How to Make a Beautiful Paper Bow: Easy Step-by-Step Tutorial

Let’s be honest, bows aren’t just for Christmas - they’ve taken over year-round and we can't see this trend going anywhere any time soon! They add a little extra to just about anything, from sprucing up a gift to decorating for a party, or adding a creative touch to your craft project.

Birthdays, weddings, or just because - you can make them in any colour or style to match your theme. So here's an easy-to-follow guide to make your own super cute paper bow.

Here's what you'll need:

• Square card or paper - we've used a 12" x 12" paper pad
• Scissors
• Hot glue gun

Step-by-step instructions

1. Take your square sheet of paper and create out a symmetrical "butterfly" shape by cutting two triangles at the top, leaving a long thin strip as shown, to form the bow's loops.

Then cut two long triangular slits extending inward from the bottom edges of each side, creating a split tail effect for the bow once it’s folded.

You can fold your paper into triangle quarters to help keep everything symmetrical if needed.

2. Add a small dab of glue to the top corner of one of the loop's triangles, fold towards the centre, and hold to stick. 

3. Repeat for all four corners to create both bow loops.

4. Take the two bow tail pieces of the bow and fold them downward, so they are behind the loops of the bow.

Use glue to secure the tails behind the loops at the base, ensuring they are firmly attached and won't shift out of place.

5. Take the remaining strip and curl upwards over the glued down points of the loops and behind. Secure in place on the back using glue.

6. Add your decorative DIY bow to gift wrapping and card-making projects, or use even as handmade décor in your home.