Stars and Stripes Bow

I almost wonder if the Red Stripes Ribbon was made just for the 4th of July.
It goes perfectly with the Royal with White Stars Ribbon. 🙂

I am still working on perfecting my Twisted Boutique Bow Technique.
Click the link for the instructions.
This is a technique that definitely takes practice, but I think I am getting closer.
At the end, I will share some tips that helped me with this bow.

I now do this technique by hand, instead of the bow maker.
I never thought I would say this, but it is easier now that I know the shape I am going for. 🙂

The bottom layer is 4 1/2″ wide using Royal with White Stars Ribbon in 7/8″.

The top layer is 3 1/2″ wide using Red Stripes Ribbon in 7/8″.

I attached both bows together by taking my needle and thread through the center
and tightening around the bow.

If you’ve made a bow before, you’ll know how to do this next part, but if you’ve been wondering how to finish off the bow and add a clip, here is the how-to.

First, line your clip.
I always use 3/8″ ribbon.
(With french barrettes, you have to remove the springy part, line the top,
attach the bow, and then put that part back on.)

Cut a piece of ribbon for the center knot.

Make your knot. Apply hot glue to the bottom of the knot and place it in the center of the bow.

Apply hot glue on your lined clip and attach it to the back of the bow.

Bring one piece of the ribbon towards the back.
Open the clip and apply hot glue where your ribbon will go.
Put the ribbon on the hot glue.
Cut the excess ribbon and then seal your ends.

Do the same thing to the other ribbon.

And you’re finished!

The first tip I learned is to watch how the bow is shaped when you add your knot and clip. When I made them before, I didn’t keep the ribbon loop bent forward. It would get pushed toward the back when I added my center knot and lose a lot of it’s shape. This tip isn’t just for Twisted Boutique technique bows, but all of them. It’s just a little thing, but can make all the difference.

The second tip is to glue the loops in the shape you want them. My bottom layer kept falling back so I just hot glued it so it stayed up better. I am not saying this is the way to go, but I’ll be doing it until I’ve perfected this cute technique. 🙂

Now if you don’t know how to do the Twisted Boutique technique,
you can use these two ribbons in any technique and they will be festive!

I also made some bows using the Basic Boutique Bow technique.
I just love these ribbons, I want to make all bow techniques with them. 🙂

The bottom layer uses the same ribbon.
I made these on the 2″ setting of the bow maker.

The top layer is done on the 1 1/2″ setting of the bow maker.

I attached the two bows using the same technique as the bow above.

I finished off the bow with knotted centers using White Solid Grosgrain Ribbon in 3/8″.

There are so many fun ways to use these ribbons and the many other
4th of July Ribbons and 4th of July Ribbon Mixes.

So if you haven’t started yet, hurry over to The Ribbon Retreat.
Independence Day is coming quick! 🙂

Have a fun 4th of July Bow made using The Ribbon Retreat’s ribbon and want to show it off?
Email me at shirley@theribbonretreat.com.