Making ribbon ties is an elegant, symmetrical, and visually pleasing way when you're done wrapping gifts. Luxurious ornate ribbons can be used as clothing accessories or decorations for weddings and other special events. Learn how to make standard ribbons, looped ribbons, and floral ribbons.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Tying Standard Ribbons
Step 1. Start with ribbon or knotted yarn
The standard ribbon making technique is the same no matter what type of ribbon you use and for what purpose you use it. You just need a ribbon with the left and right ends coming from the center of the knot.
- If you're making a ribbon tie over a gift, loop the ribbon under the gift, bring the ends up over the gift, then tie the ends together so they're the same length. You now have a left side and a right side to tie.
- You can make decorative ribbon ties from a piece of ribbon that isn't attached to the gift. Make a knot in the middle of the ribbon so that the left and right ends are the same length.
Step 2. Make a loop with the left end of the ribbon
Pinch the loop between your thumb and index finger to secure it. If you want to make decorative ribbons, make sure the coils are not twisted. The coil should be smooth.
Step 3. Make the second loop
This time bring the right end under the left coil in a circle. Pull through it until your left has a second loop of exactly the same size. Use the same technique as how you tie shoelaces.
Step 4. Fasten the tape
Pull the two loops to tighten the knot at the center. Make sure the two loops are the same size and that the ends are the same length. Now your ribbon is done.
Method 2 of 3: Tying a Ribbon in a Circle
Step 1. Start with a long strip of ribbon
For this type of decorative ribbon tie, cut the ribbon about 30 cm long. Let the ribbon dangle and not knot.
Step 2. Make a loop near the left end of the ribbon
Start about three inches from the end and make a loop. Hold it with your thumb and index finger.
Step 3. Loop the right end over the existing loop to make a second loop
The ribbon should look like an inverted S with a tail at each end. Hold the coil with one hand so it doesn't fall off.
Step 4. Continue to loop the ribbon
Wrap the rest of the ribbon in an accordion style so you have a pile of ribbon with two equal ends sticking out from each side.
Step 5. Tie tightly in the middle
Use a floral wire or thin thread to tie the coils together in the middle, dividing them in half. You now have a stack of coils on the right and left.
Step 6. Shuffle the pile of coils
Separate the coils and ruffle them so you don't see the center. Use scissors to pinch the ends into an inverted V shape for a professional touch.
Method 3 of 3: Tie Flower Ribbons
Step 1. Wrap a piece of ribbon around your hand
Hold the end in the palm of your hand with your thumb, and continue to wrap the band until it's completely wrapped. Each coil in your hand should be placed neatly on top of the previous coil.
Step 2. Remove the tape out of your hands and fold it in half
Be careful that the coil doesn't come loose when you release it.
Step 3. Cut the pile of coils
Hold the fold of the coil with one hand so that the folded center is facing up. With your free hand, use the scissors to cut the ends of the folded center side.
- Make sure you cut the entire layer of tape. Grip the tape tightly as you cut it to make sure the cut is even and there is no tucked in the tape.
- Don't cut the ends too close to the center of the ribbon.
Step 4. Use the second ribbon to tie the pile of ribbons together
Tie this second ribbon in the middle of the loop. You can also use floral wire or thin thread.
Step 5. Make a fan from the coil
Separate the coils one by one from the inside to the outside. Gently pull the coil from the center and twist it toward you. Arrange the coils so that they form a circular pattern like flower petals. Your flower ribbon is now finished.
