How to Make a Sport-themed Bow for a Fabulous Father’s Day Gift Presentation

A sport‑themed bow makes a fun, personal finishing touch for a Father’s Day gift—especially when you’re pairing it with something practical like a bar of handcrafted soap. This project turns a simple gift into something thoughtful and display‑worthy, and it’s a great way to use bold football, baseball, and basketball ribbons that dads love.

A layered, corkscrew ribbon bow made with sport‑print ribbon instantly gives a small gift big personality. The mix of colors, textures, and patterns creates a playful, energetic look that feels perfect for dads who love game day.

Gather These Materials:

• 1 yd. each of three sport‑themed ⅜” ribbons in assorted prints (football, baseball, basketball, team colors, etc.)
• 8” length solid‑color 1½” grosgrain ribbon (brown, black, green, or team colors)
• 21” length solid‑color 1½” grosgrain ribbon (brown, black, green, or team colors)
• Mini Bowdabra
• Bar of handcrafted soap (cedarwood, sandalwood, charcoal, or bourbon scents work beautifully)
• Kraft paper for wrapping the soap bar or small gift box

Let’s Make the Sport-Themed Bow:

1. Make the Corkscrew Ribbons

• Wrap each length of the printed ribbons around a skewer or knitting needle. Mist generously with water.
• Bake in a 250°F oven for 20 minutes.
• Let the ribbons cool completely. Cut each corkscrew length into three pieces.

2. Load the Mini Bowdabra

• Place one of the corkscrew ribbons in the Mini Bowdabra.

3. Layer Bow Ribbons in Mini Bowdabra

• Cut dovetails on each end of the 8” grosgrain ribbon. To cut a dovetail, fold the ribbon in half and cut the end at a 45° angle.
• Place this ribbon in the Mini Bowdabra.
• Make a graduated bow using the 21” length of grosgrain. To make a graduated bow, the second set of loops are smaller than the first two.
• Layer the remaining corkscrew ribbon lengths.

4. Compress and Tie

• Once all ribbons are layered, compress the stack with the Bowdabra wand.
• With the ribbons still in the Mini Bowdabra tie a secure knot with the first corkscrew ribbon you put in the Mini Bowdabra.
• Fluff the sport-themed bow.

Now you’re ready to wrap the soap bar in kraft paper or place it in a small box. Use a glue dot or hot glue to attach the bow to the top. Press firmly so it stays in place.

Variations to Try

• Use team‑color ribbons for a more personalized look.
• Add a small tag with “#1 Dad” or “Happy Father’s Day.”
• Pair the soap with a matching washcloth, razor set, or grooming kit.
• Make a second bow for a coordinating gift bag.