Make and Use a Wooden Bow Maker

Ribbon and lace bows are popular craft accents for wreaths, floral arrangements and home decor accents. They can also be used for fancy wrapping on presents for family and friends. Fumbling with spools of ribbon and bits of wire can be difficult however, and getting an even and attractive bow more of a headache than an enjoyable hobby. Make a sturdy wooden bow maker and learn the simple steps to use it for any size bow you need.

Wooden Bow Maker - Materials Needed

All you need to build a quality wooden bow maker is a one by four inch wooden board approximately one foot long, a quarter inch wooden dowel, and an electric drill with quarter inch drill bits. A measuring tape, pencil, and optional paint or stain will help make the project easier and more attractive.

To make the bows, a selection of thin lace or ribbon and some flexible florist's or craft wire is needed.

Wooden Bow Maker - Construction

Cut the one by four wooden board into a twelve inch length. Sand the edges for a smooth look and feel. Measure the board's width and find the precise middle. Draw a line with a pencil horizontally down the length of the board to indicate the center. Also measure to find the exact center point of the board and mark this.

Measure and cut four three-inch long pieces of wooden dowel. This is easily done with a hand saw. Sand the ends of these so they are likewise smooth.

Measure one-half inch on either side of the center point and make a mark there. Use a quarter inch drill bit to make a straight hole about halfway through the wooden board for each mark. Glue one piece of dowel into each of these holes. These will be the place you hold the center of your ribbon or lace to form the bow.

On the center line you scribed previously, measure out one inch increments out from the two dowels in the center. Make a mark at each measurement. Drill another small hole at each one of these marks. The other two dowels can be inserted in whichever hole gives you the bow size you desire.

Wooden Bow Maker - How to Use

When you want to make a bow, all you have to do is place the ribbon through the center two dowels and then loop it around the evenly-spaced dowels in the outer holes. For a simple two-loop bow, do this action once on each side and then tie a ribbon or wrap a piece of wire around the middle part. For more fluffy bows, simple make more loops. Any size or style bow can be made with this wooden bow maker.