Today, we are sharing the secret of how to make the perfect Christmas bow, so you can elevate your wrapping game…just in time for Christmas! Whether you’re giving personal or corporate gifts, it’s important that the presentation is as high a quality as the gift itself. If you’re wondering if the presentation of your gift really matters, we’ve got a whole blog just about this topic. Spoiler alert – the presentation does matter.

Ok – let’s get started.

Before you actually make the bow, you’ll need to choose your ribbon. You will need several feet of a wired ribbon. It must have the wiring for the bow to maintain its shape. Remember that Christmas bows are very ornate, so sometimes less is more when it comes to the ribbon. I often use a solid color or simple pattern if I’m making a large Christmas bow.

The Secret to making a Perfect Christmas BowHow to make the perfect Christmas Bow:

1. Put ribbon under box/gift.

2. Cross at the top to wrap ribbon around other sides.

3. Tie the ribbon on the bottom side of the gift.

4. Cut another piece of ribbon for ends of bow. The length here will vary depending on the size of your box. For reference, if you’re wrapping one of our luxury gift boxes, we’d recommend a 12-inch piece of ribbon for the 9”x10” box (shown in the images here).

5. Cut one end of ribbon so there is a triangle missing at the end of the ribbon.

6. Cut other end of ribbon the same way.

The Secret to making a Perfect Christmas Bow7. Make sure the ends are similar in shape and size.

8. Place the shorter piece of ribbon under the ribbon around the box.

9. Wrap the shorter ribbon around the ribbon that is around the box. You can twist it a couple of times like a twist tie to secure it.

10. Cut a loooooooooong ribbon. Or better yet, just start the steps below, pulling the ribbon off the spool as you go and cut the ribbon at the end.

11. Create a loop.

The Secret to making a Perfect Christmas Bow12. Create a loop on the other side. Try to make sure the loops are even.

13. If your ribbon is one-sided (i.e. there is glitter or images only on one side), you’ll need to give the ribbon a half twist on the back.

14. Create a second loop on one side.

15. Repeat that half twist if you’re working with a one-sided ribbon.

16. Create a second loop on the other side

17. Do a half twist if needed

18. Repeat steps 14-16 until you have the desired number of loops. We usually do four.

The Secret to making a Perfect Christmas Bow19. Adjust the loops as needed to ensure the loop on the top is the smallest and the loops get progressively larger. Once you’re happy with the sizes, cut the ribbon from the spool if you left it connected back in step 10. This will be your bow.

20. Cut another small piece of ribbon.

21. Place the ribbon on top of the center of the bow you just made.

22. You will attach the bow by wrapping the short ribbon around the bow and the ribbon you wrapped around the box and twisting it like a twist tie underneath the ribbon you tied around the box.

23. Adjust bow and loops to your liking.

You did it! Congratulations. We wish we could see the faces of your gift recipient when they open your beautifully wrapped gift!

Did you create a Christmas bow? Share a photo in the comments below!