Making a large decorative bow out of ribbon can be a fun craft project or a great way to decorate for a special event. However, it’s important to estimate correctly how much ribbon you will need so you don’t run short. There are a few simple calculations you can make to determine how many yards of ribbon you will need based on the size of bow you want to make.
How Big is a Large Bow?
The first step is deciding how big you want your bow to be. Bows can range from small accents to huge statement pieces. Here are some general bow size guidelines:
- Small bow: 3-6 inches
- Medium bow: 6-10 inches
- Large bow: 10-18 inches
- Oversized/Jumbo bow: 18+ inches
For most large bow craft projects or decorations, a bow in the 12-18 inch range is a good standard large size.
If you want an idea of how big that is, a bow made with 3 yards of ribbon folded in half results in a bow about 12-15 inches wide. A bow made with 5 yards of ribbon can yield one 18-24 inches wide.
So if you are looking to make a big, full bow, plan for at least 3-5 yards of ribbon. More ribbon will make the bow poufier and lusher.
How to Estimate Ribbon Yardage Needed
The amount of ribbon you need depends on a few factors:
- Desired bow size (width)
- Ribbon width
- Ribbon thickness/weight
- Amount of gather/pouf
Here are some guidelines for how much ribbon you will need for different bow sizes:
12-15 inch bow
- 2.5 – 3 yards of ribbon
- Use ribbon that is 1-3 inches wide
- Wired ribbon holds shape best
16-18 inch bow
- 3.5 – 5 yards of ribbon
- Use ribbon that is 2-4 inches wide
- Wired ribbon holds shape best
20-24 inch bow
- 5 – 8 yards of ribbon
- Use ribbon that is 3-6 inches wide
- Wired ribbon is recommended
Jumbo 30+ inch bow
- 8 – 12 yards of ribbon
- Use ribbon that is 5+ inches wide
- Multiple wired ribbons may be needed
As you can see, the wider you want the bow, the more ribbon you will need. Wider ribbon can make larger bows with less yardage than narrower ribbons.
Ribbon Tips for Large Bows
Here are some tips to keep in mind when making large ribbon bows:
- For bigger bows, choose a medium to heavyweight ribbon that will hold its shape well. Wired edges are best.
- When in doubt, get more yardage than you think you need. You can always use extra ribbon for bow tails or to cut down the ribbon width.
- To make a lush, poufy bow, use 1.5-2x the yardage that you would for a flat bow.
- For huge bows, cluster or loop multiple ribbons together.
- Satin and grosgrain ribbons are classic choices, but any ribbon with body can work.
- Avoid lightweight ribbons like chiffons that are prone to wrinkling.
- Stick with solid color or simple patterns that won’t compete with a big bow.
Making a Large Bow
Once you have your ribbon measured and cut, here are some options for putting it all together:
Hand-Tied Bow
This classic style is easy to make by hand.
- Take your ribbon length and fold it in half to make a loop.
- Tie a knot at the halfway point to create your bow shape.
- Fluff out the loops and adjust as needed. Add a dot of glue under the knot to secure.
You can leave the ends long, trim into even tails, or tie off the ends into small knots.
Wire Looped Bow
For extra shaping and support, hand tie your bow then wrap floral wire around the center knot. Twist the wire neatly and tighten to define the bow waist.
Hair Clip Bows
Use metal hair clips with teeth to grip multiple ribbon layers and create voluminous bows.
- Cut lengths of ribbon, increasing by 6-12 inches per piece.
- Fold each ribbon length in half and attach partially under the clip, leaving ends loose.
- Fluff ribbons to fill out the bow.
- Trim ends evenly after bow is full to desired size.
Foam Bow Maker
For convenience, you can find inexpensive foam bow making kits. They have slots to easily loop ribbon lengths into bow shapes.
How to Measure Ribbon
To ensure you get the yardage you need for your bow, it helps to know a few key measuring tips:
- Use a cloth measuring tape or metal tape measure. Soft plastic tapes can stretch.
- Pull ribbon taut but not stretched when measuring.
- Measure along a cut edge instead of selvage edge for accuracy.
- Round your yardage up to the nearest half yard.
- Account for any length taken up by decorative ribbon edges.
It’s better to buy a little extra than to run short! You can always save leftovers for small bows or other ribbon projects.
Buying Ribbon for Bow Making
You can find ribbon in various widths, materials, patterns, and prices at:
- Craft stores like Michaels, Hobby Lobby, Joann
- Fabric stores
- Floral supply stores
- Online retailers like CreateForLess, May Arts, Trendy Ribbon
- Discount stores like Target and Walmart
Shop for ribbon that is specifically meant for crafts or floristry rather than apparel trims, which might not have enough body and support. Get wired ribbon whenever possible.
Coupons and sales can help cut costs on ribbons, which are typically sold by the yard or spool. Buy spools for the best value on large quantities.
Here is a pricing table for average ribbon yardage costs:
| Ribbon Width | Average Price Per Yard |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 inch | $0.25 – $0.75 |
| 1 – 3 inch | $0.50 – $2.00 |
| 3 – 6 inch | $1.00 – $4.00 |
| 6+ inch | $3.00 – $8.00 |
For a 15 yard spool of 5 inch wide ribbon, expect to budget $60-$100 based on quality.
Conclusion
Making oversized bows with ribbon does require some estimating and preparation to get the yardage right. But the payoff is gorgeous, lush bows that can elevate gifts, wreaths, displays, and any decor. Start by determining your desired bow size and use that to calculate how much ribbon you will realistically need. Shop for quality wired ribbon in widths suited to your project. And don’t skimp too much on yardage – it’s better to have too much ribbon than not enough! With the right materials and measurements, you’ll be tying brilliant big bows in no time.