Your gift is neatly wrapped and ready to be taken. All that's left is the ribbon to enhance the look. While you can buy pre-made ribbons at the store, tying the ribbon yourself will give a gift box a personal and sweet touch. You can easily tie a simple bowknot, and when you're good at it, try something more unique, such as a diagonal or weave.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Tying Standard Ribbons
Step 1. Spread the ribbon horizontally along the top side of the box
Leave about 10-20 cm of ribbon hanging down the side of the box as a tail. Don't cut the ribbon just yet.
It's best to leave the ribbon hanging too long than too short. You can cut it later if it's too much
Step 2. Pull the rest of the tape down the box and back to the front
Do not overturn the box so that the tape does not come off. Instead, lift the box and carry the rest of the tape under it. Lower the box back when the ribbon can be pulled from the other side.
Step 3. Cross the ribbon in the center of the top towards the front of the box
Bring the ribbon to the center of the box, then meet it with the short end of the ribbon. Twist the ribbons so they are now pointing vertically.
If the tape has a top and a bottom, it's a good idea to twist it twice so that the bottom side of the tape isn't visible
Step 4. Wrap the tape around the back side of the box and back to the front
Lift the box back up and pull the long strip of tape behind the box, then out on the reverse side. Bring the box back down.
Place your thumb on the twist of the tape so it doesn't loosen when you wrap the tape across the back
Step 5. Measure the tape on the first cut and cut it out
Bring the ribbon back to the center of the box. Match the length to the first end of the ribbon, then cut it with scissors.
Step 6. Wrap the tape around the twist
Pull the tape along the front of the twist in the box at a slight angle. Bring it under the twist section, and return to where you started. Pull both ends of the tape to secure it.
Step 7. Tie the ribbon into a bow tie
Fold both ends into a knot. Cross the left knot over the right knot to make a small knot in the middle. Pull the left knot through the small knot, then pull it tight.
Step 8. Adjust the bow tie, then cut the rest of the ribbon
Take a minute to tidy up the knot and tail of the bow tie. If you are using a wire ribbon, also expand the knot. For a more luxurious touch, trim the tail end of the ribbon so it looks like a V.
Method 2 of 3: Tie the Ribbon Diagonally
Step 1. Spread the ribbon along the top left corner of the box
Leave about 10-20 cm of ribbon hanging from the left corner of the box. Leave the rest of the ribbon in the roll on the top edge.
Step 2. Wrap the ribbon behind the top right corner
Take the side of the ribbon roll and pull it behind the top right corner, down towards the bottom right corner.
Hold your thumb on the tape in the upper left corner so it doesn't come off
Step 3. Wrap the ribbon along the bottom right corner and under the left corner of the ribbon
Keep the bandage neat and snug so that it doesn't slide from the corners.
Step 4. Bring the ribbon back towards the top left corner
At this point, it's a good idea to take some time to adjust the position of the bandage at each corner. If it seems to be coming off, pull it further away from the corner.
Step 5. Cut the remaining ribbon
Bring the two ribbons towards the center of the top left corner. Measure the roll of tape on the other tape, and cut it so that it is the same length.
Step 6. Cross and tie a ribbon
Cross the left ribbon over and under the right, then pull the ends together until they're tight. Fold the two ribbons into a knot, then cross the right ribbon with the left ribbon, like tying a shoe!
Step 7. Trim the excess tape
Once the bow tie is tied tight and tight, cut off the remaining ribbon at the tail. For a more luxurious look, cut it obliquely or similar to the letter V.
Method 3 of 3: Creating a Woven Look
Step 1. Cut four long strands of ribbon wrapped around the square, plus 5 cm
- For a unique look, consider using two thin ribbons, and two slightly wider ones. You can also use two contrasting ribbons.
- Thick tape and/or wire are not ideal. Opt for satin ribbons or balloons for best results.
Step 2. Cut four strands of ribbon for the width of the box
Use the same ribbon from the previous step. This time, cut the ribbon so that it is long enough to cover the width of the box, plus 5 cm.
Step 3. Place the first set of ribbons side by side on the table
Take four long ribbons, and place them on the table. Make sure all four are parallel and no more than 0.5 cm apart.
If you use ribbons of different widths and/or colors, be sure to alternate them
Step 4. Place the squares on top of the ribbon line
Place your gift face down on the ribbon. The box can be positioned snugly in the middle or slightly shifted, depending on the desired location of the ribbon.
Step 5. Wrap the tape around the box and secure it with double-sided tape
Wrap and tape one tape at a time; do not glue all at once. Pull the tape firmly on the box so it fits snugly and firmly. The ends of the tape will overlap by about 2.5 cm).
- Make sure you only glue the top tape to the bottom tape; do not glue the ribbon to the gift box.
- You can also use dotted glue (look for it in the crafting section of a bookstore) instead of double-sided tape.
Step 6. Glue the next set of tape just above the first set
Attach a strip of tape to the end of each short tape. Arrange the ribbon just above the previous long ribbon, making sure the ends are perpendicular to each other.
Again, keep the tape distance of no more than 0.5 cm
Step 7. Turn the squares over and weave the short ribbon through the first set of ribbons
Pull the short ribbon to the front of the box. Weave the first ribbon up and down the first set of ribbons. Weave the next ribbon through the bottom and up, and so on. Continue until you have weaved all four ribbons.
Step 8. Tighten the ribbon on the back of the box
Turn the box over again. Tape a strip of double-sided tape to the end of each tape, then press one at a time into the back of the box. Make sure the ends of the ribbon match each other
For an added touch, weave a short ribbon through the long ribbon on the back, as you would with the ribbon on the front
Step 9. Add decorations in front of the box, if you want
Woven ribbons are part of the decor. If you each want to add something, buy or make matching butterfly ribbons, then glue them to the box. Instead of covering your weave, attach the bow ribbon slightly to the side so that your work is still visible.
Tips
- If the ends of the tape are too loose, you can seal them by burning them in the candle flame for a few seconds until they stick together.
- Try ribbons that have a contrasting pattern to the wrapping paper. For example, if the wrapping paper has a polka dot pattern, choose a ribbon with stripes.
- Wrap a thin layer of ribbon over the thick ribbon for a more eye-catching look.
- If you like the look of the wired tape, but don't like the wire, cut it to the desired length, then pull the wire from the tape.
- In general, the larger the box, the larger the required bandwidth. On the other hand, if the box is small, the bandwidth will be narrower.
- Don't be afraid to change the mood and use a wide band on a small square for a different look.
- Satin and grosgrain ribbons are great for gifts, but if you want a bowknot, we recommend getting wired ribbon.
- If the wrapping paper has a select one color from the pattern, then use that color for the ribbon.
- If the wrapping paper has only one solid color, choose a contrasting color for a bold look (eg red ribbon on a green square).
- Choose a ribbon color that matches the wrapping paper. For example, gold ribbons for red squares and silver ribbons for blue squares.
