Make a Florist Bow

How to Make a Florist Bow

Add a hand-crafted bow to adorn your gift. Make this perfect florist bow in four easy steps.

Step 1

Determine the tail length for your bow and twist the ribbon at this point, keeping the right side of the ribbon facing you.
Step 2

Make a loop and give the ribbon a twist. Holding the twist between your thumb and index finger, make a second loop the same size in the opposite direction. Twist the loop toward you.
Step 3

Continue making same-size loops in this way until the bow has the fullness you want. Wrap a narrow width of ribbon around the bow center, tying the tails together in the back of the bow. Do not trim the narrow ribbon tails.
Step 4

Arrange the loops as desired to shape your bow. Use the narrow ribbon tails to attach the bow to your project.

Silk Ribbon Embroidery

Cosmos in Silk Ribbon Embroidery

Cosmos Flowers are stitched using

Dinky Dyes Argyle  7 mm. Silk Ribbon


I must apologise for the delay in getting this tutorial
online.  My left index finger had a slight mishap with
a sharp knive, thus removing a piece of skin.
Needless to say you probably all have tried to work
with a sore finger and bandaid, but for me does not
give the best results. 

Sunflowers and Cosmos are  two flowers which come to mind

for this effect.  When you are replicating a flower with

a raised centre, in the case of  Cosmos, Dahlias, Daisies

etc. the pistils in the centre of the flower are quite prominent.

Firstly, decide on the size of the full flower, sketch it onto the

fabric. Leaving an inner circle.

To create these pistils the easiest I find is to use a small square

of calico, placed very firmly and taut in an embroidery hoop.

With a pencil make a circle the size that you wish for the centre

of the flower, allowing a little extra to cover where the ribbon

petals have begun.

You now have 2 Options:

1.  French Knots in Embroidery Thread.

2.  Small seed beads.

    

1.   Mark a circle the required size on calico.

2.  Fill this area with French Knots, using

Embroidery Thread.  In this eg. 2 strands

of thread and 3 wraps of the needle for

each one.

With 7 mm. Ribbon construct the Flower

petals in Ribbon Stitch. Work clockwise

overlapping each one.  In the case of the

Cosmos Flower keep the tip as

rounded as possible Whereas if it was a 

Daisy or Sunflower they would be finer and

more pointed.

3.  Mark another circle outside of this

to give you a gathering line.

Thread a needle with a double sewing

cotton to match the yellow.

You may wish to cut the calico into a 

smaller piece at this point, so as it will

not be too bulky when set down in the 

flower .

Gather the calico up with the thread and sew

down the fabric as flat as possible. ( As you

would when covering a button. )

4.  With this needle still attached, take it

through the centre of your ribbon petals

and stitch it  down firmly.

Should you feel there are some empty

spaces, add a few more French Knots

in the Yellow Embroidery Thread.

5.  Next step if you wish to show the 

stems, add this with twisted 4 mm.

couched down in places to stop it 

unravelling.

The buds are Ribbon Stitch in 4 mm. Yellow

with  Green 4 mm. Calyx.

The leaves I have stitched using 4 mm. Green

in Ribbon Stitch, by completing it the same

way as you would with a Satin Stitch Leaf.

( They could also be a simple Ribbon Stitch

or made from Embroidery Thread. )

I shall be away next week for a holiday

staying with friends in Alice Springs the Red Centre

of Australia.  Hopefully I will be able to show

you many photos of the wildflowers following

the heavy rains they have received.

Happy Stitching till next time.

Ribbon Work

Web Rose

This petite flower has so many applications.
Simple and quick to complete.

Best worked in 4 mm. ribbon, although it can be done in 2 mm or 7 mm.
If you are using 7 mm. increase the number of spokes to 7 or more also enlarge
the circle to allow for the width of the ribbon. You will end up with a much larger flower,
but personally I feel, this one looks best in a smaller ribbon.
The appearance can be changed by how much of a twist you put in the ribbon.
Also a two tone rose, by changing the ribbon on the outside of the spokes.
Or even placing a bead / pearl in the centre can give a different look.

( For example imagine a cream silk fabric, deeper cream silk ribbon with a pearl centre )
How rich would this look for a Christening Gown.

As it has an uneven number of spokes, the weaving of the ribbon will alternate
and covers the thread as you go.
In these photos I have used blue and red as an example to make it easier to
distinquish the ribbon and threads.

When working this the thread is colour matched as close to the ribbon as possible.

As a beginner, you may be more cofident by marking the circle and placing the positions of the spokes with an erasable pen. With the matching sewing thread, make the 5 spokes coming
from the centre and stitch down at the back of the fabric / pellon backed.

Thread your needle with silk ribbon, bring it through at the centre of one of the spokes. Stitch down the tail at the back with the thread. This needle can then be left at the back, till the rose
is completed, or if you are concerned, knot and cut it off.

Hold the ribbon needle between your fingers and give the ribbon a twist, curling the ribbon.
The idea is that the ribbon is taken over and under the spokes, and because it is an odd
number of spokes, as you weave the ribbon, the cotton spokes are hidden.


Manipulate the ribbon into position with your fingers and the needle so that it spreads evenly
around the spokes.


As you begin move the ribbon into position, covering the centre of the spoke.
At this point you have the option of changing to another
colour ribbon. If you wish to do this, make sure that you continue on in the same
sequence that you ended off the first ribbon.
Continue in this manner until the spokes are completely covered, then take the needle
through to the back and stitch the ribbon tail down.

Take extra care that you do not catch the fabric as you are doing this. You only want to
slide the needle between the fabric and spokes.




The ideal way to replicate a rose, is that the centre will be tighter than the outside petals.

These photos are just a small example of the way the Spider Web Rose can be used.
They have be made with a lot more twisting of the ribbon, than the one above.

 

The leaves are ribbon stitch, buds detached chain stitch.

All it takes is a little inspiration and practice.

Have a great day.
Carol Daisy

Wedding gift packing

 

Difficulty - Easy

Materials

• Red foil wrapping paper
  
• Red heart patterned craft or scrapbooking paper (medium weight)
  
• White with red heart patterned craft or scrapbooking paper
  (medium weight)
  
• 1-1/2 inch wide red satin ribbon
  
• 1 small rhinestone button

Instructions

1. Wrap a box in red foil paper.
   
   
2. Cut a piece of the white patterned craft paper the entire size of the top of the box.
   
   
3. Using double-sided tape, tape the inside of the craft paper in even intervals at the edges. Apply to the top of the box, lining up the edges of the craft paper with the edges of the box.
   
   
4. Cut a piece of the red craft paper 2-1/2 inches wide and the width measurement of the top of the box.
   
   
5. Using double-sided tape, tape the inside of the craft paper in even intervals at the edges. Apply to the box, centering the paper evenly on the top of the box.
   
   
   
   
   
   
6. Cut a piece of the red satin ribbon long enough to wrap around the entire width of the box plus 1 inch. Center the piece of ribbon on the top of the box and glue, overlapping the ends on the bottom of the box.
   
   
   
   
   
   
7. To make the bow, cut a 7 inch piece of ribbon. Fold the ends to middle and glue, overlapping about 1/4 inch to form a loop.
   
   Note: Ribbon measurements for bows are approximate. The lengths may have to be adjusted slightly based on the size of the box used.
   
   
   
   
   
   
8. Apply glue to the inside center to create two loops.
   
   
   
   
   
   
9. To make the second layer of the bow, cut a 2 inch piece of ribbon. Fold the ends to middle and glue, overlapping about 1/4 inch to form a loop. Leave the second loop open like a tube.
   
   
   
   
   
10. Glue the larger of the two loops onto the red ribbon on center width of the box and then glue the smaller loop directly onto the larger loop to form a layered bow.
    
    
    
    
    
11. Glue the small rhinestone button onto the center of the bow to finish the gift.
    
    
    
    
    

Medium Square Box

Difficulty - Easy

Materials

• Red foil wrapping paper
  
• Red heart patterned craft or scrapbooking paper (medium weight)
  
• White with red heart patterned craft or scrapbooking paper
  (medium weight)
  
• 1-1/2 inch wide red satin ribbon
  
• 1 small rhinestone button

Instructions

1. Wrap a box in red foil paper.
   
   
2. Cut a piece of the white patterned craft paper half the length and the entire width of the top of the box.
   
   
3. Using double-sided tape, tape the inside of the craft paper in even intervals at the edges. Apply to the top of the box, lining up the edges of the craft paper with the top edge of the box.
   
   
4. Cut a piece of the red craft paper half the length and the entire width of the top of the box.
   
   
5. Using double-sided tape, tape the inside of the craft paper in even intervals at the edges. Apply to the top of the box, lining up the edges of the craft paper with the bottom edge of the box and with the edge of the white craft paper.
   
   
   
   
   
   
6. Cut a piece of the red satin ribbon long enough to wrap around the entire width of the box 2-1/2 times.
   
   
7. Centering the ribbon on the bottom of the box, bring both sides of the ribbon to the center top of the box and tie in a knot.
   
   
   
   
   
   
8. Bring the ribbon tails down on opposite sides of the box at a slight angle overlapping the red ribbon already wrapped around the box.
   
   
9. Overlap the ends on the bottom of the box and glue.
   
   
   
   
   
   
10. Glue the small rhinestone button on top of the knot to finish the gift.
    
    
    
    
    

Large Rectangular Box

Difficulty - Easy

Materials

• Red foil wrapping paper
  
• Red heart patterned craft or scrapbooking paper (medium weight)
  
• White with red heart patterned craft or scrapbooking paper
  (medium weight)
  
• 1-1/2 inch wide red satin ribbon
  
• 1 small rhinestone button

Instructions

1. Wrap a box in red foil paper.
   
   
2. Cut a piece of the white patterned craft paper 2/3 the width and the entire length of the top of the box.
   
   
3. Using double-sided tape, tape the inside of the craft paper in even intervals at the edges. Apply to the top of the box, lining up the edges of the craft paper with the right edge of the box.
   
   
4. Cut a piece of the red craft paper 1/3 the width and the entire length of the top of the box.
   
   
5. Using double-sided tape, tape the inside of the craft paper in even intervals at the edges. Apply to the top of the box, lining up the edges of the craft paper with the left edge of the box and with the edge of the white craft paper.
   
   
   
   
   
   
6. Cut a piece of the red satin ribbon long enough to wrap around the entire width of the box 1 time plus 16 inches.
   
   Note: Ribbon measurements are approximate. The length may have to be adjusted slightly based on the size of the box used.
   
   
7. Centering the ribbon on the bottom of the box, bring both sides of the ribbon together, about 2 inches from the top of the box, and tie in a knot.
   

8. Trim the tails to matching lengths, cutting them into a V shape, and glue the small rhinestone button on top of the knot to finish the gift.
   
   
   

Difficulty - Easy

Materials

• Red foil wrapping paper
  
• Red heart patterned craft or scrapbooking paper (medium weight)
  
• White with red heart patterned craft or scrapbooking paper
  (medium weight)
  
• 1-1/2 inch wide red satin ribbon
  
• 1 small rhinestone button

Instructions

1. Wrap a box in red foil paper.
   
   
2. Cut a piece of the white patterned craft paper the entire size of the top of the box.
   
   
3. Using double-sided tape, tape the inside of the craft paper in even intervals at the edges. Apply to the top of the box, lining up the edges of the craft paper with the edges of the box.
   
   
4. Cut a piece of the red craft paper 2-1/2 inches wide and the width measurement of the top of the box.
   
   
5. Using double-sided tape, tape the inside of the craft paper in even intervals at the edges. Apply to the box, centering the paper evenly on the top of the box.
   
   
   
   
   
   
6. Cut a piece of the red satin ribbon long enough to wrap around the entire width of the box plus 1 inch. Center the piece of ribbon on the top of the box and glue, overlapping the ends on the bottom of the box.
   
   
   
   
   
   
7. To make the bow, cut a 7 inch piece of ribbon. Fold the ends to middle and glue, overlapping about 1/4 inch to form a loop.
   
   Note: Ribbon measurements for bows are approximate. The lengths may have to be adjusted slightly based on the size of the box used.
   
   
   
   
   
   
8. Apply glue to the inside center to create two loops.
   
   
   
   
   
   
9. To make the second layer of the bow, cut a 2 inch piece of ribbon. Fold the ends to middle and glue, overlapping about 1/4 inch to form a loop. Leave the second loop open like a tube.
   
   
   
   
   
10. Glue the larger of the two loops onto the red ribbon on center width of the box and then glue the smaller loop directly onto the larger loop to form a layered bow.
    
    
    
    
    
11. Glue the small rhinestone button onto the center of the bow to finish the gift.
    
    
    
    
    

Medium Square Box

Difficulty - Easy

Materials

• Red foil wrapping paper
  
• Red heart patterned craft or scrapbooking paper (medium weight)
  
• White with red heart patterned craft or scrapbooking paper
  (medium weight)
  
• 1-1/2 inch wide red satin ribbon
  
• 1 small rhinestone button

Instructions

1. Wrap a box in red foil paper.
   
   
2. Cut a piece of the white patterned craft paper half the length and the entire width of the top of the box.
   
   
3. Using double-sided tape, tape the inside of the craft paper in even intervals at the edges. Apply to the top of the box, lining up the edges of the craft paper with the top edge of the box.
   
   
4. Cut a piece of the red craft paper half the length and the entire width of the top of the box.
   
   
5. Using double-sided tape, tape the inside of the craft paper in even intervals at the edges. Apply to the top of the box, lining up the edges of the craft paper with the bottom edge of the box and with the edge of the white craft paper.
   
   
   
   
   
   
6. Cut a piece of the red satin ribbon long enough to wrap around the entire width of the box 2-1/2 times.
   
   
7. Centering the ribbon on the bottom of the box, bring both sides of the ribbon to the center top of the box and tie in a knot.
   
   
   
   
   
   
8. Bring the ribbon tails down on opposite sides of the box at a slight angle overlapping the red ribbon already wrapped around the box.
   
   
9. Overlap the ends on the bottom of the box and glue.
   
   
   
   
   
   
10. Glue the small rhinestone button on top of the knot to finish the gift.
    
    
    
    
    

Large Rectangular Box

Difficulty - Easy

Materials

• Red foil wrapping paper
  
• Red heart patterned craft or scrapbooking paper (medium weight)
  
• White with red heart patterned craft or scrapbooking paper
  (medium weight)
  
• 1-1/2 inch wide red satin ribbon
  
• 1 small rhinestone button

Instructions

1. Wrap a box in red foil paper.
   
   
2. Cut a piece of the white patterned craft paper 2/3 the width and the entire length of the top of the box.
   
   
3. Using double-sided tape, tape the inside of the craft paper in even intervals at the edges. Apply to the top of the box, lining up the edges of the craft paper with the right edge of the box.
   
   
4. Cut a piece of the red craft paper 1/3 the width and the entire length of the top of the box.
   
   
5. Using double-sided tape, tape the inside of the craft paper in even intervals at the edges. Apply to the top of the box, lining up the edges of the craft paper with the left edge of the box and with the edge of the white craft paper.
   
   
   
   
   
   
6. Cut a piece of the red satin ribbon long enough to wrap around the entire width of the box 1 time plus 16 inches.
   
   Note: Ribbon measurements are approximate. The length may have to be adjusted slightly based on the size of the box used.
   
   
7. Centering the ribbon on the bottom of the box, bring both sides of the ribbon together, about 2 inches from the top of the box, and tie in a knot.
   

8. Trim the tails to matching lengths, cutting them into a V shape, and glue the small rhinestone button on top of the knot to finish the gift.