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Home » Paper Crafts

How To Make A Paper Bow (Printable)

May 4, 2025 by Emily · Leave a Comment

If you love adding the perfect finishing touch to your gifts, then this printable paper bow is just the craft for you!

Whether you're wrapping a birthday present, decorating for a wedding, or putting together a holiday gift, this printable bow is an easy and versatile solution.

With both small and large versions included in the printable, you can adjust the size of the bow to suit any gift, from tiny trinkets to large packages.

So, if you’ve ever wondered how to make a paper bow, read on.

Paper bow on a gift.
Jump to:
  • Why You'll Love This Pattern
  • Skill Level
  • Materials Needed
  • Bow Printable Template
  • Instructions
  • Tips For Success
  • Color, Paper Ideas, and Variations
  • FAQ
  • Other Paper Crafts You Might Like To Try:
  • Stay Connected
  • Other Patterns You Might Like To Try:
  • Comments

This DIY craft is quick, fun, and perfect for all skill levels.

All you need to do is print out the bow design, cut it out, and assemble it using your choice of paper.

You can create a stunning paper bow using any type of decorative paper, from classic solid colors to patterned paper, metallic finishes, or even recycled materials.

Plus, these bows can be used for more than just gift wrapping!

You can also make them into beautiful decor for parties, events, and celebrations.

Best of all, this printable paper bow works for any occasion – from birthdays, weddings, baby showers, and Christmas, to Easter, teacher gifts, or just a fun way to personalize everyday gifts.

Whether you’re making a quick gift wrapping bow or adding them to cards, party favors, or even as a decorative piece at a party, these printable bows are sure to impress.

Close up image of paper bows.

Why You'll Love This Pattern

  • Customizable design: Includes both small and large versions of the bow, so you can use them for gifts of any size.
  • Great for all occasions: Perfect for birthdays, Christmas, Easter, baby showers, weddings, teacher gifts, and more!
  • Simple and quick: Just print, cut, and assemble – no complicated steps required.
  • Versatile: Can be used for gift wrapping, party decor, or as a cute addition to cards and party favors.

Skill Level

★☆☆☆☆ (Very Easy)

Materials Needed

  • Printable paper bow template
  • Paper of your choice (craft paper, wrapping paper, or even recycled paper)
  • Scissors
  • Glue (or double-sided tape)
 Final Paper Box Size
Small Paper Bow4 inches x 1.5 inches (10 cm x 3.5 cm)
Large Paper Bow5.5 inches x 2 inches (14 cm x 5 cm)

Bow Printable Template

Here you will find the printable PDF for the box. It includes the template for small and large paper bows.

how-to-make-a-paper-bow-printable-fold-your-wayDownload

Instructions

Step 1: Print out your paper bow template. Pick which size bow you would like to make. Then, cut out the template.

Regardless of which size you pick, you will need 1 piece for the top, 1 piece for the base, and 1 piece for the centre. For this tutorial, we will be using the small size bow.

Step 2: Using your cut out pieces, trace them onto the back of your chosen paper. Then cut out the pieces.

Step 3: Take your bow top piece and place it to sit as shown, with the color you want the top piece to be facing down.

Then, apply a bit of glue or double sided tape in the middle. Then, bring both the left and right edges to the middle, attaching them in place.

Step 4: Take the bow base piece (with the color you want it to be facing up). Apply some glue to the middle and then attach the bow top piece as shown.

Steps 1 to 4 for making a paper bow.

Step 5: Apply some glue to the back of the bow centre piece, then wrap it around the centre of the bow base/top.

Step 6: Completed paper bow.

Steps 5 to 6 for making a paper bow.

Tips For Success

  • Choose paper that matches the occasion: For a festive touch, use metallic or glitter paper for the holidays, bright colors for birthdays, or soft pastels for baby showers and weddings.
  • Use thicker paper for sturdier bows: If you want a more durable bow, opt for thicker craft paper or cardstock.
  • Make a bigger impact: Layer two or more bows on top of each other for a fuller, more dramatic look.
  • Add embellishments: You can glue on small beads, rhinestones, or even add a little ribbon to the center of the bow.
Close up image of paper bows.

Color, Paper Ideas, and Variations

  • Bright, bold colors: Perfect for birthday gifts or celebrations, choose fun, vibrant colors like red, yellow, or blue to make your bow pop.
  • Metallic and glitter paper: Ideal for Christmas, New Year’s, or other special events where a little extra shine is welcome.
  • Soft pastels: These colors work beautifully for baby showers, weddings, and other light, elegant occasions.
  • Patterned paper: Try using patterned paper, like stripes or polka dots, for a playful and unique bow.
  • Recycled paper: For an eco-friendly option, use pages from old magazines or newspaper for a rustic, charming bow.

FAQ

Can I use regular printer paper for this project?

Yes, you can use standard printer paper, but it might be a bit too thin for a sturdy bow. Consider using craft or wrapping paper for a more durable result.

Can I make multiple bows from the same template?

Absolutely! You can print out the template as many times as needed to make multiple bows for different gifts.

Or you could just print out the template, cut out the shapes and then trace it onto the back of your paper!

Do I need a special type of glue?

No, basic glue will work fine. If you prefer a cleaner finish, you can also use double-sided tape.

Other Paper Crafts You Might Like To Try:

  • Easy Origami Pig Face
  • Gift Wrapping Idea With Handle
  • Masu Origami Box
  • Easy Origami Butterfly

Stay Connected

Made this pattern? Let us know how it went in the comments below!

Pin this post - Pin now to take your paper crafting skills to the next level.

Share on Instagram or Facebook - Capture the beauty of your finished paper craft project and share it on Instagram or Facebook! Tag us @foldyourway so we can see your work!

Red paper bow.

Other Patterns You Might Like To Try:

Looking for other easy patterns like this? Try these:

  • Halloween origami collage.
    Halloween Origami Projects
  • Origami collage of kids projects.
    How To Make Easy Origami For Kids
  • Origami collage.
    Origami Step By Step Instructions
  • Collection of traditional origami projects.
    Traditional Origami
  • Origami wreath.
    Easy Halloween Paper Wreath
  • Close up image of origami claws.
    How To Make Easy Origami Claws
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    How To Make An Easy Origami Wreath
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More Paper Crafts

  • Origami Christmas tree.
    3D Origami Christmas Tree
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    Layered Gift Wrapping Idea
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    Christmas Tree Gift Wrapping Idea
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Author image.

Hi there, welcome to Fold Your Way!

My name is Emily. I am the founder, crafter, and photographer behind Fold Your Way.

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