Directional ribbon can be beautiful, but it can also be a little tricky. Some ribbon designs have a clear right side up and upside down, which means the pattern can accidentally end up facing the wrong direction in your finished bow.
In this quick ribbon tip, I show how to add an American flag ribbon to the center of a patriotic bow so the flag stays right side up.
This finished patriotic bow uses directional American flag ribbon in the center. The video below shows how to place that center ribbon so the flag design is not upside down.
Watch the Directional Ribbon Tip
This video does not show how to make the entire bow from start to finish. Instead, it focuses on one helpful technique: adding directional ribbon to the center of a bow so the design faces the correct way.
This video does not show how to make the entire bow from start to finish. Instead, it focuses on one helpful technique: adding directional ribbon to the center of a bow so the design faces the correct way.
What You’ll Learn
- What directional ribbon is
- Why some ribbon designs can end up upside down
- How to check the direction before attaching the ribbon
- How to place an American flag ribbon in the center of a bow
- How to use this same idea with other directional wired ribbons
What Is Directional Ribbon?
Directional ribbon is ribbon with a design that needs to face a certain direction. Examples include flags, words, animals, characters, pumpkins, ornaments, and other patterns that have a clear top and bottom.
If the ribbon is turned the wrong way while you are making a bow, the design may look upside down in the finished project. Taking a few seconds to check the direction before attaching the ribbon can make the finished bow look much more polished.
Supplies Used or Mentioned
- American flag directional ribbon
- Finished bow base
- Scissors
- Zip tie, wire, chenille stem, or another attachment method
Stars and Stripes Wired Ribbon:
https://thefancycrow.com/product/stars-and-stripes-2-5-royal-wired-ribbon/
Shop all wired ribbon:
https://thefancycrow.com/ribbon/
Where to Use This Technique
- Patriotic bows
- Wreath bows
- Lantern bows
- Gift bows
- Seasonal bows
- Ribbon accents for wreaths and home décor
This is a simple ribbon technique, but it can make a big difference in the finished look of your bow. Once you start noticing directional ribbon, you’ll find it much easier to plan your cuts, loops, tails, and center pieces.
Need ribbon for your next project? Browse wired ribbon at The Fancy Crow:
https://thefancycrow.com/ribbon/