A present without a bow is like a cake without icing!
Give yours some personality, pizzazz, and panache.
If your gift is missing its finishing touch, learn how to make a curly ribbon bow.
Photo: Дарья Потапова/Adobe Stock
The best ribbon for curling is the narrow, crimped, poly key in.
Flat poly and satin ribbons curly nicely, too.
(you’ve got the option to often find it in shiny or metallic holiday colors.)
For a monochromatic look, make a curly ribbon bow using just one color ribbon.
For a multicolor effect, stack curled ribbon bundles in several hues.
Cut an additional short length of ribbon, about 2 to 3 inches.
Cut the Loops
Cut the loops at each end of the bundled lasso.
This will create separate strands.
Grip and Curl
Grip the middle of the bundle with your thumb and index finger.
Use your thumb to hold the ribbon taut against the scissors.
Repeat for all strands of each bundle.
Group and Tape the Bundles
Make three or four curled bundles (or more!)
for each finished bow, depending on the size of your gift box.
Once you’ve made enough bundles, stack them on your gift box and tape them down.
Using your pointer finger and thumb, grip the ribbon at the top of the strand.
This ribbon is made of plastic, has a slightly rough texture, and is lightweight.
You may be able to straighten a ribbon after curling it.
