How to Tie a Flat Bow Tutorial with One Sided Ribbon

By Annette Rosanelli Published on February 1, 2024 | Updated on December 5, 2024

When crafting, a flat bow can really jazz up a project like card making. It is important for the bow used in these projects to be a flat bow. But what if the ribbon used is only printed on one side of the ribbon?

If the bow is tied using the typical bow-tying method, only portions of the bow will have the printed design showing and other parts will not. The bow needs to look uniform.

If the ribbon is patterned only on one side, it could end up looking like this. This isn't what you want! This video tutorial and the step-by-step written instructions below explain how to tie a flat bow when the ribbon is only printed on one side.

Watch our video tutorial below or click the link if you prefer to watch How to Tie a Flat Bow Tutorial with One Sided Ribbon in Youtube.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. We make a small commission on sales through the affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Thank you in advance for your purchase and your support! Please see our full Affiliate Statement for more information.

supplies on how to tie a flat a bow

Ribbon with pattern on one side
Scissors

how to tie a flat bow

step 1: make a loop with the tail

Keeping the ribbon on the spool, pick up the tail-end of the ribbon with the non-dominant hand.

Make a loop with the tail end over the top of the ribbon using the dominant hand.

Ensure that the ribbon's tail is long enough to leave a nice tail at the end of the finished flat bow.

Step 2: Wrap the ribbon around the back of the flat bow

Next, wrap the ribbon around your thumb to the back. When the ribbon is at the back, make a half twist with the ribbon. This half-twist will ensure that the design will show on the front of the bow.

Step 3: Put the ribbon through the loop

After the half twist has been made, bring the ribbon to the front. and through the original loop that was made.

Using the fingers, adjust the loops to the desired size.

Pull the two loops to tighten the knot of the bow. The bow should be symmetrical with the loops being the same size.

step 4: cut the tail

The bow will still be attached to the ribbon spool.

Making sure the tails are the same length, cut the ribbon that is still attached to the spool.

Below is a picture comparing the flat bow tied with the pattern showing and the traditional tied bow.

The flat bow is finished! It is ready to be used in the next craft project. Perhaps a greeting card, scrapbook page, invitation, or other crafts.

I hope you enjoyed learning how to tie a flat bow with a one-sided ribbon. Make that next project look fancy and professional!

Have fun crafting with bows!

QUESTIONS?

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bow projects

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