How to Make A Shabby Bow

I love to put shabby bows on my projects and have found this is one of the simplest ways to make one. I hope you find it helpful.


To create a shabby bow, follow the step-by-step tutorial below:

1.  Color seam binding or Tim Holtz Crinkle Ribbon with Distress Ink, Stain OR Spray in the desired color by creating a mixture of the ink with water onto a craft mat.

2.   Gently run the ribbon through the ink and water mixture to color the ribbon and dry with a heat tool.

3.   Next, dip the ribbon in the ink and water mixture in random areas to get a pretty variation of color on the ribbon.

4.   Let the ribbon completely dry.

When the ribbon is completely dry, cut a small piece of ribbon off one end. This piece will be used to tie your bow together after it is formed.

Hold one end of the ribbon on your fingers with your thumb.

Weave the ribbon around the index finger, middle finger and pinky.

Continue weaving the ribbon around your fingers and pinky until all the ribbon is woven to the opposite end.

Use the thumb and pointer finger of your free hand and pinch the ribbon in the middle carefully removing it from your hand and secure the center with precision tip tweezers. Using this type of tweezer is like having a third hand.

Tie the smaller piece of ribbon around the center of your bow and remove the tweezers.

Your bow is ready for your project.