re at the store and make a pretty little display jar for your ribbon rolls.

A small section of a blue ribbon rolls stored in an empty tic tac box.
ribbon storage using pencils and erasers
Rain gutters that hold rows of ribbon rolls.

7. Keep them “minty” clean and use an empty Tic Tac or mint container.

While this only works with smaller and skinnier rolls, ribbons can still be rolled up tightly and slid into an empty Tic Tac container. Simply curl a piece of ribbon and pop it inside the container, making sure to leave the tail end hanging out of the lid a little bit so you can pull on it to cut off the desired amount. And don’t forget to decorate the little boxes and make them your own.

8. Line them up, like ducks in a row, using pencils and erasers and put them in a drawer.

Again, this one is just as simple as it sounds. Take a pencil, can be any color or any kind (number two work the best) and add a large eraser to one end. Line up your ribbon rolls and shove that pencil right through the middle! Secure a second eraser to the other end and throw the bundle in a drawer or it’s own little box.

9. Plug up your gutters with ribbon roll storage!

Instead of filling up a gutter with rain or leaves, mount them on the wall in your craft room and fill them with all those ribbon rolls. Paint or decorate them to match your décor or room color and hang them within reach to make the ribbon rolls easy to get to.

No matter your storage choice, keep your creative brain handy!

Do you have anything to add to this list? Let us know in the comments.

Baby Shower Ribbons

Planning a baby shower shouldn’t be a daunting task, and it should be fun and exciting for the new mommy.

personalized ribbons for a baby shower custom ribbon rolls it's a boy it's a girlBaby shower planning should be fun and stress free. It doesn’t matter if the shower is for a large group of friends or a small family gathering. Make sure to pay attention to the following details for a smooth planning experience.

The first and most important detail is the baby shower guest list. Always consult the mommy-to-be about whom she would like to invite. She probably already has the whole list in her head. However, if the shower is meant as a surprise party, ask her closest friend or mother for help. Once the guest list is finalized and a date has been set, make sure that the invitations go out in plenty of time for those invited to make the shower part of their schedule and also to get an RSVP back to you.

baby shower invitations using personalized ribbon custom ribbon rollsThe next few planning areas can be done out of order, just make sure to have the invitations out before really getting in to these areas. Food should be at least a small portion of your planning. Again, check with mommy-to-be on what she wants. The menu can consist of items that pertain to the shower theme, but they do not have to. The best thing to plan for the menu should be several dishes and many of those should be finger food. Try having small finger sandwiches and a fruit tray. By having small, finger foods, there will be less clean up after the shower.

Once a baby shower theme has been decided upon, start planning the decorations and entertainment. Decorations can include a color theme. This is where the planning can really be fun. Order custom ribbon rolls in the theme colors and add text that indicates the baby’s name or gender. Ribbon rolls can be used to make wall decorations, hang them from the ceiling or attach to balloons. They can also be used to wrap around seating at the baby shower. Whatever you choose, make sure to be as creative as you like.

baby shower ribbons badge ribbons for guest favorsDon’t forget the best part of any shower! Creative favors for each of the guests are an absolute must for any shower. Make your shower favors extra special with personalized ribbons. Use those custom ribbon rolls to tie onto your favors, place cards or packages. Order badge ribbons to create special tags that can be tied to each favor. Each badge ribbon can be customized with a date, a name or anything else to send home as a thank you to each guest for coming.

 

No matter what you choose, make sure to have fun! And make sure the shower is done according to the mommy-to-be so she has fun too!

Valentine Ribbon Uses

You might be saying to yourself, “Wait! I thought the holidays were over!” But, here comes another one! And what a great way to use some of that left over red and white scrap ribbon! So, pull yourself together and gather all your creativity onto the table. Bring it on… bring on Valentine’s Day!

Simple projects for just about anyone.

ribbon roll used to wrap valentine flowersLet’s just get this idea out of the way. Super quick, grab a good length of leftover ribbon roll (red or white to match the season) and wrap that perfect gift for your special someone. This could be a beautiful bouquet of flowers or a quick box of chocolates. By adding the ribbon, it shows how much you really care.

 

Got kids? Do they need Valentine cards for classes at school? Here are a few quick ideas to use up those ribbon scraps.

Idea one – While this doesn’t really use ribbon scraps, it could still be fun! Order badge ribbons with a cute phrase and your child’s name. Then when the time comes, each recipient child will have a unique memoir.

ribbon roll used with paint chip sample cards for valentine cards and bookmarksIdea two – At some point in everyone’s life, we’ve all ended up needing paint for something. Remember those paint chip sample cards? Go grab a bunch of those and either punch hearts into them or buy stickers to simply decorate for the kids in your child’s class. Once decorated, use that scrap ribbon roll to tie streamers to the top of the paint chips. These fun and unique Valentine Cards can now be reused as a bookmark.

 

ribbon rolls and cupcake liners used to make rosette ribbons for valentine's dayIdea three – When was the last time you really used all of the baking cups for cupcakes or muffins? Have any left over? Stack a couple of these together, cutting and trimming some of them, to create a stacked look. Use a fun sticker for the middle of this fun rosette ribbon. Once completed, each rosette still needs the streamers. Use those ribbon roll scraps and attach a couple to the bottom of each rosette. These can now be attached to a piece of card stock or given as is.

 

While these ideas are to use leftover ribbon pieces you might have, don’t hesitate to order new ribbon rolls, rosette ribbons or badge ribbons to meet your needs. Be creative and, most importantly, have fun!