How to Make a Curly Ribbon Bow

A present without a bow is like a cake without icing: It's missing the finishing touch. This video shows an easy, step-by-step method for making the most dramatic gift-topper of all―a curly ribbon bow. Try doing one the next time you gift wrap.

What You Need

• Wrapped gift
• Curling ribbon
• Tape
• Scissors

Follow These Steps

1. Measure out the length and cut the ribbon.

Use curling ribbon—the serrated type found in card shops, craft stores, and some supermarkets. To measure out the amount of ribbon you need, loosely wrap ribbon around the box about six times. Cut the ribbon, then gently slide it off the box, holding it looped together like a lasso.

2. Tie a knot in center of the lasso.

Bunch and hold the lasso in the center and tie it with a small length of ribbon.

3. Cut the loops.

Cut the loops at each end of the bundled lasso to create separate strands.

4. Grip and curl the ribbon with scissors.

Grip the middle of the bundle with your thumb and index finger. Starting from the bundle's middle and working outward, away from yourself, scrape the sharp edge of a scissors rapidly along each strand. This will create a curly ribbon. Repeat on all strands of each bundle.

Tip: When curling ribbon, hold your thumb against the dull edge of the scissors, for safety.

5. Tape your bundles.

For each finished bow, make three or four curled bundles—or more, depending on the size of your gift box. Once you've made enough bundles, stack them on your gift box and tape them down.