How to Make 9 Different Bows by Hand (No Bow Maker Needed!)

If there’s one question I get asked over and over again, it’s this: “How do I make bows without a bow maker?”
And trust me, I get it. Bows can feel intimidating, especially when your wreath looks amazing… and then the bow just won’t cooperate.

The good news? You do not need a bow maker to create beautiful, full, professional-looking bows. In this tutorial, I’m walking you through nine different bows you can make completely by hand, using simple techniques, basic tools, and even ribbon scraps. Whether you’re brand new to bows or just looking for easier methods, there’s a bow here for you.

Let’s dive in!

Supplies You’ll Need

You don’t need much to get started, and chances are you already have most of this on hand:

• Wired ribbon (2.5″, 4″, 1.5″, or deco mesh ribbon)
• 26-gauge floral wire or pipe cleaners
• Scissors or ribbon cutters
• Optional helpers:
  • Chip clip
  • Bowdabra
  • Fluff box (or any heavy base with a hook)
  • Needle-nose pliers (great if you have hand pain)
• Ribbon scraps (perfect for several of these bows)

Bow #1: The Double Bow (Fold & Pull Method)

This bow looks fancy but is surprisingly easy.

Steps:

1. Place two ribbons together, right sides facing out.
2. Measure about 12 inches, then begin folding the ribbon back and forth until you have six folds.
3. Cut the ribbon from the spool.
4. Fold the stack in half and cut a small slit on each side of the center fold.
5. Slide a 26-gauge wire through the slits and twist tightly on the back.
6. Pull loops out one at a time, alternating front and back.
7. Fluff and trim tails as desired.

This bow is perfect when you want a full look without lots of measuring.

Bow #2: Stacked Loop Bow

This is a classic bow and great for mixing patterns.

Steps:

1. Create three loops (about 6″) with your first ribbon, pinching and twisting at the center.
2. Secure temporarily with a clip, Bowdabra, or pipe cleaner.
3. Repeat with a second ribbon using slightly smaller loops.
4. Stack both bows together and secure tightly with wire.
5. Fluff loops and add tails if desired.

Simple, clean, and perfect for wreaths and trees.

Bow #3: Southern Charm “Funky” Bow

This is one of the best beginner bows, easy, forgiving, and versatile.

Steps:

1. Cut 3–5 ribbons in varying lengths (28–34 inches works great).
2. Find the center of each ribbon and make a loop on both sides.
3. Stack each ribbon in your hand, keeping loops even.
4. Secure tightly with wire.
5. Fluff loops and position tails up, down, or angled.

This bow looks great, even if everything isn’t perfectly even.

Bow #4: The Hobo Bow (Scrap-Friendly!)

Very similar to the funky bow, but with one tail per ribbon.

Steps:

1. Cut multiple ribbons (around 30–32 inches).
2. Make a loop, leaving only one tail.
3. Stack all loops in your hand.
4. Secure tightly with wire.
5. Style tails by curling, rolling, dovetailing, or angling.

Perfect for using scraps and mixing patterns.

Bow #5: No-Twist Stacked Loop Bow

This bow creates loops without twisting, great for sore hands.

Steps:

1. Make loops by folding ribbon forward into your hand, not twisting.
2. Stack loops until you reach your desired fullness.
3. Secure with wire.
4. Fluff like a traditional bow.

Same look as a standard bow with less strain.

Bow #6: Scrap “Starburst” Bow

This is one of my favorites for leftover ribbon.

Steps:

1. Use ribbon pieces 10–14 inches long, dovetailed.
2. Pinch each piece in the center.
3. Stack them alternately in your hand.
4. Secure with wire.
5. Fluff outward like rays of a star.

Amazing on wreaths and a great way to use every scrap.

Bow #7: Graduated Loop Bow (Layered Center)

This bow creates a beautiful cascading effect.

Steps:

1. Start with a small center loop (2–3 inches).
2. Work outward, increasing loop size by about 1 inch each time.
3. Twist at the center after each loop.
4. Secure with a pipe cleaner.
5. Spread loops in alternating directions.

Elegant and different without being complicated.

Bow #8: Double-Layer Folded Bow (No Separating Loops)

This bow keeps two ribbons together for a unique layered look.

Steps:

1. Stack two ribbons together.
2. Fold loops in opposite directions without twisting.
3. Hold between fingers to reduce hand strain.
4. Secure with wire.
5. Fluff while keeping ribbons layered.

Same ribbon, completely different look.

Bow #9: Layered Deco Mesh Ribbon Bow

Yes, you can make bows with deco mesh ribbon!

Steps:

1. Create loops using 4″ deco mesh ribbon.
2. Stack a smaller 2.5″ ribbon bow on top.
3. Add a 1.5″ ribbon bow as the final layer.
4. Secure all layers together.
5. Fluff for a bold, dimensional bow.

Perfect for trees, large wreaths, and statement pieces.

Final Thoughts

If bows have ever frustrated you, please know, you are not alone. I struggled with bows for years until I finally sat down, practiced, and found methods that worked for my hands and my style. There is no “right” bow, only the one that works for you.

Try a few. Practice with scraps. Find your favorites. And most of all, give yourself grace.

Happy crafting