Hercamore~ I make my own bows and I can tell you it takes strong hands. Sometimes when I have to make a lot, my hands actuall cramp. It is especially hard if you don't have two-sided ribbon because you twist on every layer. One really big hint is that you don't want to make the loops too big.
Here's how I do a bow...
1. If you want a little loop in the middle, start by holding one end of the ribbon in you non-dominant hand (left for me) between your thumb and pointer finger. Make a loop about an inch in diameter going away form you. Add the newest layer between your thumb and pointer finger.
2. Now pull the ribbon toward you and loop it under the size you want. Add the layer to your left hand.
3. Loop the ribbon away from you on the opposite side of the bow. Add the layer to your left hand.
4.Keep alternating loops toward you and away from you until you have the number of loops you like. If you want a "tail", make your last loop huge and add the to the left hand.
5. Squeeze all layers you are holding together from the sides of the ribbon using your thumb and pointer finger.
6. Use a wire or chenille stem to run through the middle of the small center loop.
7. Twist wire around all layers of the bow and as tightly as possible.
8. Once everthing is wired together, cut the ribbon from the roll (be careful! don't cut in the wrong place!).
9. Cut the big tail loop right in the middle.
10. Adjust your loops. Don't be afraid to pull a little-- remember they are wired!
Nobody would ever mistake me for Martha Stewart but I do know how to make a bow!
Hope this helps!
