So I keep trying to make a loop bow...but everything goes wrong. I roll out my fondant, cut the strips, lay them over a dowel rod and pinch the ends as instructed. BUT, when I go to build the bow, the pieces keep breaking!

Not sure what I am messing up on, could really use some advice! And, do I wait to put it together until I am decorating the cake?

It sounds like you are using straight fondant? I use a 1/2 gumpaste/fondant mixture. The gumpaste makes it dry harder. Some people add tylose? powder to their fondant, too.

I agree with flamingobaker - straight fondant is too fragile. I like to add tylose powder to my fondant for bows so they're exactly the same color as the non-tylose fondant ribbons I wrap around the cake.

See if the tutorial below my signature helps.

Well, you are MORE than generous!!

Hopefully it will work out for me this time!

thanks again!