Do you want to add a rustic-chic touch to your latest craft project? Burlap ribbon can be used for wrapping, decorating, and even tying knots! Whether it’s for a cute gift presentation or party decorations, learning how to tie a bow with burlap ribbon is the perfect way to give any project an extra special finishing touch.
With this easy step-by-step tutorial – complete with illustrations – you’ll be creating elegant bows in no time!
What is a Burlap Ribbon?
Burlap is a coarse, woven fabric made of jute or hemp fibers. It has a unique rustic appearance and is commonly used in crafts, home decor, and fashion. Burlap ribbon, also known as jute ribbon, is a thinner and more pliable version of burlap that is ideal for creating bows. This ribbon is available in a variety of widths and colors, making it a versatile material for any type of project.
Needed Materials
Below is the list of materials you need to follow this tutorial:
- Burlap Ribbon
- Scissors
- Tape Measure or Ruler
- A Flat Surface to Work on
- Your Hands!
10 Step-by-step Guidelines on How to Tie a Bow With Burlap Ribbon
Step 1: Measure the Burlap Ribbon
Gather your burlap ribbon and lay it flat on your work surface. You can use any length of burlap ribbon you prefer, but make sure to leave extra length when cutting since burlap tends to fray easily. We recommend using a 1-2 inches wide ribbon for this tutorial. But feel free to experiment with different widths for different-sized bows. Measure the desired length of burlap ribbon and cut it using scissors.
Step 2: Form a Loop
Take one end of the burlap ribbon and loop it over to create a circle. Make sure the end of the ribbon is on top. It doesn’t have to be perfectly even but try to make the loop relatively flat. But if you’re going for a more rustic look, don’t stress too much about the shape. You can also adjust the size of your loop according to your preference. It’s entirely up to you!
Step 3: Create Another Loop
Take the other end of the burlap ribbon and loop it over, just like in step 2. This will create another circle that overlaps with the first one. But make sure to keep the ribbon flat and untwisted as you create the second loop. It is also essential to keep the two loops aligned side by side. You can use your fingers to adjust the size and shape of the loops. But don’t pull the ribbon too tightly as you will need to adjust it in the later steps.
Step 4: Cross Over
Take the second loop and cross it over the first loop, making sure to keep them side by side. This will create a twist in the middle of your bow. Although it’s not necessary, you can pinch the two loops together to hold their position while you work on the next step. But remember to hold the loops flat and untwisted. It should look like a simple knot at this point. Whether you want a big or small bow, make sure that the loops are equally sized.
Step 5: Create Two More Loops
Take both ends of the burlap ribbon, and create two more loops just like in steps 2 and 3. These loops should be bigger than the first two loops, and again, make sure to keep them flat and untwisted. You can adjust the size and shape of these two loops according to your preference. It’s always better to have a little extra ribbon than not enough, so don’t worry about the length of your loops too much.
Step 6: Cross Over Again
Just like in step 4, cross over the second set of loops over the first set. This will create a nice full bow with four loops on each side. However, if you prefer a smaller bow, you can adjust the number of loops accordingly. But for this tutorial, we’ll continue with four loops on each side. It should look like two simple knots stacked on top of each other. You can also adjust the position of the loops to make sure they are evenly spaced and aligned.
Step 7: Secure with Fingers
Hold the crossed loops firmly with your fingers to keep them in place as you continue to make the bow. Make sure to keep adjusting the size and shape of each loop until you are satisfied with how it looks.
Otherwise, you can always start over and try again until you get the perfect bow. It’s all about personal preference and experimenting to find what works best for you! If you’re making a large bow, consider asking for help from someone else to hold the loops for you.
Step 8: Create a Center Loop
Take one end of the burlap ribbon and wrap it around the center of the looped ribbons, creating a small loop in the middle. This will serve as the center of your bow. But make sure to keep the end of the ribbon on top and flat while wrapping it around. You can also use your fingers to shape and fluff out each loop. This will give your bow a fuller and more dimensional look.
Step 9: Tie a Knot
Take the other end of the ribbon and tie it around the center loop, creating a knot to secure the bow in place. If you have a longer ribbon, feel free to wrap it around the center loop once or twice for extra security. Make sure to tie the knot tightly and adjust the loops as needed. Again, don’t worry if your bow doesn’t look perfect.
Sometimes a little imperfection adds to the charm of a handmade bow. However, if you prefer a more polished look, you can always trim the ends of the ribbon to make them even.
Step 10: Fluff and Adjust
Fluff out each loop of your burlap ribbon bow and make any adjustments necessary until you are happy with the shape and fullness of your bow. You can also trim off any excess ribbon if needed. Always remember that practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t as great as you’d hoped. Keep experimenting and trying out different techniques to find the bow style that suits you best!
Following these simple steps, you now know how to tie a bow with burlap ribbon! You can use this technique for various projects, such as gift wrapping, wreath making, or even adding a rustic touch to your home decor. Have fun experimenting with different sizes and colors of burlap ribbons to create unique bows that will make any project stand out. Happy crafting!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I Use Other Types of Ribbon for This Tutorial?
Yes, you can use different types of ribbon to create bows following these steps. However, burlap ribbon is the perfect material to achieve a rustic look. It is also more pliable than other types of ribbon, making it easier to work with.
Q2. Can I Use This Technique for Bigger Bows?
Yes, you can adjust the size of your bow by using longer or wider burlap ribbons. Just make sure to keep all the loops evenly sized and aligned when creating the bow. It might take a bit more practice, but you can create beautiful big bows with this technique.
Q3. Can I Use This Bow-Tying Technique for Different Types of Fabric?
This bow-tying technique is specifically designed for burlap ribbons, but it can be adapted for other types of fabric. However, the texture and stiffness of the burlap ribbon make it the perfect material for creating bows without the need for wire or other supports. Other types of fabric may require additional materials to hold their shape.
Q4. Can I Use This Bow-Tying Technique for Left-Handed People?
Yes, this bow-tying technique can be used by both right and left-handed individuals with minor adjustments. Simply create the loops in reverse order, starting with the left hand instead of the right.
Conclusion
Knowing how to tie a bow with burlap ribbon is not only a great skill to have but it can be used in a variety of projects. Whether you are using burlap ribbon as an accent on gift wrapping, stringing together banners for the next family gathering, or adding a decorative touch to your next craft project, knowing how to make the perfect bow is essential.
With practice and dedication, even novice crafters can master this basic technique and add unique flourishes to all of their creations. By following these simple steps and allowing yourself the opportunity to experiment a little bit, you’ll soon find that tying a bow with burlap ribbon is easier than you think!