Aweh Gifting

A ribbon is the finishing touch that turns a wrapped box into a proper gift. It also has a reputation for being fiddly: slippery, uneven, and prone to ending up crooked. The good news is that a handful of simple techniques cover almost every present, and none of them need special skills. Here is how to get a neat result every time.

Start with the right ribbon

Most frustration comes from using the wrong ribbon, so choose well before you start.

• Width: For most gifts, a ribbon between 1 cm and 2.5 cm (about half an inch to an inch) is easy to handle and looks balanced. Very thin ribbon can cut into paper and is harder to tie neatly. Very wide ribbon needs more length and can overwhelm a small box.
• Type: Grosgrain and satin are the easiest to work with. Grosgrain has a ridged texture that grips itself, so knots and bows stay put. Satin is glossy and elegant but slides more, so it needs a little extra care. Wired ribbon holds its shape well and is good for fuller bows.
• Finish: Plain, matte ribbon looks smart on almost any paper. If the paper is busy, pick a solid ribbon in one of its colors.

How much ribbon do you need?

A simple rule saves a lot of waste and rewrapping. Measure the ribbon around the box in the direction you plan to wrap it, then add enough for the knot or bow. As a rough guide:

• For a single band around the box, use the distance around the box plus about 30 cm (12 inches) for a bow.
• For a cross-over wrap (ribbon going both ways), use about twice the length plus 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches).

It is always easier to trim extra than to add more, so cut generously.

The easiest method: the simple cross wrap

This is the most reliable way to ribbon a present, and it works on boxes, books, and most flat gifts.

1. Lay the box face down on the ribbon, with the ribbon’s center under the middle of the box.
2. Bring both ends up the sides and cross them over at the center of the back.
3. Turn the ribbon ends to run in the other direction and bring them around the box again.
4. Flip the box right side up. The ribbon should now form a neat cross on the underside and a clean line across the top.
5. Tie a knot or a bow where the ribbon meets on top, centered on the lid.

If you want the ribbon to stay in place, run a small piece of double-sided tape under the ribbon where it crosses on the back.

The easiest bow: the classic loop bow

A well-tied bow does most of the work of making a gift look special. Here is a simple way to tie one.

1. Tie a plain overhand knot on top of the box, as you would the first step of tying a shoelace.
2. Make a loop with one end, holding it between your finger and thumb.
3. Wrap the other end over the top of the loop and push a second loop through the gap behind it.
4. Pull the loops gently to tighten, adjusting until they are the same size.
5. Trim the tails at an angle, or cut a small V into each end, for a tidy finish.

To keep the knot from slipping on slippery ribbon, tie the first knot twice, or add a small piece of tape beneath it.

No-tie options for people who dislike bows

If bows are not your thing, there are good alternatives.

• Pre-made stick-on bows: Peel and press them on. Quick, neat, and good for last-minute gifts.
• A single band with a knot: Wrap one length of ribbon around the middle, tie a simple double knot, and leave the tails long.
• A looped tail: Tie a bow, then leave the tails long and curl them by pulling them gently over the blade of closed scissors.
• Tape-secured wrap: Wrap the ribbon around the box and fix the ends underneath with tape, so there is no knot at all.

Tips for a neater result

• Wrap the paper first and smooth it flat before adding ribbon. Wrinkles show through.
• Use double-sided tape to anchor the ribbon on the back so it cannot slide.
• Seal cut ends with a quick pass of a lighter or a dab of clear nail polish to stop fraying, but only if the ribbon type allows it, and always with care.
• Cut ends at an angle or in a V shape for a polished look.
• Practice a bow once on scrap ribbon before doing the real thing.

The bottom line

The easiest way to ribbon a present is to choose a medium-width, grippy ribbon, use the simple cross wrap, and finish with a classic loop bow. Add a little tape for security, trim the ends neatly, and the present is done in a couple of minutes.