- 1). Identify the smooth and rough sides of the floral ribbon.
- 2). Place the ribbon in front of you, with the smooth side facing you. Make a small loop, about 1 inch long, so that the rough side of the ribbon is now facing you.
- 3). Pinch the ribbon together between your index finger and thumb, holding the first loop above the pinch with the excess ribbon dangling below.
- 4). Twist the ribbon halfway around so that the smooth side is facing you once again.
- 5). Create another loop that is opposite the first loop. In other words, this loop should be the same size as the first, but appear below the pinch. Don't forget to twist the ribbon every time it passes through your pinched fingers so the smooth side of the ribbon is always facing out.
- 6). Repeat until you have three 1-inch loops on each side of the pinch, above and below. Then, make two smaller 1/2-inch loops on either side of the pinch, twisting the ribbon as needed so the smooth side faces out. Finish with three large loops and two smaller loops on each side of your pinched thumb and index finger.
- 7). Wrap the floral wire tightly around the center of the bow, where your pinched fingers are. Take care not to lose your grip on the pinched ribbon. Twist the wire to the back and ensure that it is holding the ribbon tightly.
- 8). Adjust the ribbon loops gently by pulling them into a pleasing, symmetrical arrangement, with the two smaller loops resting between the three larger loops on each side. Cut off any excess ribbon that dangles down. The boutonniere bow is ready to be added to a boutonniere.