How to Make a Crinkle Fabric Bow
One ribbon. Sew many possibilities!
If you've ever looked at beautiful fabric and wondered what else you could make with it, this is a fun place to start. A crinkle bow transforms two coordinating fabrics into a beautiful, dimensional bow that you can shape and style in so many different ways.
Use your favorite fabric combinations to create bows for home decorating, gift wrapping, wreaths, seasonal displays, and more. The possibilities are endless!
The best part? Once you make your first ribbon, you'll start imagining all the different ways you can use it.
Let's get started!
What You'll Need
Two coordinating fabrics
2½" x 42" strip of each fabric
2½" x 3½" piece of coordinating fabric for the center band
Lightweight sewing thread
Sewing machine
Iron
Heat-erase marking pen
22–26 gauge floral wire (two 40" pieces)
Floral wire for securing the center
Wire cutters
Heat-shrink tubing or protective wire sleeves
Scissors
Ruler
Choosing your wire: The gauge you choose will affect how easily you can shape your bow. A 22-gauge wire will generally provide more stiffness and hold, while a 26-gauge wire will be more flexible. Choose the wire based on the amount of maneuverability and support you want.
Before You Begin: A Safety Note
This crinkle fabric bow is intended for decorative home use only. It is not a toy and is not designed for children or play. Keep the finished bow, wire, and sewing materials out of reach of children and pets.
Although the wire ends are folded and covered with protective sleeves, wire can still puncture fabric or become exposed with use. Inspect your bow regularly and discontinue use if any wire becomes exposed, damaged, or protrudes from the fabric.
Always use care when cutting and handling wire. Follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying heat to protective sleeves, and allow them to cool completely before handling.
Step 1: Choose Your Fabrics
Start by choosing two fabrics that complement one another. You can use coordinating colors, mix prints with solids, or have fun combining two favorite patterns.
I love how much personality the fabric combination brings to each bow. One fabric can be the star, while the other adds a little contrast and interest.
Need help choosing fabrics that work well together?
[Download my Free Fabric Pairing Guide] to help you find beautiful combinations for your next project.
Step 2: Cut Your Fabric Strips
Cut one 2½" x 42" strip from each of your two fabrics.
You should have two long fabric strips, one from each fabric.
Place the strips right sides together (RST).
Step 3: Sew the Fabric Strips Together
With right sides together, sew along both long edges of the fabric strips using a ¼" seam allowance.
You now have a long fabric tube.
Turn the fabric right side out. Take your time working the fabric through until both right sides are showing.
Press the strip flat with your iron.
Step 4: Topstitch Along Both Edges
Sew a ¼" seam down each long side of your fabric strip.
This creates two narrow channels along the edges of your ribbon where the wire will be inserted.
Press again if needed.
Step 5: Prepare and Insert the Wire
Cut two pieces of floral wire, each approximately 40" long. This is about 2" shorter than your fabric strip.
Before inserting the wire, carefully fold each end back on itself to eliminate the sharp point.
For additional protection, slide a small piece of heat-shrink tubing or a protective wire sleeve over each folded end. Use a heat gun or hair dryer as appropriate for the sleeve manufacturer's instructions to secure the covering. Allow the sleeves to cool completely.
Carefully slide one wire through each of the narrow channels created by your ¼" seams.
Once both wires are in place, sew a line across the fabric at each wire end to help prevent the wire from slipping out.
Take care not to sew through the wire itself.
Step 6: Mark Your Bow Measurements
Lay your fabric strip flat.
Using a heat-erase marking pen, mark the following measurements consecutively along the length of the strip, starting at one end:
5½"
4"
4"
5½"
5½"
7"
7"
These markings will guide you as you fold and shape your bow loops.
Step 7: Fold and Twist Your Bow
This is where your ribbon begins to take shape!
Start at one end of your fabric strip and bring the corresponding marks together at the center of the bow, twisting the ribbon each time you return to the center.
As you form your loops, pay attention to which fabric is facing forward.
Form the first and second loops with the same fabric facing forward.
For the third and fourth loops, flip the ribbon so the opposite fabric is facing forward.
Finish the fifth and sixth loops with the original fabric facing forward again.
Continue bringing the marked sections together at the center and twisting to create the dimensional shape of your bow.
Don't worry if it looks a little unusual at first. The twisting and shaping are what give this bow its beautiful crinkled appearance.
Step 8: Secure the Center
Once all six loops are formed, use floral wire to tightly secure the center of your bow.
Wrap the wire around the gathered center several times and twist it securely at the back.
Make sure the bow is held firmly before moving on to the next step.
Step 9: Make the Center Band
Now it's time to finish the center of your bow!
Cut a 2½" x 3½" rectangle from your coordinating fabric.
Fold the rectangle in half lengthwise with wrong sides together and sew along the long edge using a ¼" seam allowance.
Press the seam so it is centered along the back of the fabric.
Step 10: Attach the Center Band
Wrap the center band around the middle of your bow with the right sides of the fabric facing together.
Overlap the short edges and sew them together using a ¼" seam allowance. You can do this by hand or with your sewing machine, depending on what is easiest.
Once sewn, turn the center band around so the right side of the fabric is facing forward.
Adjust the band so the seam is hidden at the back of the bow.
Now flip the bow tails to show the coordinating fabric on the opposite side. This adds another little detail and ties the two fabrics together beautifully.
Step 11: Shape and Fluff Your Loops
Begin pointing each loop upward and gently separate them.
Work your way around the bow, fluffing and shaping each loop until you have the fullness and arrangement you like.
The beauty of this bow is that you can manipulate the wire to change the shape of each loop.
Experiment with the positioning until your bow has the look you want.
Watch the YouTube Tutorial to see how to shape, twist,
and fluff your fabric crinkle bow to bring to life.
Step 12: Finish the Bow Tails
Trim the ends of your bow tails at an angle to create a finished look.
Using your sewing machine, zigzag stitch along the bottom edge of each tail to help prevent the fabric from fraying.
Give your bow one final fluff and adjust the loops and tails until everything looks just right.
And you're finished!
One Ribbon. Sew Many Possibilities.
I love how much you can change the look of these bows simply by changing your fabric combinations and the way you shape the loops.
Make them for holidays, dress up a gift, add one to a wreath, or use them to bring a little handmade personality into your home.
Once you start making them, you'll find that one ribbon really can become so many different things.
I'd love to see what you create! Share your crinkle bows and tag me so I can see the beautiful fabric combinations you come up with.
Happy sewing!
Want to Learn More Crinkle Bow Tricks?
I'd love to show you more ways to shape, style, and create beautiful crinkle bows? Let me know if you'd be interested in a future crinkle bow-making class.
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