Those big, fluffy, multi-layered, 5-ingredient bows that billow up, out, and stay poofy looking? No wired-edge ribbon was used. Want to make these attention-grabbing, cake topping, show stopping bows?

 Layer , Stack, and Assemble

3 separate bows are stacked one atop of the other. Each bow graduates in loop-length. Like a tiered cake, the smallest bow is stacked atop the middle bow, which is then layered to the largest bow on the bottom.  Use an odd-number of elements, layering a narrow ribbon over a wider ribbon. In this sample, five May Arts Ribbons were used:

• 3/4"-wide Grosgrain Solid (Fuchsia) QH22

• 1.5"-wide Woven Check (Pink/Brown) KB93

• 3"-wide Sheer (Light Fuchsia) C23

• 1.5"-wide Grosgrain Solid (Brown) QH33

• ½"-wide Leaves (Burgundy) BY25

(ribbon lengths are determined by the required end size of bow)

•  2  12" twist ties. (I prefer pipe cleaners when stacking bows)

• 1-piece of 3/4"-wide Grosgrain Solid (Fuschia) to tie Bow3.

• Adhesive Tape (if wrapping a gift box)

• Sharp Scissors

Gift Box straps:

• 3/4"-wide Grosgrain Solid (Fuchsia) QH22

• 1"-wide Grosgrain Ric Rac (Brown) 330-33

Step 1

Make Bow-1; a 4 loop florist bow with 2 ingredients.

Layer 3/4"-Grosgrain (Fuchsia) centered over 1.5" Woven Check. Secure center with a 12" twist-tie.

Step 2

Make Bow-2; a 10 loop florist bow with 2 ingredients.

Layer 1.5"-Grosgrain Check ribbon centered over 3"-Sheer (Light Fuchsia), making loops longer than Bow-1. When your Grosgrain Check ribbon stops at 4 or 5 loops, finish making the rest of the 5 loops with 3"-Sheer. Secure center with a 12" twist-tie.

Step 3

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Make Bow-3; a 6 loop florist bow with 3 ingredients.

Form a very large, oversized 2 loop bow with the Leaves, allowing the tails to fall, one on each side of the bow. Set aside. Layer 3/4"-Grograin Fuchsia centered on 1.5"-Grosgrain Brown. The 1.5"-Grosgrain Brown will only make 4 loops; finish with 2 more loops with the 3/4"-Grograin Fuchsia, leaving long tails. Be sure this bow has loops that are longer than Bow-2. Center Leaves over Grosgrain bow. Secure with a length of 3/4"-Grosgrain Fuchsia with a "Chef's Knot".

 (Instructions for a Chef's Knot appear in the June 8 2009 blog post)

Step 4-Assemble

Secure each bow to the other, in graduated-size order. Add half-knots on the ends of 3 tails for added dimension. Secure to box with existing twist tie from bow. Tuck or cut twist-ties.

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You did it! This layer and stack technique works for all sorts of ribbon combinations. Here's another example.

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If attaching bow to a gift box

Strap gift box with 3/4"-Grosgrain (Fuchsia) in one direction only. Along side Grosgrain, strap box with 1"-Ric Rac (Brown) in same direction. Adhere with double sided tape. Secure bow to grosgrain strap using the twist tie on the back of the bow.

 Tip: If making a window or centerpiece display, use straight pins to attach your bow to your gift box. You'll be able to re-purpose the bow or easily disassemble it.

 
Re-Use!
After your party guests have all gone, save your ribbon and bows for a re-run!

Tip: A curling iron or blow dryer will remove wrinkles from ribbon, being careful to test temps when working with sheers.

Blog Posted By: En-May Mangels

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