How to tie a (nearly) perfect bow

It's bow tying season! Whether you're making cute holiday crafts, or wrapping presents, knowing how to tie a nice bow comes in handy. Here's how I do it. It's not completely fool proof, but once you learn a couple tricks and get the hang of it, you'll be tying (nearly) perfect bows all over the place.

Start by tying a knot around your project. Notice how the two ends of the ribbon head off in opposite directions. This happens naturally when you tie a knot on something vertical, and why bows often end up looking wonky.

Fold the right end of the ribbon back under itself to make a loop.

Bring the other end down over the loop. If you have thick ribbon it may fold naturally, that's ok.

Now loop the second end and push it under the first loop, and back through itself. Keep the second loop under the first one.

Pull the two loops and two ends in opposite directions alternately, guiding the ends down and the loops upwards. It may take a little tweaking to get it to lay just right, but you're almost there. Pull the loops tight once you've got it.

Trim the ends at angles, or with a V shape and finish them off with a bit of fray check. 

You're done!

If you missed my Ribbon Wrapped Hoop tutorial and free Merry and Bright embroidery pattern, be sure to check them out right here!

Happy Holidays and happy Bow Tying.

xo aimee