Get ready for gift-giving with this clever D.I.Y. timber tool. It’s easy to build, and it will help you tie a perfect bow every single time. Our handy guide will walk you through how to make it.
Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.
Cut timber to the desired length
Decide on the length of your bow maker, based on the size of bows you’d like to make. Use a tape measure and pencil to mark your cutting point on the DAR pine. (Ours is 400mm long to allow for a range of bow sizes.) Using a handsaw and mitre box, cut the pine to your chosen length.
Smooth the edges with abrasive paper
Use 180-grit abrasive paper and a sanding block to smooth out the cut edges of your timber.
Measure and mark a horizontal line along the centre
Measure the height of the top face of the pine piece, then mark the halfway point on each end. Use a pencil to connect the two points, drawing a horizontal line along the face of the pine.
Mark the halfway length and even intervals between
Measure the length of the top face of the pine piece, then mark the halfway point at the top and bottom edges. (Ours is halfway at 200mm.) Add a small pencil mark at the centre point of the horizontal line. Next, divide the line on each side of your centre point into quarters, making four additional, equally spaced marks on each side of the centre point. You should end up with nine small, evenly spaced vertical marks.
Drill holes for the dowel, then smooth
Using a 2mm drill bit, drill holes at each of the nine points along the line. Increase the drill bit size in small increments until you reach 12.5mm holes, the width of your dowel. Sand down the top of the drill holes, removing any breakout until smooth.
Measure and cut the dowel pegs to length
Using a saw and mitre box, cut two pieces of dowel to 10cm lengths; sand the edges until smooth.
To use your new bow maker:
1. Decide how wide you would like the loops of your bow to be, and then insert the two dowel pegs into the drilled holes at your chosen width.
2. Wrap your ribbon around the outside of both dowel pegs.
3. Cross the right ribbon tail over the left and hold the crossed ribbon firmly.
4. Loop the end of the right ribbon tail under the left, then weave through to the back.
5. Lift the ribbon tail up and over the middle and pull until you see the bow shape starting to form.
6. Tie a knot and pull taut. Then, lift the bow from the pegs and pull the tails carefully to tighten and adjust the look of the bow.
More gift wrapping ideas
Take inspiration from our D.I.Y. potato stamped gift wrap, a clever and personalised way to package a gift for any occasion.
Photo Credit: Cath Muscat
*Timbers and wall linings vary by state and territory; contact your local store for further information.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
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