This DIY hack really comes in handy when you want to make miniature bows. It is the easiest process to get those really tiny bows that are incredibly difficult to make by hand alone.
These are perfect for craft projects, hair accessories, and small gift packages. All you need to make these small bows is a fork and some ribbon.
Materials Needed
- Ribbon – I find that a 1/4” double-sided ribbon works best with a standard fork, but you can try other ribbon sizes to see what works for you.
- Scissors
- Fork – any 4 tined fork
- Other accessories – beads, buttons, etc. can be used to further embellish the bows.
Make a Basic Bow
Step 1
Roll 8-10 inches of ribbon off the spool and slide the end through the center of the fork. The free end should be on the side facing you with the spool end at the back of the fork.
Step 2
Grab the free end and wrap it counterclockwise around the back of the fork. As you bring it around to the from, slip the free end under the loop. Pull both ends of the ribbon to bring it snug against the fork.
Step 3
Once again, grab the free end. Bring it up and through the center of the fork to the back.
Step 4
Flip the fork over. Take the spool end and the free end of the ribbon and tie a knot.
Step 5
Flip the fork back over and inspect the bow. Slide the bow off the fork and make cuts to form the tails.
Suggestions
For a more versatile bow, or to jazz it up a bit, use two strands of ribbon.
When using two of the same color, you will get a double loop bow.
Use different colors or fabric types to create a multi-tone bow.
Make a Multi-Loop Bow
Step 1
Make sure to use a four-pronged fork for this bow. Start by weaving the free end through the tines near the bottom of the fork.
Step 2
With the spool end, continue to weave the ribbon through the tines. Be sure to make the over-and-under loops in an alternating fashion.
Continue to weave as many rows as needed. Each row will create a bow loop.
Cut the spool end of the ribbon making sure to leave enough to form the tail.
Step 3
Cut a section from the remaining ribbon and insert it through the centerline at the bottom of the fork.
Bring the ends together at the front or back of the weaves and tie it off in the middle. Snip the ends of the tied section off as close to the knot as possible.
Step 6
Slide the bow off the fork and tug the tails towards the back. Snip tails as desired.
You can leave the bow as is, or you can arrange the loops by pulling the loops, in an alternating fashion, so that half are forward and half are towards the back.
Tips
Make sure to capture all the weaves when tying off. The bottom weave can be easy to miss.
For multiple weaves, it is sometimes easier to insert the tie-off strand through the center before beginning the weaving process.
More Suggestions
To get a different colored center, use a different colored ribbon to do the tying off.
