Video DIY – How to make a large patriotic Bowdabra bow

Celebrate the season with this fun Patriotic Bowdabra Bow Tutorial by Amanda of Whimsy Wreath Design Co., LLC! This festive red, white, and blue bow is perfect for wreaths, porch décor, gifts, and more.

Supplies:

3 yds of 3.75” wide deco mesh ribbon
3 yds of 2.5” wide wired ribbon
3 yds of 1.5” wide wired ribbon
Large Bowdabra
Bowdabra Bow Wire or 2 chenille stems and a zip tie

Instructions:

First, cut a piece of Bowdabra bow wire.  Then, fold it in half and insert it into the Bowdabra.  You will have a loop on one side and two loose wires on the other side.  This will serve as your slipknot. Tuck the ends under to stay out of the way while you are making your bow. You may substitute a chenille stem and zip ties if desired.

Using the mesh ribbon, make a shoe lace style bow with extra long tails. Find the center of the mesh ribbon and scrunch it down into the Bowdabra.  Now bring one side across and scrunch down, then bring the other side across and scrunch down. Make sure the tails are long.

Repeat this step with the blue ribbon. Now, using the red and white ribbon, place the end in the Bowdabra, twist and fold across to make a loop, and repeat on the other side, making 25 incch tails.

Next, use the 1 1/2″ wide star print ribbon to make a fold and twist bow. Scrunch in the ribbon, then bring the ribbon across and scrunch down, twist, and repeat.  Continue making loops back and forth, twisting and scrunching down into the Bowdabra.  Make sure the wrong sides are always on the inside of the bow.

Now scrunch everything down with the Bowdabra wand.  Then, insert the loose wires through the loop and pull tight while the bow is still in the Bowdabra. Then, remove the bow from the Bowdabra, separate the ends, turn to the back, and tie a knot.  Tie a double knot for extra security, or you can use two pipe cleaners twisted together.

Dovetail all the tails. To dovetail, fold the ribbon in half and cut at an angle away from the fold.

You can use the patriotic Bowdabra bow on a wreath or to decorate your deck, patio, and more!