How to Tie a Ribbon on a Gift W/o the Lump on the Bottom

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How to Tie a Ribbon on a Gift W/o the Lump on the Bottom

Learn how to tie a ribbon around a box without that annoying lump on the bottom. AND without ever wasting any of your fancy ribbon.

HeyD388y P

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Step 1 of 20

Don't you hate when this happens? That lump that is created when you cross your ribbon on the bottom of your presents? Nothing ever sits flat. So annoying!

Step 2 of 20

Some gifts already come in pretty packaging & shouldn't be covered up w/paper. Here's how to wrap a present with only a pretty ribbon. And do it all without wasting any of your fancy ribbon as well!

Step 3 of 20

Create a loop with your ribbon with two fingers. Eyeball it, making it as large as you'd like the final bow to be. Leave the start of the ribbon just long enough to hang down the side of the box.

Step 4 of 20

Flatten out your loop and this is where the middle of your bow is going to be.

Step 5 of 20

Without ever moving your finger off that center point, wrap the tail end (closest to the spool) of the ribbon over the right side, across the bottom, and up the left side of the box.

Step 6 of 20

Twist the 2 ends of the ribbon 90 degrees so that they cross, creating an X on top. Depending if you're left or right-handed, one end is over the front and the other is over the back of the box.

Step 7 of 20

Due to popular demand, I've filmed a quick tutorial to help visualize the steps. I hope the clips help. Video: Part 1. The flat bottom. Sorry for the rambling!!!

Step 8 of 20

Wrap the tail end of the ribbon around the box once again and this is now what the top of the box should like.

Step 9 of 20

Here's a detail shot. This is the same as the last picture, just not pulled tight. And the top left (horizontal) piece of the ribbon actually crosses the one ("J" shaped) below it.

Step 10 of 20

Measure the tail (spool) end of ribbon to match the start end of the ribbon. Cut.

Step 11 of 20

Tuck the tail end (the one you just cut) into the corner where the start end of the ribbon is coming out of.

Step 12 of 20

It then threads under the X and comes out directly opposite of that corner.

Step 13 of 20

Pull tight. Now it should look like this.

Step 14 of 20

Tie a simple knot to secure.

Step 15 of 20

Video: Part 2. The cross top. Sorry for more rambling!!!

Step 16 of 20

Tie a loose bow for an easy elegant look.

Step 17 of 20

Voila!

Step 18 of 20

No more wobbly bottoms!!

Step 19 of 20

Last tip: Create a dovetail on the ribbon ends! Pinch the ribbon lengthwise. Position the scissor with the blades touching the fold, pointing towards the cut end. Snip quickly to avoid frays or snags.

Step 20 of 20

Video: Part 3. The bow and dovetail. Sorry for more rambling and stuttering! I'm really bad at this.

You're Done

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HeyD388y P

Oregon

Just a simple gal. SoMe fanatic. Aspirational/experimental chef. Always seeking crafty activities to do with my kids.

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Gift Box

Spool of fancy ribbon

Sharp craft or fabric scissors

Now*

Melissa Kay Nichols 2 months ago

Thanks for clarifying! Yes, I just not found time to come back and check it out! Lol thanks again!!

Melissa Kay Nichols 2 months ago

Haha I think it's quite soothing. Although I'm used to the slightly harsher sounding English accent. I totally understand! I think it sounds like I don't pronounce my 's' sounds properly on recordings :P

Jemima Elson 4 months ago

@Jemina Omg, well that's a first. NO ONE has ever said that to me about my voice! You're too sweet! You know what people say about hearing their own voice in a recording... I always think, is THAT what I sound like!? Haha. Thanks for watching!!

HeyD388y P (author) 4 months ago

Amazing. Your voice is so lovely!

Jemima Elson 4 months ago

This clears it all up for me now! Thanks so much for the videos. This is how I will wrap my bows from now on.

Julie Fredrich 5 months ago

Ah, probably could've used the videos BEFORE Christmas. Alas, I couldn't find time to film. But finally, here are some video clips to help clarify the steps. As always, feedback about any of my guides is always greatly appreciated. Thanks!

HeyD388y P (author) 5 months ago

Hopelessly lost. Video please?

Adrienne Petty 5 months ago

That is okay! I completely understand. No rush. Merry Christmas!

Melissa Kay Nichols 5 months ago

I'm so sorry that some of you are having a hard time understanding the guide. I'm going to try to upload a YouTube video to help clarify. But it's just 3 days before Christmas so things are crazy. I will message each of you once that's done. And I apologize for the delayed response. I hadn't checked my Snapguide app for a few weeks.

HeyD388y P (author) 5 months ago

I am so confused

Antje Worring 5 months ago

I thought I was the only one who was confused. Maybe a video would be helpful. It's a great idea though, bc I do hate the bumps on the bottom of of gifts.

Julie Fredrich 5 months ago

I agree it is confusing to me. I wish I understood it better! :/

Melissa Kay Nichols 5 months ago