I bought the E-Z Bowmaker... and didn't find it to be all that E-Z! I prefer making them without a gadget.

But if you are going to use the bowmaker... it's best if you can envision what you're trying to accomplish... that way the lousy instructions might make sense to you.

The wire is simply going to hold the bow together like a twist tie in the center... so lay it between the dowels and don't worry about it till the very end when you need it.

Picture ribbon with a gingham pattern on one side but faded on the other. It's easier to visualize it that way.

Place a length of ribbon between the dowels so that you're looking at the gingham side. At the dowel, flip the ribbon a half turn. You will now be seeing gingham on the left side of the dowel and faded ribbon on the right side of the dowel.

Measure 4 inches from that center point... and go back toward the dowel... creating a 2 inch loop. Once you're at the dowel, flip the ribbon over again and continue to make a loop on the other side of the dowel. The flipping... or half turns... cause the fullness.

Once you have the number of loops you wish... smoosh down the ribbon between the dowels and twist tie them. Fan out the loops and you're finished.

You can add the little loop to the center that the instructions mention... they use it to hide the twist tie. I don't particularly like it... I choose instead to either make enough loops where it's unnecessary... or... I stick a rose or little bouquet in the center. I'll post a picture of some Easter hair bows I made for a shelter.

Each of them is a barrett and is used as an easter basket bow. In order to use the least amount of the pricier ribbons, you can use tulle and netting as the rear loops and then you only need four or so loops of the expensive stuff.

I agree with you candy, I bought that stupid thing years ago and could have kicked myself afterwards. You could just pound a couple of nails in a board and have something just as good. I thought it would help since I have arthritic hands and sometimes holding all of that ribbon tightly is very difficult. After struggling with it I decided it's easier to just make the bow with nothing but your own two hands.

There is a link for inst. on one of the replies in this link. Hope it helps

Here is a link that might be useful: ez

OMG Candy, those are beautiful!

I'm with you Lisb, I tossed the silly thing as well.

Candy, when you use tulle as the back loops, are they made separately? Like do you put them together as one bow and then piggy back the nicer ribbon on top?

You've given me a great idea. I'm going to make the hair bows with barretts and clip them to the ribbon on gifts I wrap. I like the idea that the bow won't get thrown away.

Chris

PS I love that white plaid ribbon!

Beautiful bows, Candy! Thanks for your help, everyone. It's good to know it's NOT JUST ME. chery2

Candywa,
Just wanted to tell you that those are some lucky little girls that will be wearing those beautiful bows.

Thank you :) They're really easy to make.

If you're still confused, I would be glad to make a little video showing you how to make them. My method is simple and doesn't require a gadget.

Chris, that's exactly what I do!