If you work in a field that deals with decorative enhancements, the ability to create a beautiful bow is a skill that you are sure to use time and time again. An impressive bow is the perfect way to complete a floral arrangement, top off a gift basket, accent a centerpiece – and the list goes on. 

There is no better place to start than the basics. In this video from Pioneer Imports & Wholesale, learn how to create a basic looped bow with a step-by-step demonstration by Susan Huelsman AIFD. This bow is exceptionally versatile and offers endless options for customization. With a little bit of practice, you will be able to create this easy bow in just seconds, ready to use whenever you need.

It helps to gather all supplies beforehand as Susan suggests. Because tying a bow is so hands-on, you certainly won’t want to stop in the middle to hunt down something you need. On the table in front of her is a pair of basic scissors and a pair of ribbon scissors – Susan advises investing in quality options since cheaper scissors will not provide the cleanest finish. You may also need a pair of wire snips. 

You will also need a strand of wire to finish each bow. This can be florist wire, 24-gauge wire, 26-gauge wire, chenille stems, or whatever you prefer. You will also want to have a length of your chosen ribbon unrolled and ready to go. 

Susan begins the construction process by making a twist and a simple loop. After looping, the “right” side of the ribbon should be facing you. She then does the same thing to create another loop on the other side of the center twist. She repeats the process – twist, then loop – to create two stacks of layers. Each layer is slightly graduated so that the lower loops protrude further than the ones above them.

Continue this process until your bow is as thick and voluminous as you want. Susan then undoes and recreates the bow to show the process again, making it easy to follow along. 

After creating a bow with the desired number of layers, Susan creates one final loop that will hang below. This loop will become the decorative tails once trimmed in half, so it is important to make each side of the loop the length you want your tails to be. 

Next, Susan takes a length of wire and wraps it around the center of the bow. She suggests wrapping as tightly as you can – keep twisting until the wire is nice and taught, ensuring that all the layers of ribbon will stay in place securely. This is where the wire snips come in handy, making it easy to trim any excess. 

Susan then takes the long tail loop, snipping it diagonally right in the middle. These angled ribbon ends are currently the most popular style, while the classic fishtail or chevron shape has grown less common. Use any tail end that you prefer or allow the overall look of your composition to decide which one will best serve the finished product. 

How you finish the bow is another matter of preference. You can leave the layers neatly stacked for a distinctive streamlined profile or pull the loops outward into a circle for a traditional voluminous bow. This step is the reason it pays to secure the center wire extra tightly so that nothing pulls free while you fluff and adjust. 

The result is a fabulous bow with long elegant tails, ideal for a wide variety of decorative purposes. As you practice, you might have fun experimenting with different variations on this basic staple. 

Explore the Pioneer catalog to see even more wholesale ribbon options – Pioneer offers a wide variety of ribbon in a range of colors and materials, both wired and unwired. Let Pioneer help you create the perfect bows to complete your next decorative project.