Stacked Boutique Bow

This set of instructions is for a small stacked boutique bow with a completed size of approximately 4 inches across. If you wish to increase the size of your bow, please remember that the ribbon for your surround-a-bow must be 3 inches longer than the ribbon used for your centre bow.
I use 3 separate components to create the stacked bow, but please feel free to use these components separately in other projects if you wish.

Lets Get Started!!

You will need - a lighter, needle, thread, hairspray (optional), 2 wide ribbons (one inner and one main/outer) for your centre bow, thin ribbon for around the centre of your bow, thin ribbon for your surround-a-bow, and up to 3 coordinating wide ribbons for your ribbons spikes.

Component One - Figure 8 Loop Boutique Bow

1. Measure 2 x 14 inches of your chosen main ribbon (one length from each ribbon). Heat seal the ends by lightly running a lighter flame across each end. Prepare your needle and thread with approx. 30cm of thread, doubled over and knotted at the end.

2. Lay your two ribbons directly on top of each other wit the main ribbon facing outwards. Using the two ribbons layered together creates a more structured bow. Fold your ribbon in half and mark the centre.

3. Using the centre point as a reference, loop each end of your joined ribbon to overlap in the centre creating a figure 8. Ensure each tail of your ribbon is looped in the opposite direction. Hold in place.

4. Next, bring the inside of each loop to the centre of your figure 8. They will overlap slightly. Adjust them so that the loops sit evenly. Use your needle and thread to tack them in place going from top to bottom. Do NOT cut off your needle and thread, leave it in place for the next set of steps.

5. Flip your bow over so that the ribbon at the back is running horizontal and the ribbon at the front makes a nice "X" shape.

6. Fold and pinch the centre of your bow together and wrap your excess thread around it tightly 3 times and then secure it by tying it off at the back.

7. To adjust and "fluff" up your bow loops, hook your fingers into each loop and give it a bit of a tug. Wriggle them around until you are happy how they are sitting. Take a moment to spray your bow in hairspray and set it aside for a few minutes to dry. This will help the loops to maintain their shape. If you don't have any hairspray handy, do not worry as this is not an essential step but will help with the lifetime shape of your bow.

You have now completed the first component. If you are creating a stacked bow please continue on to component two. If you are using this bow on its own, please continue onto step two of assembly.

Component Two- The Surround-a-Bow

1. Measure out 17 inches of your chosen ribbon. A thinner ribbon works best for this component. Heat seal the ends. Fold and mark the centre. Prepare your needle and thread with approximately 15cm of thread, doubled over and knotted at the end.

2. Using the marked centre point as a reference, bring each opposite end in to create a figure 8 as shown in the below picture.

3. Whilst holding your figure 8 in place, bring the outside of each loop into the centre.They will overlap slightly. Adjust your loops so that they are even and then tack them in place and tie off your thread. Trim your excess thread.

You have now completed your second component.

Component Three - Ribbon Spikes

1. Measure 3 (or more) lengths of your chosen ribbon at 4 inches long each. A wider ribbon works best for this component. Dovetail and heat seal the ends of your ribbon. 

2. Prepare your needle and thread with approx 15cm of thread doubled over and knotted at the end.

3. Overlap your ribbon spikes as shown below. Secure them together with your needle and thread by stitching down through the centre, pulling it in tight and tying it off at the back.

You have now completed component three. You are now ready for assembly.

ASSEMBLY

You should have your three completed components as shown below.

1. Layer each of your components together with your spikes at the bottom, the surround-a-bow in the middle and your boutique bow on top. Adjust each component so that they sit well together. Once your are happy with their placement, dab a small amount of hot glue between each component and hold it together firmly until the glue dries.

2.  Measure approximately 5 inches of your chosen ribbon for your bows centre. The ribbon can be trimmed down as your glue it to your bow if the ends overlap too much due to differences in bow thickness so these lengths are just approximates.

3. Place a small dab of glue on the front centre of your assembled bow and adhere the centre of your middle ribbon to it in a vertical direction. Flip your bow over and bring the tails of your middle ribbon around to the back. Glue down the tails of your ribbon so that they overlap neatly at the back. Trim off and heat seal any excess ribbon as you do so. While the glue dries and you hold it steady, quickly adjust all your loops and spikes so that they are sitting neatly.

4. Flip your bow over and admire your handy work. You are now able to embellish it if you wish and then attach it to a clip or headband of your choice.

Thank you for following along with this tutorial. If you have any queries please do not hesitate to ask!