How to Tie a Bow on a Dress, Sash or Ballet Waist Ribbon

Short answer: to tie a bow on a dress, sash or ballet waist ribbon, cross the two ends, pull one under and snug to make a knot, form a loop with each end, cross the loops, pull one through, then tighten and tug the loops until the bow sits flat. Leave both tails equal and tuck them in so they stay neat.

How do I tie a bow on a dress, step by step?

1. Center the ribbon. Wrap the sash or ribbon around the waist so the two ends meet at the front or back, and make the ends even in length.
2. Make a starting knot. Cross the right end over the left, pull it under and snug it tight. This is the first half of a normal shoelace knot.
3. Make two loops. Fold each end into a loop about the length you want the bow to be, and hold one loop in each hand.
4. Cross the loops. Lay the right loop over the left loop.
5. Pull one loop through. Tuck the right loop under and through the gap between the loops, and pull gently on both loops.
6. Tighten and flatten. Pull the loops sideways until the knot is firm, then straighten the bow and tuck the tails so they hang evenly.

How do I make the bow lie flat?

• Keep the ribbon flat as you wrap it, with no twists, before you start the knot.
• Pull the first knot snug, because a loose first knot makes a loose bow.
• Make both loops the same size. An uneven bow tips to one side.
• Smooth the loops with your fingers after tightening.

Why does my bow keep coming undone?

Problem	Likely cause	Fix
Bow slips undone	The ribbon is slippery satin	Tie the first knot twice before making the loops
Bow tips to one side	Loops are different sizes	Re-tie, and make the loops the same size
Bow looks bulky	The ribbon is too wide or stiff	Use shorter, smaller loops
Tails are uneven	The ends started at different lengths	Even the ends before the first knot

How do I tie a waist ribbon over a ballet leotard?

Put the leotard on first, then wrap the ribbon around the natural waist, which is the narrowest part of the torso. Tie the bow at the center back or at the side, as the teacher or school prefers, so the ribbon does not rub when the dancer bends forward. Tuck any long tails into the ribbon or trim them so they cannot catch on the hands in port de bras.

What if the ribbon is elastic?

An elastic ribbon or belt needs less tension. Tie the knot loosely, because it stretches as you tighten it. Some elastic belts have a slider or a bow-style fastening that sets the length without a knot. Our adjustable elastic belt is an example.

How can I make a bow look neat for photos?

Cut both tails to the same length at a slight angle, or heat-seal the ends if the ribbon is synthetic so it cannot fray. Fluff the loops gently, and check the bow from a few steps away. A small, tidy bow usually looks better than a large one.

Which bow style should I choose?

Style	Look	Good for
Classic bow	Two loops and two tails	Dresses, ribbons and waist sashes
Small flat bow	Short loops, tucked tails	Ballet class and exams, where a tidy look matters
Double knot bow	Extra turn on the first knot	Slippery satin that slips open
Side bow	Bow worn at the hip	A softer look for performances

A quick tip for children

Children can learn the bow with the old rhyme for shoelaces: make a loop, wrap around, push through and pull. Practice with a wide ribbon on a chair back first, then on the waist. If a child cannot tie the bow alone yet, tie it for her and teach her the steps a little at a time. A leotard set that comes with a waist ribbon and bow, like our black camisole leotard set, gives plenty of practice.