HOW TO: Wrapping Paper Bows | DYD 2025

mocamom

Runs on coffee. And with scissors.
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Jan 6, 2017
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Can you believe it’s almost Christmas already? Every year, I tell myself that this will be the year I get everything wrapped early — perfectly folded corners, beautiful bows, maybe even matching tags.

And every year… reality hits. Suddenly it’s Christmas Eve, I’m surrounded by gift bags, torn scraps of paper, and tape that’s mysteriously vanished. My big “pretty wrapping” dreams get replaced by a quick “gift bag and go” situation.

Please tell me I’m not the only one!

This year, though, I might just save myself — and maybe you too! After a little Pinterest and YouTube browsing, I discovered how to make bows from the wrapping paper I already have.

Yes, you heard that right! No extra supplies, no fancy ribbon. Just your regular wrapping paper and a pair of scissors. And the best part? They look adorable.

Let me show you how it’s done — it’s super easy, promise!

Step 1: Cut and Fold

Start with a rectangle of wrapping paper — any size works! Bigger paper makes a bigger, fuller bow.
Fold it in half, wrong sides together (so the pretty side is showing). Then fold down the top edge about a half inch — this will help you know where to stop cutting later.

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Step 2: Cut the Fringe

Unfold that little top crease you made. You’ll see a line — that’s your stopping point. Now, on the open side (not the fold), cut strips about an inch apart all the way across, up to that line. No need for a ruler, just eyeball it!

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Step 3: Curl the Strips

Remember how you used to curl ribbon with scissors? You’re doing the same thing here!
Gently scrape your scissors along each strip so it curls inward on itself. You’ll end up with two rows of curls that face each other. So cute!

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Step 4: Form the Bow

Take each end of your paper and fold them toward the center so the curls meet in the middle. Scrunch the bottom together a bit, tape it onto your gift, and fluff those curls until they look full and festive.

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And That’s It!

You’ve just made a bow — from wrapping paper you already had! It’s quick, fun, and it works for any occasion: birthdays, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or whenever a gift needs a little extra love.

So, the next time you’re knee-deep in paper scraps on Christmas Eve, don’t panic — just grab your scissors and make a few of these instead.

If you try it out, I’d love to see your creations! Snap a picture and share it in the thread — let’s see those beautiful bows! ✨
 
What a cute and fun idea! We usually travel for the holidays so I'm always rigging up some bows and tags on the run - I'll keep this technique in mind!
 
This is such a great idea! I always have a bunch of papers laying around.
 
This is so fun Robin! I never knew this was possible!
 
Oh wow, never knew this. I want to try this for this season when I start wrapping
 
How cool are those? ANd what a great way to repurpose things you already have around the house too!
 
well i hope i remember this later next month! that is a money saving game changer! thanks for the steps!
 
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