| Bows add festive and romantic
details to a wedding ceremony: A garland made only
of bows in, say, flowing taffeta or chiffon can
be draped along the aisle or wrapped around the
altar. Use cascades of multiple bows—or a single
perfect one—to create a grand entrance at the reception.
Make a row of tiny bows dance along the hem of the
bridal gown, or let one abundant bow dress the handle
of a flower girl’s basket. |
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| These fanciful loops of ribbon
are functional, too. A single elegant bow will hold
the stems of a tall floral arrangement or attach
a wedding ring to its pillow. And a bow of a ribbon
in a color that matches the bridesmaid dresses can
wrap the favors and keep the boxes closed tight. |
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| Making bows requires few tools,
little time, and minimal skill. Once you pick the
perfect ribbon and decide what type of bow it will
become, all you’ll need is a good pair of scissors
to finish the ends—on a diagonal or in an inverted
V. |
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| The bows here are three basic
styles everyone should know. The final shape of
the bow you tie will depend on the texture and width
of the ribbon used to make it. You can combine different
types of ribbon to make bunches of the same kind
of bow. Or use just one kind of ribbon and play
with a variety of tying styles. Whatever the style,
no matter where you use it, the perfect bow will
add the final magic touch to tying the knot. |
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| UWD’S FAVORITE
BOW |
Perfectly suited to wire-edge
or stiff ribbons that hold their shape (taffeta,
organdy, or grosgrain), Our Favorite Bow is charming
when freestanding—sewn to a bridesmaid’s sash or
attached to the side of a pew—or as a wrapping for
favor boxes; you’ll need at least twelve inches
of ribbon just for the bow. If wrapping a box, first
tie a left-over-right half-knot (not shown).
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1. Shape two evenly sized loops,
one in each side of the ribbon.
2. Cross right loop over left one.
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3. Knot loops by threading
right loop behind left one, under, and up through
the hole; make sure ribbon is not twisted or bunched.
4. Pull loops into a smooth knot. Adjust loops;
trim tails to be slightly longer than loops.
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| DOUBLE BOW |
To make a perfect Double Bow,
leave enough tail on both ends of the first bow
to make the second one. An extra set of hands is
also helpful to ensure that loops are taut. First,
follow directions for Martha’s Favorite Bow, leaving
an even tail on both sides; don’t finish ends.
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1. Position bow horizontally,
and determine which tail exits the knot on the top,
and which exits underneath. Make a loop in each
tail.
2. Cross top loop over bottom one.
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3. Knot by threading top loop
behind bottom one, under, and up through the hole;
make sure ribbon is not twisted or bunched.
4. Pull loops to tighten; make sure knot of second
bow overlaps knot of first. Trim tails, and arrange
loops.
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| THE WINGED BOW |
| This classic treatment is simple,
not frilly, and perfect for men’s boutonnieres or
favors. You’ll need twelve to fourteen inches of
ribbon to work with after encircling the object;
use a right-over-left half-knot to secure the object
(not shown). |
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1. Cross left tail over right
one.
2. Knot ribbon by threading left tail behind right
one, under, and up through the hole; make sure ribbon
is not twisted or bunched. |
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3. Pull evenly on tails until
ribbon has tightened into a clean, smooth knot.
4. Arrange folds, and trim ends of ribbon. |
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