The Quest for the Perfect Bow

The Quest is Over--

• In my quest for "the perfect bow", I came across Girly Things. Since that day, my bows have never been the same! We receive lots of compliments on our bow collection and more requests for lessons! Thus, the reason for this site. I am not affiliated with any of these businesses or products. I do not make bows to sell them; I simply do it because it brings me joy and saves me money=)
  

• In the posts that follow, you will find information from numerous sites (Girly Things, Jessica's Bows, Lamb Products, The Ribbon Retreat, Little Pink Ladybug...), and a basic supply list, how-to-videos and photos, original creations/cute ideas you might want to try, and helpful tips from different bow makers and myself. Please feel free to let me know if a link has expired.

Enjoy, and share your joy!
Jennie Bender

My Basic Supplies

• Getting Started--

• Small pair of needle nose pliers--Craftsman is the best, they must be able to cut!)
• Quality scissors--an absolute necessity
• "Fray Check" (available at Jo-Ann's/Fabric Store) or clear nail polish--for polyester satin ribbons (prevents ends fraying)
• Basic lighter-- to heat seal grosgrain ribbon
  
• *24 or 26 Gauge wire (I prefer silver) (available at any craft store/Walmart), embroidery floss, or thread (white or matching)
  
• *Some designers prefer embroidery floss over wire
  
• 1 box alligator clips from Sally's Beauty supply (100 clips--$3.99), there are several styles. I prefer the one posted below, a great fit for fine hair.
  
• French clips can be bought for thicker hair online at ribbon supply stores, ebay...
  

• 

• Needle--its eye large enough to thread embroidery floss easily
  
• Sewing pins (with large, colored heads--for safety purposes (trust me on this one!))
• Masking tape-- for korker bows
  
• Thimble-- for pushing needle through multiple layers of ribbon (optional)
• A few strong clothespins --for baking korker bows (optional)
• A large beautician's clip with a open area in the center--to hold your bow while wiring/tying, slit. The slit is for passing your wire/thread around your bow easily (*An instructor illustrates her use of this clip in her video. If you want to see the video, go to the sidebar: "How-to-Videos", find "boutique bows.").

• Quality glue gun--not a high temp mini--I have the scar to prove it!
• Glue sticks
• Several dowel rods (width 1/4"-3/8" --as large than the width of a pencil) (available at Craft Stores/Walmart/Lowe's... ) cut into lengths of 18" or length of your cooking sheet. Buy several rods to make lots of korkers in one baking session.
  
• Ruler or tape measure
• Fabric pencil (mark center of ribbon)
  

• Plastic tote with a lid--for storage (optional--you will make more, I promise)
• 1-2 zippered, pencil pouches --for the loose items listed above

• *Other mounting options: *Basic colored, "ouchless" ponytail holders, basic colored headbands, "White Stag" white, size large, women's socks (for baby headbands), elastic lingerie lace (also for baby headbands, you would have to measure, my guess 15", elastic woven crochet (for baby bands) (available at JoAnn's), and French clips (it is cheaper to order them online).
• To make a baby head band out of a nylon sock, cut the toe and calf cuff off the sock. Cut the sock in half--traveling up the length of the sock, you will have two pieces. This will make two baby headbands. Sew the ends of a single band together with a needle and thread. Your bow will be placed over the raw edges and will not be seen. Same methods are used for the lingerie lace, or crocheted elastic t lengths.
  

• Picking and Choosing--

• Grosgrain ribbon is best for beginners--width over 1/2"

• Approximately 14 inches-22 inches per bow--small bows that are approx 1/2"-1" ribbon width)

• Approximately 3/4yds.-1.5 yards for wider bows with more loops, depending on the style you choose (*all the links listed below give you an estimate yardage).

• A three inch bow--20 inches of 7/8" ribbon

• A three inch bow--29" of 1.5" ribbon

• 3-5 yd. spools are available at Walmart/Michael's/JoAnn's and are the best buy, unless you wish to buy bulk.
  
• Most spools (such as Offray) will make 6-9 bows, depending on the bow style you choose

• *If you prefer satin/polyester choose one that is over 3/4"" and has body/stiffness.
• Many stores (Hobby Lobby) will bag mass amounts of left-over ribbon (that are bought by the yard and are less than 2 yds.) and sell them for ridiculously low prices.

• Curl it Up!

• Korker bows--grosgrain ribbon works best, nothing under 1/4"
• To make korkers, simple take 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, tape one ribbon end to a 1/4" dowel rod, place the ribbon at a diagonal line, wrap the ribbon around the rod (creating a line like a barber shop sign). Wrap the entire length of the rod. Tape the end of the ribbon to the rod. Clamp the ribbon ends with your clothespins, one on each end. Place on a foil lined cookie sheet, you can bake as many as you can pile on the tray--even on top of the other rods. Bake in the oven 215* for about 15 minutes. Remove and see your curls. Simple as that=)
  
• Cut in equal segments. To make a korker bow, drape a piece of cord elastic over a rectangular container (I use a Hillshire Farm meat container--clean, of course), drop the korkers into a rectangular plastic container, grab the elastic ends, tie--in the middle of the korkers lengths, secure to your hair accessory of choice.
  
• Girly Things How-to-Photos give you exact amounts of yardage you will need of pre-curled (Korker) ribbon.
  
• With these bits of combined information, you will be on your way to making Korker bows!
  

• Counting Costs--

• Average cost to get started: $25.00-$40.00

• All projects are much more fun when you are with a friend! Consider splitting the cost and sharing alligator clips, ponytail holders, and ribbon with your girl friend.

Ribbon Suppliers and Bow Making Systems

• http://theribbonretreat.com/

• http://ribbonandbowsohmy.com/

• Bow Making Systems:
• Just in case you are still a bit intimidated=)

• brilliantbowmaker

• Gator-Bite System
  

How-To-Videos

Watch This--

• Below are numerous videos illustrating several bow designs, bow making tips and finishing techniques, woven headbands, personal business promos, and other various crafts. They are very helpful. *To the far right of this video's tool bar are options for full screen viewing and volume control (the videos vary in loudness). *You can drag the circle to rewind/fast forward/skip to end.

• These videos are from youtube. Enjoy=)
  

So Many Bows, so Little Time!

"It will be our little secret!"

• Enjoy, these are links to cute bows along with their individual "How-to-Photos!"
• So pick one and have fun! My personal favorites are the loopy-surround, tuxedo, perky loops, and the pinwheel.
  

• Link for Korker Bow Instructions/Other Unique Bows--Ribbon Retreat/Great Info
  

• http://bowdesigns.50webs.com/perky_loops.html

• http://www.girlythingsbows.com/loopy_surround.html
  

• http://bowdesigns.50webs.com/pinwheel_bow.html

• http://bowdesigns.50webs.com/boutique_bow.html

• http://www.girlythingsbows.com/collar_bows.html
  

• http://www.girlythingsbows.com/korker_bows.html

• http://www.girlythingsbows.com/loopy_bows.html

• http://www.girlythingsbows.com/tuxedo_bow.html

• http://www.girlythingsbows.com/interchangable.html
  

• http://www.girlythingsbows.com/button_flower_clippie.html

• http://www.girlythingsbows.com/christmas_tree.html

• http://www.girlythingsbows.com/cupcake_clippies.html
  

• http://www.girlythingsbows.com/beaded_bobby_pins.html

• http://www.girlythingsbows.com/bottle_caps.html

• http://www.girlythingsbows.com/monogrammed_button_covers.html

• http://littlepinkladybug.com/catalog.php?category=8
  

"Don't tell anyone!"

Cute Creations

• If you would you like to see some cute creations,
  
• click here to see beautiful bows/ideas:
• http://www.girlythingsbows.com/show_it_off.html

• ...but remember,

• "Life, in its simplicity, is always...

--beautiful."

More Bows

From Marthastewart.com

Medallion
As shown as ornaments. We started with 1 yard of wide grosgrain ribbon.

1. Make a series of accordion folds (our folds are 1 inch), holding the folds in place with your fingers as you work. Finish with both ends of the ribbon facing the same direction. Thread a needle and knot it, leaving a 1-inch tail. Pass the needle and thread through the layers, about 1/4 inch from the selvage edge.

2. Bring ends of thread together; knot, close to the ribbon. Cut off excess thread. Glue ends of ribbon together, covering the knot. Shift folds so they're evenly spaced.

3. Press the center of the bow to flatten, rotating the folds in one direction.

Sash
To make a triple-loop sash bow with extra-long tails, start with four pieces of satin ribbon: one 16 inches long, one 20 inches, one 24 inches, and one 4 yards (for the tails). For a double-loop sash bow, eliminate a layer of loops. For shorter tails, use a smaller length of ribbon. Notch if desired.

1. Make loops: For each of the three shortest ribbons, fold ends toward the center, overlapping them; secure with fabric glue. Stack loops. Lay the 4-yard piece across the center of the loops, and knot.

2. Rotate knot to back of bow. Trim ends of tails at an angle. Slide 20-gauge wire through knot at back for hanging.

Winged
As shown on the chandelier.

1. Cross left end of the ribbon over right.

2. Knot by passing left end behind right, under, and up through opening (make sure ribbon is not twisted or bunched).

3. Pull on the ends of the ribbon to create a tight, smooth knot.

4. Adjust to desired shape, and notch the ends.

Tuxedo
As shown on the ribbon card holder, the candy tray, and the votives.

1. Fold ends of a piece of ribbon in toward the center, overlapping them; secure with fabric glue. Flatten at center and glue to secure. Cover center with a second piece of ribbon, gluing at back of bow; for a cinched bow, wrap center more tightly.

2. Adjust to desired shape.

Bow How-tos
Bedecked with Bows
Ribbon and Bow Accessory How-tos

More Bows

• Fall Sweets for my Sweets!

• I hunted through Hobby Lobby high and low for candy corn woodcut outs, bobbles, or buttons--no luck. So I took the creative plunge and made my own.It was cheaper anyway, I guess=)

• The candies are just 1 1/4" triangles of white cardboard (the tip has a blunt straight edge).

• You start with the white ribbon, then move to yellow, then finish with a band of orange to cover the center.

• Start at the tip of the triangle and fold about 1/4" (or less) white to the back of your cardboard.

• Trim the outer, unglued edges at an angle (matching the angle of your candy), fold them tightly in with glue, too. Do the same with yellow at the top, trim its sides, too, then glue. Wrap orange band around the candy. Glue onto your bow.

• My white was 5/8", orange--folded scraps of my 2" (I am so cheap!), yellow was 1/2". They were cut wide enough to wrap around my triangle with 1/4" excess.

• Here is a similar link glued on a clippie using an entirely different method. Whatever works=)! Other bow making links are available here, too. I used the boutique bow for the white bow and orange bow. I used this video (boutique bow) for the base bow, it is 2" ribbon and 4.5" wide, approximately 30" long.

• 

• Another sweet one!
• Here is the link to the instructions.
  
• Mine has a few variations, again, because I am cheap and quite the *free* thinker!

• My own sweet variation, requiring no korkers.
  
• I cut out the cupcake icing shape with cardboard, I started on the back of the shape by gluing a ribbon edge down. I left a bit of extra ribbon extended to make the ruffle appearance, then began a zig zag pattern at the bottom of the cupcake icing. When I reached the end of the row I cut and glued the ribbon to the back of the cardboard.
  

• I went to the row above the completed row and did the same thing until I reached the top of the cupcake.
  

• On the cherry, I cut a four inch strip, I began to tie a knot, leaving the tail inside my knot circle. I glued it, then finished the cherry stem off with a slanted cut.

• To finish it off in the back, I cut straight strips of cupcake icing ribbon, heat sealed and glued them over my mess.
  

• 

• 

• Gingerbread Christmas bows for two of my best girls...2010
• Felt scrapbook stickers, Hobby Lobby, $3 for 3
• Hot glue to center
• I still covered my tying material with a flat, folded ribbon strip,
  
• then added the felt sticker with hot glue.
  

• For Sabrina Glynne--
• She is not too interested this morning...
  
• ...but she will look quite cute come the 4th of July!
• https://www.theribbonretreat.com/custom/modules/FreeProjects/PDFFlowerLoopBow.pdf

• Above, Easter bows, 2009. These are my latest conquests.
  
• They took quite a bit of time. I still have lots to learn!
• Here is the link to this bow if you want to try your hand at it!
  
• Enjoy=)