If tying bows with ribbon feels harder than it should, you’re not alone. Whether you’re making handmade cards, scrapbooking, or wrapping a gift, getting bows and knots to look neat and balanced can be surprisingly frustrating. That’s why today I’m sharing my best tips for how to tie perfect bows and knots with ribbon—without wasting ribbon or fighting with bulky bows.
In the video below, you’ll learn simple, practical techniques for tying clean square knots, figuring out exactly how much ribbon you need for different card sizes, and even creating easy ribbon knots that are flatter for mailing. I’ve also included a free bow tying cheat sheet you can download and keep handy the next time you’re crafting or wrapping a gift.
Tie Perfect Bows & Knots with Ribbon | Video Tutorial
This tutorial has become one of my most popular videos because these ribbon techniques work for so many projects—not just card making, but scrapbooking and gift wrapping too.
🎀 What’s the hardest part for you when tying bows with ribbon—getting the knot right, cutting the right length, or keeping bows flat for mailing?
Why Ribbon Bows Can Be Tricky
If your ribbon bows never look quite right, you’re not alone. Most bow problems come from using the wrong knot or cutting too much (or too little) ribbon. A few simple techniques can make a huge difference—and once you learn them, ribbon becomes fun instead of frustrating.
How to Tie a Perfect Square Knot with Ribbon
A square knot is the secret to bows and knots that lay flat and stay centered. This type of knot works especially well for handmade cards because it reduces bulk and keeps everything neat.
In the video, I’ll show you exactly how to tie a square knot step by step and share tips for working with slippery ribbon so your knots don’t twist or slide.
How Much Ribbon You Really Need
Guessing ribbon length is one of the biggest causes of wasted ribbon. The amount you need depends on your card size and whether you’re tying a bow or a simple knot.
To make this easy, I’ve created a free bow tying cheat sheet that shows how much ribbon to cut for different projects—no more trial and error.
Don’t forget to print or save the FREE DOWNLOAD with my bow tying cheat sheet!
Spend them on your next Stampin’ Up! order or save them up for a bigger purchase!
Pinterest-ing
If you love saving helpful crafting tips for later, be sure to pin this tutorial to your favorite card making, paper crafting, or gift wrapping boards. This bow tying guide is perfect to reference anytime you’re working with ribbon, and pinning it makes it easy to find again when you need it. For more card making tips, ribbon techniques, and creative inspiration, follow me on Pinterest and never miss a new idea.
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Christina and I had a blast sharing and learning together. I hope that you learned a new tip or two on bow tying! It just takes a little practice. I know you can do!
Have a great week, my friends!
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Thanks for these tips, Connie. I’ve never mastered flat knots or tying of bows! haha! Enjoy your staycation with your girls.
Thank you for the bow making tips. Have a wonderful staycation! Enjoy your family?
I hate making bow!! This really helped