Use wired ribbon and a pipe cleaner (or twist tie) and you can make a big bow in a few minutes. The easiest method is to stack loops in your hand, tie the middle, then fluff.

What you need

• 1–2 yards (or more) of wired ribbon, 2–3 inches wide for a big bow
• Scissors
• Pipe cleaner, floral wire, or zip tie

Step-by-step easy method

1. Cut a long piece of ribbon (start with about 2 yards for a big, full bow).
2. Make a small loop for the center and pinch it between your thumb and fingers.
3. Make a loop on the right side, same size as you want your bow, and pinch it into the same center point.
4. Make a loop on the left side, matching the first, and pinch it in the middle.
5. Keep adding loops, alternating right and left, until the bow looks as big and full as you like (4–6 loops on each side works well).
6. Wrap your pipe cleaner or wire tightly around the pinched middle and twist to secure.
7. Cut the ribbon tails to the length you want and trim the ends at an angle or into a “V.”
8. Fluff each loop, pulling and shaping them so the bow looks round and full.

Quick tips for success

• Wired ribbon is much easier to shape and makes the bow look fuller.
• If your bow looks flat, just add more loops before you tie the center or layer a second bow on top.
• For a very big bow (for a wreath, door, or big gift), use wider ribbon (2.5–4 inches) and longer loops (6–10 inches each).