DIY Bows

Bows come in a variety of different sizes, colours and patterns, which makes them a great way to accessorise any outfit. They are also extremely simple and quick for you to make yourself.

The first thing you will need to do is purchase a ribbon with the width and colour you desire.Now you need to decide how long you want your bow to be, and cut the ribbon twice the size of that as it will be folded in half. Next hold onto both ends of the ribbon and put them together so that they are slightly overlapping each other in a loop, like this :

Now you have a few options; you can either glue the ends together in that loop, use double sided tape or simply pin it together.This means that it will be easier to hand stitch. You then get any coloured thread(as you wont be able to see it) and hand sew the two ends together to make sure it does not come apart.

Depending on the thickness of the ribbon you are using, you will have to cut a strip to go around the middle of your bow and tie the whole thing together. It is a good idea to cut the ribbon three times the thickness you want, this means you can fold the two edges under to prevent fraying. However, this depends on the size of your bow. If you have chosen to fold you the two edges under you will need to stick them together with a glue or double sided tape and then put a few stitches in to keep it together.

Once the strip which goes around the middle of the bow is your desired size you can get the bow so far and push the seam of it down into the middle so that it will be hidden by the other piece of ribbon. It is up to you whether you put a few stitches to keep it all together.

Lastly you get the ends of the small piece of ribbon and sew them together like you did with the larger piece. It is a good idea to wrap it around the larger piece first as it will give you an idea of how tight you need it. Then you simply push it onto the bow you have made so far and move it around until it sits neatly in the centre.

You are now able either slip a clip or small headband through the back of the bow on the smaller piece of ribbon. You could even put a safety pin through and pin it to an item of clothing.