How to: Create the perfect bow for a needlepoint project (Fork Bows for needlepoint)

Colleen, in house needlepoint teacher at The Wool & The Floss, teaches us how to do a Fork Bow for Needlepoint. 

Transcript below so you can follow step-by-step:

First, you need a fork, and then you need a piece of ribbon. This is thinner ribbon, but honestly, you can use whatever size ribbon you want. Another option that works is a comb, because what you want is even tines and a center hole. So you could use a comb—just make sure you’re using a clean comb. Don’t use one that’s been used with hair products.

You put your ribbon on either side, with it laid flat on the back and the front like that. Then you take the top piece and run it through the center tines—the hole in the center.

Next, you take the piece that’s still on the top and run that back through the center hole. Flip your fork over. I tend to hold the knot while I do this. Flip your fork over, and now you’re just going to knot it.

When you pull the ribbon off, you have a nice little bow that you can couch onto your pieces. Then you can trim your ends, and there you have it.

Typically, when I add mine to a canvas, I might play with the bow a little bit and tack it down—usually in the center, maybe on the wings as well, and sometimes on the tails to hold it in place.