You clicked because you saw a tiny paper bow and thought, “I need to make that.” Good news: that adorable bow is just the beginning. The internet is full of clever makers who share free diagrams, video walkthroughs, and printable templates for paper bows — from simple flat bows to 3D ribbon look-alikes. But most people only find the same few Pinterest pins. This list uncovers 20 underrated origami and paper-craft resources that will have you folding cute bows (and so much more) in no time.
Table of Contents(Click to Toggle)
- Why Paper Bows Are the Perfect Quick Craft
- 1. Origami.me : Step-by-Step Bow Diagrams
- 2. Paper Kawaii : Adorable Bow Variations
- 3. Origami-Instructions.com : Easy Bow for Beginners
- 4. The Spruce Crafts : Photo Tutorial for a Classic Bow
- 5. YouTube : Video Tutorials by Origami with Jo Nakashima
- 6. Instructables : Bow with a Twist
- 7. Pinterest : Endless Bow Inspiration Boards
- 8. Red Ted Art : Cute Bow for Kids
- 9. Origami Spirit : Elegant Bow with a Center Knot
- 10. DIY Crafts TV : 3D Bow That Looks Like Ribbon
- 11. Go Origami : Minimalist Bow with Clean Lines
- 12. Origami Way : Simple Bow for Cards and Gifts
- 13. Kids Activities Blog : Bow Made from Scrap Paper
- 14. Happy Folding : Video on a Classic Japanese Bow
- 15. Papercraft Square : Printable Bow Templates
- 16. Origami Resource Center : Bow with a Square Base
- 17. All Things Paper : Blog Spotlight on Paper Bows
- 18. YouTube : Origami Bow by Jenny W. Chan
- 19. The Craftaholic Witch : Bow with a Double Loop
- 20. Papercraft Post : Bow Garland for Parties
- Bonus: More Cute Paper Bow Ideas
- Your Next Bow Awaits
Why Paper Bows Are the Perfect Quick Craft
Paper bows have a magical quality: they look intricate, yet most take under ten minutes to fold. They transform a plain card, gift box, or hair clip into something special. Plus, the materials are cheap — you can use origami paper, scrapbook paper, or even pages from old magazines. The best part? The internet is packed with tutorials, but many of the best ones stay hidden because they’re buried in blogs or YouTube channels that don’t rank high. This guide pulls together 20 hidden gems that will teach you different bow styles, from classic to quirky.
1. Origami.me : Step-by-Step Bow Diagrams
What it is: A clean, ad-free site with hundreds of origami diagrams, including a dedicated bow tutorial.
Category: Origami instructions
Why it stands out: The bow tutorial uses clear, numbered diagrams that show every fold. It also includes a video for visual learners. The site is easy to navigate and free.
Best for: Beginners who want a reliable, no-nonsense guide.
2. Paper Kawaii : Adorable Bow Variations
What it is: A blog by Chrissy Pushkin, featuring over a dozen origami bow designs, from simple to 3D.
Category: Origami blog
Why it stands out: Each tutorial includes photo steps and a video. The “Cute Origami Bow” is a reader favorite, and she also shows how to make a bow from a rectangle — perfect for gift wrapping.
Best for: Crafters who want multiple bow styles in one place.
3. Origami-Instructions.com : Easy Bow for Beginners
What it is: A straightforward tutorial site with a simple bow that uses just a single square of paper.
Category: Origami instructions
Why it stands out: The instructions are written in plain language with photos. It also includes tips on choosing paper thickness for a crisp bow.
Best for: Absolute beginners or kids.
4. The Spruce Crafts : Photo Tutorial for a Classic Bow
What it is: A well-known craft site with a detailed photo tutorial for a classic origami bow.
Category: Craft tutorial
Why it stands out: The tutorial breaks down each step with large photos, and it includes a printable diagram. It also suggests using double-sided paper for a prettier result.
Best for: Visual learners who like detailed photos.
5. YouTube : Video Tutorials by Origami with Jo Nakashima
What it is: A popular origami channel with a clear video on how to fold a paper bow.
Category: Video tutorial
Why it stands out: Jo Nakashima’s videos are known for their clear, slow pace and close-up shots. The bow video is under 10 minutes and includes tips for making the loops even.
Best for: Learners who prefer video over diagrams.
6. Instructables : Bow with a Twist
What it is: A community-driven DIY site with a clever bow tutorial that uses a different folding sequence.
Category: DIY tutorial
Why it stands out: The tutorial is written by a maker who includes photos of each step plus a video. The result is a slightly different shape that looks great on gift boxes.
Best for: Crafters who want to try an alternative method.
7. Pinterest : Endless Bow Inspiration Boards
What it is: A visual discovery engine with thousands of paper bow pins, including diagrams and videos.
Category: Inspiration
Why it stands out: Search for “origami bow” and you’ll find curated boards with step-by-step images. You can save your favorites for later.
Best for: Gathering ideas and comparing styles.
8. Red Ted Art : Cute Bow for Kids
What it is: A family-friendly craft blog with a super simple paper bow that kids can make.
Category: Kids craft
Why it stands out: The tutorial uses basic folds and includes printable templates. It’s perfect for classroom or rainy-day activities.
Best for: Parents and teachers.
9. Origami Spirit : Elegant Bow with a Center Knot
What it is: A blog by Leyla Torres, featuring a refined bow design that mimics a real ribbon knot.
Category: Origami blog
Why it stands out: The tutorial includes video and photo steps. The resulting bow has a more polished look, making it ideal for greeting cards.
Best for: Those who want a more sophisticated bow.
10. DIY Crafts TV : 3D Bow That Looks Like Ribbon
What it is: A video tutorial on a 3D bow that stands up and looks like real ribbon.
Category: Video tutorial
Why it stands out: The video uses a single strip of paper and shows how to fold it into a dimensional bow. It’s a great technique for gift toppers.
Best for: Making eye-catching gift decorations.
11. Go Origami : Minimalist Bow with Clean Lines
What it is: A blog by Ilan Garibi, known for clean, geometric designs, including a minimalist bow.
Category: Origami blog
Why it stands out: The tutorial uses clear photos and the design is elegant. It’s slightly more advanced but worth the effort.
Best for: Origami enthusiasts who appreciate modern design.
12. Origami Way : Simple Bow for Cards and Gifts
What it is: A tutorial site with a simple bow that lies flat, perfect for card embellishments.
Category: Origami instructions
Why it stands out: The instructions are concise and include a video. The flat design makes it easy to glue onto paper crafts.
Best for: Card makers.
13. Kids Activities Blog : Bow Made from Scrap Paper
What it is: A craft blog that shows how to turn scrap paper into a cute bow.
Category: Kids craft
Why it stands out: The tutorial encourages recycling and uses simple cuts and folds. It’s a great way to use up leftover wrapping paper.
Best for: Eco-conscious crafters.
14. Happy Folding : Video on a Classic Japanese Bow
What it is: A website by Sara Adams, with high-quality origami videos, including a classic bow.
Category: Video tutorial
Why it stands out: The video is clear and includes diagrams. Sara’s soothing voice and precise folding make it easy to follow.
Best for: Those who want a calm, detailed tutorial.
15. Papercraft Square : Printable Bow Templates
What it is: A site offering free printable templates for paper bows that you cut and assemble.
Category: Printable craft
Why it stands out: The templates come in various sizes and you can print them on colored cardstock. No folding required.
Best for: Quick, uniform bows for parties.
16. Origami Resource Center : Bow with a Square Base
What it is: A comprehensive origami site with a bow tutorial that uses a square base.
Category: Origami instructions
Why it stands out: The tutorial includes clear diagrams and written steps. It’s a slightly different approach that results in a sturdy bow.
Best for: Those who like diagram-based learning.
17. All Things Paper : Blog Spotlight on Paper Bows
What it is: A blog by Ann Martin that features paper crafts, including a post with several bow tutorials.
Category: Craft blog
Why it stands out: The post curates links to multiple bow tutorials from different creators, giving you a variety in one place.
Best for: Discovering new bow styles.
18. YouTube : Origami Bow by Jenny W. Chan
What it is: A video tutorial on Jenny’s channel, known for her clear instructions.
Category: Video tutorial
Why it stands out: The video shows how to make a bow with a 3D center, and she offers tips on paper size. It’s a great choice for visual learners.
Best for: Making a bow that pops.
19. The Craftaholic Witch : Bow with a Double Loop
What it is: A craft blog with a unique bow design that has two loops on each side.
Category: Craft blog
Why it stands out: The tutorial includes step-by-step photos and a video. The double-loop design is more intricate but looks stunning on gifts.
Best for: Crafters ready for a challenge.
20. Papercraft Post : Bow Garland for Parties
What it is: A tutorial for making a garland of paper bows to hang at parties.
Category: Party craft
Why it stands out: The tutorial shows how to make multiple bows and string them together. It’s a fun way to decorate for birthdays or weddings.
Best for: Party decorations.
Bonus: More Cute Paper Bow Ideas
Origami Bow by EzOrigami : Quick 5-Minute Bow
What it is: A fast video tutorial that produces a simple bow in five minutes.
Category: Video tutorial
Why it stands out: Perfect for last-minute wrapping.
Best for: Quick crafts.
Origami Bow by PPO : Bow with a Ribbon Tail
What it is: A tutorial that adds a tail to the bow, making it look like a real ribbon.
Category: Video tutorial
Why it stands out: The extra tail makes it perfect for gift toppers.
Best for: Gifts.
Origami Make : Bow with a Twist
What it is: A diagram tutorial for a bow with a twisted center.
Category: Origami instructions
Why it stands out: The twist adds a decorative element.
Best for: Unique designs.
Your Next Bow Awaits
Paper bows are a small craft with a big payoff. Whether you’re wrapping a gift, decorating a card, or just folding for fun, the tutorials above offer a world of possibilities. Start with the simple one from Origami.me, then challenge yourself with the 3D version from DIY Crafts TV. Before you know it, you’ll be inventing your own variations. What’s your favorite paper bow tutorial? Share it in the comments below!
