Do you make your own wreath bows?

13 years ago

If so, I need some help determining the amount of ribbon to allow for a florists type bow (fluffy, multi loop) or pompom bow in a size appropriate for an 18-24" wreath. I'm finding instructions for making the boys, but none of what I've looked at so far tells you how much ribbon you need.

Also, if you have experience using satin or acetate ribbon instead of wired ribbon, I'd be interested in hearing that. I know the wired holds up and may be saved from year to year, but as part of a fundraiser, the cost of the wired may be prohibitive (4-5 times the non-wired).

A school group I am helping is looking at making school related bows to sell with holiday greenery and I'm trying to test the idea. Thanks.

Featured Answer

luckygal

13 years ago

The length of ribbon you need will depend on the size of bow you want of course. So if you want an 8" bow each loop will be 4" and require 8" of ribbon. Multiply that by the number of loops you want (not less than 8) plus tails. If you make an experimental bow you will soon see how to estimate. You can use any width of ribbon but need more loops the narrower it is for a full look.

IMO long tails look very nice on a wreath and with wired ribbon you can easily twist them to arrange nicely. If you want a double bow you'll need more but not necessarily double as your top bow can be smaller.

I much prefer wired ribbon as I find it easier to use. With non-wired ribbon I always cut V's in the center of the bow so the loops are easier to tie together and arrange.

At Christmas one year I made a simple single bow with long tails for my outside wreath with 6" wide plastic foil ribbon which was very easy to use. Just an idea as they would be very easy for children to do and look nice with greenery.

If you have a Costco nearby they have the best price I've ever found for wide wired ribbon. I used to have a store and we did a lot of gift wrapping and Costco's prices were even better than wholesale.

Save On Crafts is my go-to place for crafting ideas and instructions altho they don't tell how much ribbon for a bow but do give instructions for different types of bows.

Here is a link that might be useful: how to make bows

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Comments (6)

Fun2BHere
13 years ago
These bows seem a little skimpy to me, but by looking at the number of loops vs. the stated yardage, I think you will be able to estimate how much to increase the yardage if you wanted more loops.
http://home.comcast.net/~angelagwillis/bows.html

Here is a link that might be useful: bow yardage
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tuesday_2008
13 years ago
Sam's Club has a nice selection of wired ribbon at a great price - probably similar to Costco.
lascatx
Original Author
13 years ago
I went and looked at the ribbons I had on hand to try to get a feel for things. I am not a bow maker and don't know how many loops we want, and the mom who says she makes bows didn't really know. I think folks make them with what they have or by feel and without much thought to how many yards and at what cost. You have the roll -- use it, right?

From what I can figure, we can make simple bows with a yard or more depending on the size and length of the tails. A three looped variation looks like 2-3 yards. The florist's bow or pompom type looks like it could be anywhere from 4-6 yards, depending on fullness and width of the ribbon. I'm looking at 1-1/2 or 2-1/2 inches as the most likely widths. After playing with my ribbons, I am going to go back to the director and change my suggestions.

The ribbons I have came from Sam's and Hobby Lobby. Costco is much further from me, but I do have a membership and can try to keep an eye out. Has anyone noticed when Sam's and Costco get holiday ribbon in?
yayagal
13 years ago
I've attached a whole page of videos showing you how to make various bows. Utube is my favorite site to watch these tutorials. Seeing is easier than hearing.

Here is a link that might be useful: bow making tutes
lascatx
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks, yaya. I have seen many videos with various methods of making bows, and I've made at least some of them -- I was mainly trying to get an idea whether I was at least close on the yardages I was using for figuring the cost of making the bows. At least for now.....May come back to that link once we get ribbon in hand.

The info on Sam's and Costco got me looking at the rolls I have and at least two came from Sam's. I don't remember the price, but I'm sure it was as good, maybe better, than the prices I got at Hobby Lobby when they have them for half price. I think that is going to be our best bet. Thanks again.