How To Tie A Gift Wrapping Bow: 6 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Home » How To Tie Bow Gift » How To Tie A Gift Wrapping Bow: 6 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Tie a Gift Wrapping Bow PDF download Download Article Explore this Article Steps Steps Other Sections Tips and Warnings Things You'll Need Related Articles References Co-authored by Amy Guerrero

Last Updated: November 12, 2023

PDF download Download Article X

This article was co-authored by Amy Guerrero. Amy Guerrero is an Arts and Crafts Specialist and the Owner of Sunshine Craft Co., a crafting studio based in Phoenix, Arizona. Amy specializes in macrame, DIY crafting, and teaching fiber arts. She offers monthly in-person and online workshops along with having developed a range of DIY craft kits for at-home projects. Amy holds a BS in Industrial Design from Philadelphia University. She worked as a graphic designer before starting her own business. Sunshine Craft Co. is a creative hub that offers a wide range of workshops, tools, and resources for any craft project to inspire creativity and community engagement. This article has been viewed 100,285 times.

Gift wrapping can be tough, especially around the holidays, but when you do it correctly, it can be quite fun! Read this article to discover multiple ways to tie a bow for your gift.

Steps

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Cut a long piece of ribbon that fits correctly around your gift and lay it over the top, holding firmly in the middle. 1 Cut a long piece of ribbon that fits correctly around your gift and lay it over the top, holding firmly in the middle. This will wrap around your gift and be where the bow sits on top of your gift. The longer your ribbon is, the bigger the bow will be. Make sure the top is long enough for you to tie a (probably) large knot and a bow.
  2. Step 2 Pull the ribbon around the box and make sure both sides of the ribbon are of the same length. 2 Pull the ribbon around the box and make sure both sides of the ribbon are of the same length. You can measure this by lifting them up and touching ends above the present. Next, pull one end of the ribbon under and over the other, so you have a "T" shape.
    • Decorative elements like ribbons, tags, or foliage can add beauty to a wrapped present. Finishing off your wrapped gift with extra ribbon, a handmade tag, or tucked foraged plant foliage will ensure an attractive final result.[1]
    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Sharply twist the fold to the side as tightly as possible. 3 Sharply twist the fold to the side as tightly as possible. You'll need to do this to create the crossed shape. After this, pull the entire ribbon around the box and meet in the middle with both ends. Now we can get into forming the bow.
  4. Step 4 Pull tightly into the middle of your box and make a huge knot. 4 Pull tightly into the middle of your box and make a huge knot. Press the middle of your bow with your finger to keep it down, or you can have somebody else hold it. You might also just use a clear piece of tape if you're unable or cautious to do this on your own and nobody's around. Now, make a regular knot. Your safest bet is to make a double or even triple knot, if you have the correct amount of ribbon and it won't be too bulky. This will be the center of your bow.
  5. Step 5 Tie a bow... 5 Tie a bow. Make it as large as you want, and be sure it's tight. You can pull out the edges a bit if you'd like, and make sure the "ears" of the bow and wide and as round as possible. The fluffier and more cartoon-ish look is what you're going for, not a flat or typical bow.
    • This will be easier to accomplish with a wired ribbon, but possibly be messier looking, so be careful!
  6. Step 6 Finally, trim the ends. 6 Finally, trim the ends. The ends should have quite a bit extra, so cut them at an angle in either diagonal direction. For an even more elegant and professional look, check the tips below for an alternative (but equally as easy) method.
    7. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Tips

  • Don't measure your ribbon to be too long or short for your box. You can measure this by putting the open end of the ribbon in the middle of the top of your box with 2-5 inches extra to use to tie the bow (the bigger the box and the thinner the ribbon, the more inches extra you'll need). Wrap it under the box, and lead the roll to the top of where the other end of the ribbon is (that 2-5 inches above the box). Cut there. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • For a more elegant and professionally-wrapped look, fold the very bottoms of the ribbon ends and cut at an angle. It should look like the tip of an arrow facing inward to the present if done correctly. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • For more precise visuals, push against the ribbon on the creases of the box with a bit of pressure. Most ribbon will conform to the shape of the edge, making it seem tight and neat. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Make sure any and all folds or twists are out of the bow. You should follow the bow's path with your fingers when crossing the ribbon over to prevent this, as this is the time you'll be most likely to twist the ribbon around. If you don't stop this from happening, you'll have to redo the entire bow, which may leave creases and folds in your bow, making it useless for a presentable present. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 3
  • Don't expect to make a perfect bow the first time, or you might become disappointed or discouraged. The images used are experienced in tying that certain bow, so it may take many tries before you actually get a presentable one. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
  • Remember: The bigger the bow, the more fragile. If your bow is large, you'll have to put it in an especially safe spot and make sure it's on its own or on top of other gifts when you present it to the recipient.
    • This applies even more to Christmas - leave a note on it if the gift is put under the tree before all of the presents are. You can remove it on Christmas morning so the recipient is still surprised with a flawless gift.
    Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Advertisement

Things You'll Need

  • Ribbon (any size suitable for the present)
  • A gift (preferably a boxed gift)
  • Scissors
  • The ability to tie a knot

You Might Also Like

Tie a Ribbon Around a BoxHow to Wrap a Ribbon Around a Box: 5 Simple & Stylish Ways Make a Gift BowHow toMake a Gift Bow Wrap Gift BoxesHow to Wrap a Box Like a Pro Tie a BowHow to Make a Bow with Ribbon: Step-by-Step Guide Make a Bow Out of a RibbonHow to Make Bows with Ribbon Like a Pro Make a BowHow toMake a Bow Make a Bow with Wired RibbonHow toMake a Bow with Wired Ribbon Wrap a PresentHow to Wrap a Present Like a Pro Wrap Big BoxesHow toWrap Big Boxes How toCurl Ribbon with Scissors Make a Hair Bow out of RibbonHow toMake a Hair Bow out of Ribbon Make a Paper BowHow toMake a Paper Bow How toTie an Ornament Bow How to Make DIY Fabric Bows without Sewing Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ Amy Guerrero. Arts & Crafts Specialist. Expert Interview

About This Article

Amy Guerrero Co-authored by: Amy Guerrero Arts & Crafts Specialist This article was co-authored by Amy Guerrero. Amy Guerrero is an Arts and Crafts Specialist and the Owner of Sunshine Craft Co., a crafting studio based in Phoenix, Arizona. Amy specializes in macrame, DIY crafting, and teaching fiber arts. She offers monthly in-person and online workshops along with having developed a range of DIY craft kits for at-home projects. Amy holds a BS in Industrial Design from Philadelphia University. She worked as a graphic designer before starting her own business. Sunshine Craft Co. is a creative hub that offers a wide range of workshops, tools, and resources for any craft project to inspire creativity and community engagement. This article has been viewed 100,285 times. 55 votes - 63% Co-authors: 8 Updated: November 12, 2023 Views: 100,285 Categories: Bow Projects
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 100,285 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Sam S.

    Sam S.

    Dec 14, 2016

    "This taught me the one step I was too daft to realize at first."
Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Amy Guerrero Co-authored by: Amy Guerrero Arts & Crafts Specialist 55 votes - 63% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 8 Updated: November 12, 2023 Views: 100,285 Sam S.

Sam S.

Dec 14, 2016

"This taught me the one step I was too daft to realize at first." Share yours!

Quizzes & Games

Gift Giving Personality TestGift Giving Personality TestAnalyze MeWhat Christmas Gift Should You Get Them?What Christmas Gift Should You Get Them?GenerateShould You Bring a Gift? Find Out!Should You Bring a Gift? Find Out!What Makeup Should I Wear QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizTake QuizWhat Gift Should I Get My Boyfriend QuizWhat Gift Should I Get My Boyfriend QuizTake QuizWhat Is My Face Shape QuizWhat Is My Face Shape QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Tie a Ribbon Around a BoxHow to Wrap a Ribbon Around a Box: 5 Simple & Stylish WaysMake a Gift BowHow toMake a Gift BowWrap Gift BoxesHow to Wrap a Box Like a ProTie a BowHow to Make a Bow with Ribbon: Step-by-Step Guide

Featured Articles

What Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)What Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & Icebreakers110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & IcebreakersHow Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse?How Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse? Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)How to Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)

Trending Articles

How Many People Had a Crush on Me This Year? Find Out HereHow Many People Had a Crush on Me This Year? Find Out HereWhat Song Was #1 On My Birthday?What Song Was #1 On My Birthday?What Are My Soulmate's Initials QuizWhat Are My Soulmate's Initials QuizAm I Chopped QuizAm I Chopped QuizWhat Generation Do I Really Belong In QuizWhat Generation Do I Really Belong In QuizKissHow toKiss

Featured Articles

What Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerWhat Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerLove AnalyzerLove AnalyzerSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasExercise Your BrainHow toExercise Your BrainBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithHow toBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithWhat Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?What Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?

Featured Articles

Develop Productive HabitsHow toDevelop Productive HabitsPractice Self CareHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?What Song Matches Your Life Right Now?Your 2026 Vision: What Does Next Year Hold?Your 2026 Vision: What Does Next Year Hold?Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Type A B C D Personality TestType A B C D Personality Test

Watch Articles

Deep Clean Your Kitchen Sink (& Keep It Clean)How to Deep Clean Your Kitchen Sink (& Keep It Clean) Curl Your Hair: 8 Easy & Quick WaysHow to Curl Your Hair: 8 Easy & Quick WaysThicken Sauce with FlourHow toThicken Sauce with Flour Brighten Up White Shirts and Other GarmentsHow to Brighten Up White Shirts and Other Garments Cook White Rice without a Rice CookerHow to Cook White Rice without a Rice Cooker Clean Out the Inside of a Glass Bottle (With or Without a Brush)How to Clean Out the Inside of a Glass Bottle (With or Without a Brush)

Trending Articles

How Will I Die QuizHow Will I Die QuizLose Belly Fat in 2 WeeksHow toLose Belly Fat in 2 Weeks10+ Scary Phone Numbers to Call10+ Scary Phone Numbers to CallWhat Animal Do I Look Like QuizWhat Animal Do I Look Like QuizHow Rare Is Your Name?How Rare Is Your Name?What Gender Should I Have Been Born As QuizWhat Gender Should I Have Been Born As Quiz

Quizzes & Games

What's My Hair Type QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizTake QuizAm I a Good Kisser QuizAm I a Good Kisser QuizTake QuizChristmas QuizChristmas QuizTake QuizThank You Message GeneratorThank You Message GeneratorGenerateHair Curl Type QuizHair Curl Type QuizTake QuizFinish the Phrase QuizFinish the Phrase QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Hobbies and Crafts
  • Crafts
  • Decoration Projects
  • Bow Projects
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve

Let's go! X --474

Tag » How To Tie Bow Gift