The Loopy Foliage Bow
A Lady Montana Design
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Materials * Satin ribbon gives this bow a flatter yet still attractive look. |
Preparing the Wire
1. Cut the piece of stem wire to 8".
2. Tightly wrap the 8" length of stem wire with the satin ribbon. Take a few stitches to secure.
Creating the Bow
1. Cut 21 7" sections of wired ribbon. Put remaining ribbon aside.
2. Thread a needle and knot one end.
3. Fold one 7" ribbon section in half so a loop is formed and the short ends are aligned.|
4. Stitch a gathering stitch along the aligned short ends 1/4" from the edge. Upon reaching the end, gather to roughly 1/2" wide and then push your needle back through the gathers. Take a short backstitch to secure.
5. Holding the looped ribbon section so the loop is on the top and appears to be standing upright, place it on the wrapped stem wire 1/2" from the top. Take enough stitches through the ribbon and the wrapped stem wire to secure.
6. Gather a second 7" ribbon section as before. Holding it in the same fashion, place it onto the wrapped stem wire 1/4" below the raw edge of the first section. Be sure it's aligned with the first ribbon section. Take enough stitches to secure, being sure to catch the wrapped stem wire and the edge of the previous ribbon loop.
7. Continue until all 21 ribbon sections have been attached to the wire.
Note: Placing each ribbon section more than 1/4" apart gives the bow a longer look. All will look to be standing upright and will be aligned. The raw edges will be visible on only one side.
8. From the remaining ribbon, cut 2 8" long sections. Place them, unfolded, on top of one another and gather as you did for each 7" ribbon section. Attach them to the wrapped stem wire in the same fashion as each ribbon section was attached.
Finishing
1. Each loop should be standing upright. Fold each loop down, gently opening and skewing each to one side or the other so the loops do not appear to be stacked.
2. Spread both tails so they don't appear to be one top of one another.
3. If desired, the stem wire can also be bent into an arch or s-curve.
Final Ideas for This Versatile Bow
1. Stand the bow on the crown of a hat.
2. Tuck one or more into your Christmas tree.
3. Place several on your holiday table along with antique glass balls.
4. Use as a package bow, placing three long feathers on the package first and laying the bow on top.
Please note: You may copy, print and create this design for personal use only. It may not be made for resale.
