Tips for Tying Ribbon Knots w/ Instructions & Video Tutorial

scoopy · 02-03-2006

I finally figured out how to tie a perfect square knot with flat ribbon! I'm sure most of you mastered this long ago. But I never liked my knots and found it challenging to follow instructions written for ropes when I was using flat ribbon such as Grosgrain. Now I can tie them perfect everytime! I made a tip sheet (with photos) and thought I'd share it in case anyone else is ribbon challenged. Enjoy!

If you are using Wordpad to open, then use version 2 of the file since it doesn't use tables. The PDF is the same as the Word docs, but the photos are smaller to make it fit on a single page.

ETA: 10/18/08 - Here is a link to my video tutorial as well:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=is5ufj4_g7k

missyterry · 02-03-2006

you are mahvelous dahling....Thank you very, very much!!!

stampinvicki · 02-03-2006

You're the best!! TFS!! -- Just printed your tip sheet for future (near future) use.

Katie*B · 02-03-2006

Great tip. Thanks!

sqweetie · 02-03-2006

Unfortunately, I too, am "bow challenged". I love the way they look but for some reason I have a hard time with them. I've saved your instructions and I'll give it a try. (The pictures wouldn't come through for me though.

)

scoopy · 02-03-2006

Hmmm, are you using Word to open the file? If you are using Wordpad, then use version 2 of the file since it doesn't use tables.

hobbywoman · 02-03-2006

OMG - I'm ready to tear my hair out!!!!!! I've tried, tried, and tried again, and I'm still "bow stupid". Are you using 2 pieces of ribbon or just 1??

scoopy · 02-03-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by hobbywoman

OMG - I'm ready to tear my hair out!!!!!! I've tried, tried, and tried again, and I'm still "bow stupid". Are you using 2 pieces of ribbon or just 1??

I am using one long piece of ribbon that is centered on a box or book (or you could use a card). So I started with two ends.

Lay out a long piece of ribbon horizontally. Place a box or book (these are easy to practice with) in the middle of it. Then hold one end of the ribbon in your left hand and one end in your right and bring them up to the center of the box. Then start from my tip sheet and continue from there. Hope this helps!

smallpigpig · 02-03-2006

i know this is off topic, but did you know that all salespeople at Tiffany & co have to watch a half an hour video on how to tie a white bow?

just a thought

scoopy · 02-04-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by smallpigpig

i know this is off topic, but did you know that all salespeople at Tiffany & co have to watch a half an hour video on how to tie a white bow? just a thought

Thanks! Just to clarify, my tip sheet describes how to tie a knot (rather than a bow). But, my DH was curious and found this link for me with instructions/pictures for tying a Tiffany bow!
http://www.the-moores.net/?p=13

stampingdreams · 02-04-2006

could someone put this into a pdf file for those of us who don't have word. TIA

scoopy · 02-04-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by stampingdreams

could someone put this into a pdf file for those of us who don't have word. TIA

I just added the pdf version (which was in post #8 of this thread) on to my first post so it is easy to find now.

stampsforfun2 · 02-04-2006

I just printed out your instructions for future use and I want to thank you for posting this. I believe it will help me when I want to use some ribbon on my cards.

Grape · 02-04-2006

I've saved your instructions and the instructions for the Tiffany bow so that I will be prepared no matter the situation. Thanks for the tutorial.

jailbirdstamper · 02-05-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by scoopy

I finally figured out how to tie a perfect square knot with flat ribbon! I'm sure most of you mastered this long ago. But I never liked my knots and found it challenging to follow instructions written for ropes when I was using flat ribbon such as Grosgrain. Now I can tie them perfect everytime! I made a tip sheet (with photos) and thought I'd share it in case anyone else is ribbon challenged. Enjoy!

If you are using Wordpad to open, then use version 2 of the file since it doesn't use tables. The PDF is the same as the Word docs, but the photos are smaller to make it fit on a single page.

thank you so much! I've never liked my knots either! I finally mastered a bow but my knots are just NOT what I liked!

Cathy H · 02-05-2006

Thank you SOOO much. Very well done. I printed 4 copies so that I can share with my little stampin' group

And I really got a kick out of the Tiffany's info -- Thanks so much to your DH and to you for including it

JanineHempy · 02-06-2006

Scoopy, you rock. Ribbon used to be my nemesis, but no more!

Janine

LilLuvsStampin · 02-06-2006

You're the bees knees! Thank you so much for the time you took to put these together. I, too, am ribbon-tying challenged, so I'm anxious to try out your directions.

chelleham · 02-07-2006

I am hugely knot-challenged and have been struggling with the knots on a layout for over an hour (can you tell I am a huge perfectionist?!) My hubby suggested that I look at fishing or climbing sites on the web to find knot tutorials...who needs that when we have this site?! Thank you for saving my buns!

'Chelle

GuarinoMom · 02-07-2006

Great post. I've saved this file and can't wait to try it. Thanks Scoopy!

AshleyAnne · 02-21-2006

Thanks for posting!

The way I always remember how to tie a square knot is:

Left over Right
Right over Left
Now pull it tight.

hobbywoman · 02-21-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by scoopy

I am using one long piece of ribbon that is centered on a box or book (or you could use a card). So I started with two ends.

Lay out a long piece of ribbon horizontally. Place a box or book (these are easy to practice with) in the middle of it. Then hold one end of the ribbon in your left hand and one end in your right and bring them up to the center of the box. Then start from my tip sheet and continue from there. Hope this helps!

So thats it!!!! Now I really feel stupid. I tied the knot, looked at it and thought, "thats it"

You are the bomb! I'M NOT BOW STUPID ANYMORE!!! I'VE BEEN SAVED!!!

ktf120 · 02-26-2006

Thanks so much for these photo directions. I was at a 'stamp til you cramp' today and was reminded just how BAD I am at getting my bows to look good. Your info came at a PERFECT time!

Thanks again!

Lynda

TammyNC · 02-27-2006

Thank you so much for these instructions. I will be trying this today.

MaggieMay · 02-28-2006

Thank you so much for solving the mystery forever!
MaggieMay

Menagerie · 03-06-2006

I cannot thank you enough! I was almost finished with an important sympathy card and just couldn't get the bow to look "solemn" enough ... it kept on sticking up, giving it a "perky, fun" look instead of one serious enough for the occasion.

With one hand on the card, and the other one on my mouse, I managed to work my way through your tutorial to end up with a perfect tie.

You probably don't even know how helpful you've been to so many of us ... thank you so much for taking the time to share your insight!

scoopy · 03-18-2006

I'm glad this was helpful to everyone!

scrappintica · 03-20-2006

Just wonderful..........thank-you very much!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gail-Maggie · 03-20-2006

Thanks for the directions. Now maybe I can have those nice ribbon knots that I see everyone else have.

Carol1604 · 03-21-2006

Thank you ever so much

musik1_99 · 04-06-2006

Thank you for posting the instructions. I really needed it.

jennross · 04-09-2006

i just do a square knot- "right over left and left over right"- learned it in girl scouts circa 197?... too long ago to admit!

Jessica'sMom · 04-15-2006

Oh My Gosh! Thanks so much. I am such a visual learner and seeing the pics right along with the directions helps sooo much! janet

jacobsmeemaw · 04-16-2006

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. I have tried and tried to get this right now I can!

pepperann · 04-16-2006

WONDERFUL! Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!

mamacydds · 04-20-2006

LOve this tip sheet. Thank you.

scoopy · 04-30-2006

Thanks! I love reading all your comments!

Bevstamps · 05-20-2006

I love your tip sheet. I make a perfect flat bow everytime and it is so easy.
Thanks for sharing.
__________
Beverly

Diane Boleska · 05-21-2006

Thanks so much for the tip. I usually say a few colorful words while trying to get the knot to look just right!

Tammys1977 · 05-24-2006

I will definitely give this a try on my next card! I too am "bow challenged", so I usually make knots, but lately my knots haven't looked so great either! My sister came over to stamp a few days ago and I made her do all my knots! Thanks a million!