The Twisted Boutique Bow
This is a VERY popular bow!
And there are tons of ways to make it.
Many of you may have learned how to make this bow through our Tricks of the Trade Hair Bow Instructions, where it gives you techniques for tons of bows! That’s where I learned how to make it. 
This is a different technique to use, especially if you don’t want tails.
All you need is ribbon and a needle and thread.
To finish it off, you will need matching ribbon, a clip, and a hot glue gun.
First you need to decide on how big you want your bow to be.
These bows look great huge or little, as a base for a big stacked bow, or as a center.
Once you know how big your bow is, you will use this formula to figure out how much ribbon to cut. For example, if you want a 3″ bow, you need to add 1 1/2″ to 3″ and then times it by 4. 3 + 1.5 = 4.5. Then times 4.5 x 4 = 18″. Using this formula, you will cut 18″ of ribbon for a 3″ bow.
Cut your ribbon and seal your ends.
Get your needle and thread ready.
Double your thread and make a knot on the end.
Fold your ribbon in half and mark the center.
Now lay your ribbon vertical.
Bring the top of the ribbon down and turn it so the right side is facing down (or the wrong side.)
Repeat with the other end of the ribbon.
Bring this end up in the opposite direction you used with the top end.
For this tutorial, I used ribbon adhesive so I could show what the technique looks like.
You can do the same thing just by putting adhesive on the end of the ribbon.
Just know, this does limit how much you can move the bow around at the end.
Now take the top part of the loop and bring it to the center.
Make sure both loops are even.
Repeat with the bottom loop.
Next we are going to secure the bow with your needle and thread.
Put your needle in the center of the bow.
Pick up the bow and bring the needle halfway through the bow.
Here is where you will do a little more straightening of the bow.
Pull the loops to the shape that you like.
When you’ve got your shape (and make sure to hold it tight with your finger and thumb),
pull the needle and thread all the way through.
Bring the thread up and around and back up, tightening as you go.
When you tighten the thread (while holding your shape), create an accordion style crease
in the center of the bow.
Tighten the thread until there is no more give and then go around 1 – 2 more times.
Take a couple stitches in the back to secure the thread.
Now your bow is done and ready to be added to a clip or to a bigger bow.
For Beginners: This bow is a difficult bow.
It takes a lot, and I mean A LOT, of practice so don’t get discouraged.
I have made many bows using this technique, and I still struggle.
The bows you see on this blog are most likely not my first attempt.
For this bow (this was my second attempt), I hot glued some of the loops together in the back so they would hold their shape better. The picture below shows where I put my glue.
This bow is really fun and so popular!
I especially love this Houndstooth Ribbon.
I finished my bow with 3/8″ White Solid Grosgrain Ribbon to wrap around the center, and then tied a knot in 5/8″ Island Blue Solid Grosgrain Ribbon and added spikes and glued it down.
I hope this tutorial was easy to follow, and please, let me know if you have any questions!
26 Comments
Thank you! I figured that it was, but just wanted to be sure!
Hi Krystal! Sorry about that! 7/8″. – Shirley
What size was the houndstooth ribbon that you used? You mentioned the size of the white and blue, but not the houndstooth! Thank you!
I am so happy to hear that Marcee! Thanks for your comment! – Shirley
I made it! And it looks great!! Thank you so much
Hi Janet! I haven’t tried it, and honestly, I would probably just cut a spike and layer it in there lol, but one of our commenters on this post said “I have used this method too, but I have figured out how make tails using this method. It is really simple. You just need to put one end of the ribbon on top of the center and the other end of the ribbon under the center. Measure down the ends of the ribbon the length that you want your tails and line that measurement up with the center. I use a stick pin in the center to keep everything in place and to make adjusting the loops simpler. Then you just finish the bow following the rest of the steps. Love this method!” Let me know if you have troubles and I’ll try tackling it. – Shirley
First time I’ve been able to make a twisted boutique bow come out right! Being from Alabama, houndstooth is almost our signature pattern (a la Bear Bryant). I have to get me some houndstooth ribbon and embellish it with crimson! I’d like directions on making this bow with tails?
I love your site! It looks clean, fresh and it is a useful source for fellow bow makers:)
How would I do this with bigger ribbon for a bigger bow plus a tail?
The bow is gorgeous! It’s perfect for gift wrapping or decorating. Love the print on the ribbon as well.
This tutorial is amazing. Thank you so much for posting it!! Going to try it out tonight!
Thanks Berg! I really felt weird not wrapping it, but I love how it turned out.
Sorry, I meant layer the knot on top of the bow
Thank you very much! I really love how you just layer the know on top of the bow istead of wrapping it! Good Idea!
Hi,love it!! thank you very much
Hi Stephanie! Take a picture of your final bow and send it to me at shirley@theribbonretreat.com so I can see what you mean. Then I will try my best to give some suggestions on how to fix it. Thanks!
I have tried to make this bow a million times and I always end up with one side loopy and the other side straight. Anyone ever had this problem and learned how to fit it? I would love some pointers.
LOVE LOVE LOVE this tutorial!
I have used this method too, but I have figured out how make tails using this method. It is really simple. You just need to put one end of the ribbon on top of the center and the other end of the ribbon under the center. Measure down the ends of the ribbon the length that you want your tails and line that measurement up with the center. I use a stick pin in the center to keep everything in place and to make adjusting the loops simpler. Then you just finish the bow following the rest of the steps. Love this method!
Awesome easy directions. My bows turned out really good. Thanks for such a wonderful site
I am going to give this a try tonight! And you are right. You need a lot of patience and practice to get the bow just right. I still have not mastered the technique but I am getting there. Also would like to ask if anyone out there has ever ordered anything off a website called Sweetbabybowtique.com?
THANK YOU!!!! These instructions look SO much easier that the TOTT instructions. I can’t tell you how much time, ribbon and frustration I’ve put into trying to make this bow (without success!) I can’t wait to try this out
The TOTT instructions should be updated to include this method.
This is how I started making bows even before I had directions for anything. I find this the simplest of the bows to make.
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You. I don’t know how many differ ways I have tried to make this bow and haven’t it hasn’t some out. I tried it this was once and I got it. =0)
I am relatively new to bow making and I have the TOTT instructions, but this way to make the twisted boutique bow is so much easier! I can’t wait to try it! Thanks so much!
Cute! I love the houndstooth ribbon. So adorable!