Instructions on Bow Floral Arrangements

Ribbon and Tool Tips

• Select ribbon that matches at least one color in your arrangement. Ribbon that is 1/2-inch wide is an appropriate width for most table centerpieces. A 1-inch-wide ribbon will make a more substantial bow for large baskets, vases and display arrangements. Check the end of the spool of ribbon if possible to be sure that it will not fray easily. Wired ribbon may seem intimidating but it is an excellent material for making bows. Choose a pair of shears that are sharpened for cloth-cutting use. These will give you a quick, clean cut for your ribbon ends. You can secure the center of your handmade bows with a wired stick or wire used by florists. Chenille stems and ribbon pieces also work well for tying a bow and securing it into an arrangement.

Bows

• A standard florist bow can easily be made with a bow-making tool found in many craft stores or by hand. Follow the directions included in the package. For a handmade bow, pull 18 to 20 inches from a spool of ribbon. Pinch the ribbon between your fingers about 5 inches from the loose end. Make a loop with your free hand and capture the ribbon between your fingers with the first pinched segment. Twist the ribbon close to the pinched area and form a loop opposite the first loop. Continue making loops until you have a total of six to eight loops. Secure the pinched center of the bow with a wired stick, chenille stem or 8-inch piece of wire by wrapping it around the area and pulling it tightly.

Types and Uses for Bows

• Once you have mastered the standard florist bow for arrangements, you will be able to create other types of bows. Ribbon, fresh or silk leaves, fabric, chenille stems, plastic stripes, shoelaces and lace trim can be formed into bows for your floral arrangements. The types of bows are pom pom, florist, layered, pinwheel, Dior, star burst and butterfly. Fluff your completed bow and look for the perfect area to place it in your floral arrangement. It can be inserted near the top center, bottom corner or the center area of one side of the arrangement. The bows can be tied, inserted or glued to your flower arrangement.