How to Tie the Perfect Ribbon Bow
A well-tied bow does something a printed gift tag can't: it signals, before anyone's read a single word, that some care went into this. It's a small thing, but it's the last thing someone sees before they open whatever's inside - which makes it worth getting right.
Here's how to tie one that actually looks considered, plus a few notes on choosing the right ribbon in the first place.
Choosing the Right Ribbon
Not every ribbon behaves the same way, and the wrong one can make even a careful bow look flat.
Satin ribbon holds its shape well and gives a bow real structure - it's the most forgiving choice if you're not confident tying bows, since the stiffness does some of the work for you.
Grosgrain ribbon has a slight ridged texture and a more matte finish. It ties a slightly flatter, more tailored-looking bow, which suits a more understated wrap.
Wired ribbon holds a shape almost indefinitely once it's tied, including neatly curled loops and structured points - useful if you want a bow that survives being carried around or posted.
For most gift wrapping, a ribbon between 15mm and 25mm wide gives the best proportions - narrow enough not to overwhelm the parcel, wide enough that the bow has real presence.
Tying a Classic Bow
This is the standard bow most people picture, and it works on almost any size of gift.
- Wrap the ribbon around the parcel and cross the two ends over each other on top, so one end sits over the other.
- Tie a single knot, pulling it snug but not tight enough to crush the ribbon.
- Make a loop with one end of the ribbon by folding it back on itself.
- Wrap the second end around the base of the loop, then push it through the gap behind the loop to form a second loop - this is the same motion as tying a shoelace.
- Pull both loops evenly to tighten the bow, adjusting the size of each loop until they match.
- Trim the tails at an angle, or in a small inverted V, for a cleaner finish than a straight cut.
Tying a Fuller, More Layered Bow
For a more voluminous, statement bow, the technique is a small variation on the classic.
- Follow steps 1 and 2 above to tie the initial knot.
- Make several loops on each side, rather than just one - three or four loops per side, held together at the centre, gives a much fuller result.
- Wrap a short separate piece of ribbon around the centre of all the loops together, and tie or tape it at the back to hold everything in place.
- Fan the loops out by hand once secured, adjusting them until the bow looks full and even from the front.
This version takes a little more ribbon and a little more time, but it's worth it for a gift you want to feel like the centrepiece rather than a finishing touch.
A Few Things That Make the Difference
Iron out the creases first. Ribbon that's been rolled tightly on a spool often has a slight curl or crease. A quick pass with a cool iron, or simply running the ribbon between your thumb and a blunt edge, makes it lie flatter and tie more neatly.
Don't pull too tight. A bow tied too tightly loses its shape and can crush satin ribbon in particular. Snug is the goal, not taut.
Curl the tails, if the ribbon allows it. Running the blunt edge of a pair of scissors along the length of a tail, under light pressure, gives it a soft curl that looks considerably more finished than a flat, straight end.
Match the bow to the wrap. A delicate bow suits a plain, minimal wrap. A fuller, layered bow suits a bolder paper that can take the extra visual weight without feeling cluttered.
The Most Important Thing
A bow doesn't need to be perfectly symmetrical to look good - in fact, a slightly imperfect, hand-tied bow usually looks warmer than a mechanically even one. The aim is a bow that looks like a person made it, because someone did.
Shop our ribbons - satin and grosgrain, designed in our North London studio to complement our wrapping paper and gift wrap. Katie Leamon is stocked at Liberty, Harrods and Fortnum & Mason. Free UK delivery on orders over £50.