Here at Miles and Bishop, we’re all about embracing the holiday spirit, and this year, we’ve gone all-in on our theme: "Put a Bow on It." 🎀 With the coquette trend thriving, we couldn’t resist the charm of girly, oversized bows! So, we decided to craft a giant bow to adorn our front window, and trust us, it was no small feat.
As we dove into the project, we discovered that Lowe’s isn’t just for weekend DIY-ers with toolboxes—it’s also a treasure trove for creative minds. From insulation materials to Gorilla Tape, Lowe’s had a lot of what we needed to make our bow dreams come true!
If you’re ready to craft your own show-stopping giant bow, here’s the step-by-step guide to help you do it.
Supplies You’ll Need
We found most of our supplies at Lowe’s and Hobby Lobby:
- 10 yards of fabric (We used a red velvet, stretchy material for a luxe feel)
- 10 yards of quilt batting (Optional, but adds fullness and softness)
- 1 roll of 16-gauge wire
- 1 roll (25') of 24" wide Reflectix (House insulation—yes, really!)
- Silver Gorilla Tape
- Zip ties
- Hot glue gun and sticks
- Scissors
- Wire cutters
- Straight pins (for extra security)
Measurements for Cutting
Here are the measurements we used. These should give you extra material just in case!
-
Fabric:
- Bow: 124"
- Tail: 148"
- Center: 36"
-
Reflectix:
- Bow: 120"
- Tail: 144"
- Center: 36"
-
Wire:
- Bow: 2 pieces at 124"
- Tail: 2 pieces at 148"
Optional: Trim your tails diagonally or into two points for a polished look.
Step 1: Prep and Cut
- Cut all your materials according to the measurements above.
- For the tail, decide if you want diagonal ends or double-pointed ends. (We went with double points for a classic look!)
Step 2: Add Wire for Structure
- Line the edges of your Reflectix pieces with the wire. (exclude the bow center)
- Use Gorilla Tape to secure the wire in place along the edges.
This step ensures your bow will hold its shape when it’s fluffed and displayed.
Step 3: Wrap with Batting and Fabric
- Wrap the Reflectix first with quilt batting (optional, but worth it for that plush, full look) using Silver Gorilla Tape to secure.
- Then wrap with fabric, securing it with hot glue.
- Use straight pins if needed to hold difficult areas in place.
Step 4: Assemble Your Bow
-
Make the Bow Piece: Lay the bow fabric piece face down. Fold both ends toward the middle, overlapping slightly. Use wire to cinch the middle and secure.
- Attach the Tail: Fold the tail piece in half and secure it to the back of the bow with using a piece of wire. Twist the ends of the wire together.
- Add the Center: Wrap the center fabric piece around the middle of your bow to cover the zip ties. Secure it at the back with hot glue.
Step 5: Hang and Fluff
- Use the wire underneath the center to create a sturdy point to attach zip ties to that will create a chain for hanging.
- Once your bow is secured in place, bend and fluff each piece into the perfect position. The wire lining will make this part a breeze!
Tips for Success
- Be generous with your glue and tape—it’s the key to keeping everything in place.
- Use extra zip ties wherever you need reinforcement.
- Don’t skip the batting if you want a plush, high-end look.
Final Thoughts
This giant bow has truly transformed our storefront into a festive masterpiece. Whether you’re decorating for the holidays or creating a statement piece for an event, this oversized bow is the perfect way to add charm and personality to your space.
We’d love to see your creations! Tag us on social media with #PutABowOnIt and show us how you’re spreading the holiday cheer.
🎀 Happy crafting!
- The Miles and Bishop Team
