How to Make a Paper Bow

Paper crafts are a blast for kids of all ages, and today I’m excited to show you how to make an easy DIY paper bow in just a few simple steps! This paper bow tie is perfect for dress-up days at school, as a fun topper for gifts (like a special one for Dad’s birthday or Father’s Day!), or even as unique decorations for wedding tables or parties. Whatever the occasion, making these snazzy paper bows with your kids is a fun, creative way to add a little extra flair!

Related: Making bows is fun! Try these origami bows.

Supplies

To make this bow, you will need the following supplies:

Colorful Paper. You’ll need a long rectangle shape. You could even use wrapping paper to make it just a little bit more fun.
Scissors
A pen or pencil
Glue stick

Video: How To Make An Paper Bow Tie

Paper Bow Tutorial: Step-by-Step Instructions

Here are the steps you need to follow to fold an origami bow tie. Make sure you watch the video as well, especially if you aren’t sure of a step.

Step 1: Start with a long rectangular piece of paper as shown below, fold it in half, and make a crease.

Two hands holding a long piece of rectangular paper. — Start with a paper strip, like this.

Two hands folding a red rectangular piece of paper in half. — Fold it in half.

Step 2: Using the full area of the folded paper, draw a fish outline as shown in the images below. This will form the bow tie shape.

Drawing a fish outline on the red piece of rectangular paper. — Time to draw!

A completed fish outline drawn on a red piece of rectangulr paper. — You want a fish outline like this.

Step 3: Using your scissors, cut out along the line of the fish shape and then open the paper up along the crease.

A pair of scissors being used to cut out the fish outline. — Cut out the along the fish outline.

Unfolding the fish shape to start forming a bow tie. — Open the paper along the crease.

Step 4: Cut two snips on both the right side of the fishtail. Now flip the paper 180 degrees and do the same. When looking at the fish tails, the two cuts will be on opposite ends and not the same ends, so one will be on the bottom on the right side and one on the top on the left side. If you are unsure, please check the video which shows this step clearly.

Cutting two snips on the left and right side of the fish tail to connect the bow tie. — More snipping!

Step 5: Fold the tails towards each other and connect them together as shown in the picture below. Again, the video shows this too.

Connecting the two fish tails together via the two snips. — It’s all coming together.

The fish tails are connected and the bow tie is taking shape. — Connecting the two snips together.

Step 7: Push the middle section (by the crease down towards the bottom section to form the bowtie as shown in the images below.

The bow tie shape is formed by pushing down on the center crease. — Push down along the center crease to form the bow tie shape.

The bow tie shape is formed. — Looking good!

Step 8: Once pushed into place, secure with some glue.

The bow tie shape is secured with glue. — Secure the middle of the bow with some glue.

Step 9: Take a thin piece of paper, place it in the middle of your bow and then loop the two ends at the top and the bottom on the back. Glue them in place.

Thin piece of paper is cut and placed in the middle of the bow tie. — Cut a thin strip of paper.

The top end and the bottom of the paper are folded over the back of the bow tie. — Fold the ends over the top and bottom of the center of the bow.

Two hands holding a completed red bow tie. — Glue the folded ends to the back of the bow, and voila!

And now you have a beautiful paper bow! These would be perfect for any small gifts and Christmas packages.

Gift Wrapping ideas

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