Mastering the Art of Bow-Making: Common Mistakes (and Easy Fixes!)
Beautiful bows can completely transform a wreath—but even experienced makers run into hiccups now and then. Uneven loops, twisted ribbon, or bows that just don’t sit right can be frustrating. The good news? Most bow-making mistakes are easy to fix once you know what to look for.
Let’s walk through some of the most common bow-making issues and how to correct them, so you can create polished, professional-looking bows every time.
Uneven Loops and Tails
Uneven loops and tails are one of the most common bow-making struggles. If one side is longer than the other, the bow can look off-balance.
Easy Fix:
As you form each loop, pause and check the length before moving on. Using a ruler or measuring tape can help keep things consistent, especially for multi-loop bows. Once your bow is secured, trim the tails evenly for a clean, finished look.
💡 Tip: Wired ribbon makes this much easier, since it holds its shape and allows you to adjust loops without collapsing.
Tangled or Twisted Ribbon
Twisted ribbon can make even the prettiest ribbon look messy in a bow.
Easy Fix:
Before you start, fully unroll your ribbon and smooth it out. As you create each loop, keep the ribbon flat and gently straighten it if it starts to twist. This is especially important with patterned or printed wired ribbon so the design stays visible.
Ignoring Bow Proportions
A bow that’s too large or too small can overpower or even disappear on your wreath.
Easy Fix:
Match your bow size to your project. Fuller wreaths often need larger loops and longer tails, while smaller wreaths or signs look best with tighter, more compact bows. Adjust loop width and tail length until everything feels balanced.
Using the Wrong Ribbon Type
Not all ribbon behaves the same, and using the wrong kind can make bow-making harder than it needs to be.
Easy Fix:
Choose ribbon based on the look you want. Wired ribbon is ideal for structured bows with lots of volume, while softer ribbons work well for relaxed or draped styles. Pay attention to ribbon width too. A wider ribbon creates bold bows, while narrower ribbon is great for layering.
At Wreath & Bow Co, our wired ribbon selection is perfect for shaping, fluffing, and adjusting bows without frustration.
Rushing the Finishing Touches
A bow isn’t finished until it’s secured and fluffed, and rushing this step can undo all your hard work.
Easy Fix:
Take an extra minute to tightly secure your bow with floral wire or zip ties. Trim any excess ribbon cleanly and fluff each loop until the bow looks full and intentional. These final steps make a big difference in how professional your bow looks.
Create Bows You’re Proud Of
Bow-making is a skill that improves with practice, patience, and the right supplies. By avoiding these common mistakes and using quality wired ribbon, mesh, and wreath accents, you’ll feel more confident with every bow you make.
At Wreath & Bow Co, we’re here to support your creativity with dependable supplies that make crafting easier and more enjoyable. Keep practicing, keep experimenting, and most importantly have fun creating bows that bring your wreaths to life.
Happy crafting!