Our 3 Favourite Unique Bow Ideas for Ribbons

What better way to perfect a gift than by adding a unique ribbon bow to it! In continuation with one of our previous blogs, “How to make Basic Bows out of Ribbon”, we are back with more unique bow ideas. After mastering the basic bows, you may like to attempt some of these more interesting and special ribbon bows! These bows are perfect for embellishing gifts, and for decorations around the house or at special events.

A) Four Loop Bow

The Four Loop Bow is an upgraded, extravagant version of the Double Loop Bow which was explained in the previous blog. It is the perfect bow choice when giving a fancy gift or for a present that cannot be wrapped, as the beautiful ribbon bow alone is show-stopping! The Four Loop Bow is also great as decoration for event and party venues as you can customise the size of the bow with different widths of ribbon to suit the celebration items you are embellishing.

Materials: 25mm Red/White Topstitch Grosgrain (1.2m)

1. Hold the left side of the ribbon and make a loop as shown below. 
2. Using the right side of the ribbon, make a loop on the right. 
3. Make another loop at the bottom left.
4. Make the last loop at the top right.
5. Using the same side of the ribbon, make a loop around the center of all the loops.
6. Then slip the ribbon into the loop and pull to tighten.
7. Turn the bow around and cut inverted triangles on the two long ends to finish your Four Loop Bow.

B) Skinny Loop Bow

The Skinny Loop Bow is a very cute and dainty ribbon bow that can be used for smaller gifts or even as a mini hair ribbon. It can also be used for scrapbooking to add an adorable aesthetic to your craft. As shown in the picture, 1.5mm French cord, 3mm French Satin and 3mm Lacette Simili Cuir ribbons are perfect for the Skinny Loop Bow as they are thin enough to create many loops.

Materials: 1.5mm Peacock French Cord (1.2m)

1. Hold the left side of the cord and make a loop with the long end as shown below.
2. Make another loop on the other side. 
3. Continue making loops on each side till you reach the number of wanted skinny loops. I have made around four loops on each side.
4. Using the remainder of the cord, make a loop around the center of all the loops. Then slip the cord through the loop and pull to tighten.

C) Starburst

The Starburst bow is definitely a unique bow idea that will capture everyone's attention. A large starburst bow can be used as wall decoration or be placed on chairbacks for special occasions. On the other hand, smaller versions can be used as gift embellishments, for enhancing crafts or as mini hair bows. If you have mastered how to make the Four Loop Bow, then this will be quite simple as the first few steps are very similar. Wide French Satin is a great ribbon for this bow idea as the premium quality ribbon has a beautiful shine and elevates the already luxurious look of the bow.

Materials: 50mm Red French Satin (1x 750cm piece and 2x 20cm pieces), 1mm Gold Metallic Cord (30cm)

1. Hold the left side of the ribbon (750cm piece) and make a loop as shown below. 
2. Using the right side of the ribbon, make a loop on the right. 
3. Make another loop at the bottom left. 
4. Make the last loop at the top right. 
5. Using the cord, make a few loops around the center of the bow and tie the cord together tightly. 
6. Place the two pieces of 20cm ribbon across the middle like an ‘x’ shape. Tie the two pieces to the bow using the cord. 
7. Turn the bow around and cut inverted triangles on the four long ends to complete your Starburst Bow.