Christmas Bows Are Our Favorite Decor Trend, Here’s How To Make Them

Tired of store-bought ribbons? Learn how to make the perfect gift bow at home for a chic, handmade touch to gifts and holiday decor!

Bows are having their moment this holiday season, and it’s not hard to see why. No longer relegated to oversized, shiny taffeta accents, ribbons and bows have reemerged as timeless yet stylish decorations, offering a fresh take on holiday decor. From Christmas trees adorned with delicate velvet bows to wrapped gifts, table settings, and even glassware, bows are the go-to detail for adding charm and a touch of nostalgia to your home.

Experts suggest that the resurgence of bows ties back to trends seen in fashion—think Rodarte or Sandy Liang’s dreamy, vintage-inspired styles—giving them a romantic and slightly whimsical quality perfect for the festive season. Their versatility is unmatched: whether layered on trees in deep brown shades for a cozy, elegant vibe like Hotel 1928 or styled with feminine pinks and sparkling tinsel for a full-on festive look, bows adapt beautifully to any aesthetic.

For DIYers, bows are both budget-friendly and impactful. Swap pricey ornaments for ribbons on your tree, tie subtle gold or black velvet bows onto your champagne glasses, or elevate your tablescape by adding bow-shaped napkin ties. From vintage boutiques to TikTok creators, everyone’s getting creative with how bows can enhance decor—and now, it’s your turn to try it.

How To Make Gift Bow

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

To get started, you’ll need:

• A 60 cm ribbon of your choice (satin or velvet works beautifully).
• A pair of sharp scissors to cut clean edges.
• A lighter to seal the ribbon ends and prevent fraying.

Ensure everything is laid out on a flat surface so you can work smoothly. Now, let’s move on to shaping the perfect bow!

Step 2: Measure and Fold the Ribbon

Take your 60 cm ribbon and measure approximately 10 cm from one end. This section will serve as the first tail of your bow. Pinch the ribbon gently at this point to mark where the loops will begin.

Holding the ribbon steady, move on to creating the loops!

Step 3: Create the First Loop

Fold the ribbon over to form the first loop. Make sure the loop is even and symmetrical, holding it in place with your thumb and index finger. The length of the loop depends on how big you want the bow to be, but aim for consistency as you work.

Keep holding the base of the loop tightly to maintain its shape.

Step 4: Create the Second Loop

Take the ribbon and fold it across to form a second loop on the opposite side. Keep both loops even in size for a symmetrical bow. Hold the center point where the loops overlap firmly with your fingers to keep everything in place. This will serve as the base structure for your bow.

Step 5: Tuck and Pull the Ribbon

Take the loose end of the ribbon and carefully tuck it between your two fingers, sliding it under the lower fold of the ribbon loops. Then, pull the ribbon piece out from the back of your hand to secure the center. This step creates the base that will hold your bow in place.

Take the long end of the ribbon and carefully tuck it between your two fingers. This should go underneath the bottom fold of the ribbon that’s wrapped around your fingers.

Once tucked in, bring the ribbon out through the back of your hand, as shown. This creates a base for securing the bow while keeping the loops intact.

Think of it like threading the ribbon into position before tying the knot.

Step 5: Secure and Adjust the Bow

Now that the ribbon has been looped and tucked, it’s time to pull everything together.

Gently tighten the tucked ribbon by pulling the loose end downwards, securing the bow at the center.

Adjust the loops and tails as needed, ensuring the bow looks symmetrical and the folds sit neatly. Hold the ribbon firmly in place while straightening and fluffing up the loops to give them volume.

At this point, the bow will start taking shape, with defined loops and a smooth knot at the center.

Step 6: Trim and Shape the Bow Ends

To finish your bow, take the loose ribbon tails and fold each one lengthwise. Use your scissors to make a diagonal cut, starting from the outer edge and moving inward. This will create a neat, pointed V-shape at the ends of the ribbon.

Once you’ve trimmed the edges, fluff out the loops and adjust the knot to ensure your bow looks symmetrical and polished. Smooth out the ribbon with your fingers for that picture-perfect finish.

Step 8: Seal the Edges

To keep the ribbon ends from fraying, use a lighter to gently heat-seal the edges. Lightly run the flame close to the cut edges of the ribbon, but don’t let it linger too long to avoid burning the fabric. This step ensures your bow stays crisp and neat, giving it a professional, polished look.

And voilà! Your ribbon bow is complete and ready to add a charming, elegant touch to your holiday decor or gift wrapping.