Video how to – Make a super easy patriotic swag bow

Sandy Sandler, the creator of the Bowdabra shows you how you can make a super easy patriotic swag bow for your door.  Follow along and she shows you the simple steps to make this elegant entry door swag. But don’t stop here you can use this bow for gifts, centerpieces and more!

This design uses mesh as a backing to add volume and depth without using as much ribbon, making it both beautiful and budget friendly. You’ll also see how to combine a traditional bow, a funky bow, and a shoelace bow into one eye-catching patriotic door decoration.

Materials:

4 yards – 6773.60/10-914#6773 Wave the Flag Ribbon 2-1/2 wide in Red/White/Blue1.5 yards

7809.40/10-614#7809 Elite Velvet/ 2-sided Ribbon 1 ½” wide In Royal Blue/Gold 2 ½ yards

7740.60/10-609# 7740 Sequin Sparkle Ribbon 2 ½’ wide in Red

1.5 yards of 21” wide Deco Mesh

18” Scrunchy Ribbon

Bowdabra

Bowdabra Bow Wire

Instructions:

First, cut a long 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.

Next, roll the ends of the mesh under so that the fraying will not show in the finished door swag. Then scrunch down into the Bowdabra in the center.  When you get to the end of the mesh fold that end under as well to hide any fraying.

Now, using the wave the flag ribbon cut a length and dovetail the ends and place in the Bowdabra for the tails. Scrunch everything down with the Bowdabra wand since the mesh has a tendency to pop up.

Next, make a traditional fold and twist bow. First, scrunch in the ribbon right side down, 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. Bring up the loops to make sure they are about the same size.

Now, create funky bow style bow with the red sparkle ribbon. Twist and fold lengths of ribbon in half with a loop on one side and two tails on the other like an awareness ribbon. Then, place them in the Bowdabra alternating the sides of loops and tails. Make sure the wrong side of the ribbon is on the inside of the bow.

Scrunch everything down with the wand and make a shoelace bow with the blue velvet ribbon. Find the center of the 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.

Finally, end the swag with another scrunchy bow. Using some Bowdabra scrunchy ribbon insert it from the top and scrunch down like an accordion. Make sure you scrunch from the center. Bowdabra scrunchy ribbon jazzes up and elevates this swag perfectly!

Now, scrunch everything down with the Bowdabra wand holding with your hand if necessary.  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.

Fluff and shape the easy patriotic swag bow and use as the perfect holiday décor!