Just like it takes young kids a few tries before they can tie their shoes, perfecting the classic Christmas bow takes a bit of practice. This year, skip the expensive store-bought bows in lieu of one you've tied yourself, because we're here to walk you through the three easy steps. In addition to saving money, there are a few more benefits to making your own bows—you can pick your ribbon and the size, plus you have the ability to customize your look with a different embellishment for each season. Follow these simple steps to learn how to make a bow with ribbon and see how easy it is to attach it to a classic evergreen wreath that works for any season.
How To Tie A Bow For A Wreath
Follow these simple how-to instructions to tie a classic bow and add it to a wreath. You should be able to complete the steps in about 5 minutes.
Supplies Needed:
- Ribbon
- Scissors
- Wreath
Step 1: Select Your Ribbon
To make a big statement, opt for a thick ribbon that's at least 2 inches wide. Ribbon with a wire edge gives the final look more shape and durability. For a casual or rustic appearance, select a linen or burlap ribbon. If you're planning to don a wreath with more than one bow, consider using a ribbon that's 1 inch thick.
Step 2: Tie the Bow
First, fold the ribbon length back and forth, forming two loops at the top and one loop in the bottom center. Be careful not to twist the ribbon. From there, cross the top right loop over the top left loop, fold what is now the left loop down behind the right loop, then thread through it the bottom loop. Pull the top loops taut, forming a knot in the center of the bow. Trim the tails and notch the ends as desired.
Try Making a DIY Pom-Pom Bow
Step 3: Attach The Bow To Your Wreath
Slip a piece of floral wire through the back of the bow, wrapping it around the wreath in your desired location to complete the project. Smooth out any wrinkles and fluff your bow to your ideal shape. Don't worry if it doesn't look perfect—you can always pull it apart and start over. Once you've mastered how to make a bow for a wreath, try making other handmade bows to top wrapped gifts or use as Christmas ornaments.
Make a wreath bow to add a designer finishing touch to any wreath. Adding an extra splash of color and style, wreath bows can be used for all kinds for wreaths, from fall through to July 4th.
Learn how to make wreath bows and you can also use them to adorn other seasonal decorations, such as Christmas trees. You can even add them to gifts and flower arrangements.
If you choose to make a fall wreath using this bow, then add a wreath bow in a different color to update it for your Thanksgiving wreath ideas, and again when you make a Christmas wreath... and so on into spring.
Easy to make, our wreath bow only requires three ingredients which can be easily sourced; you may even already have them at home.
Sara Bird
Stylist, Art Director and AuthorSara Bird has worked on the Homes & Gardens team for many years, making seasonal projects look beautiful for us. Sara is passionate about reloving and renovating homes and interiors and always warms to great interior ingredients.
How to make a wreath bow
(Image credit: Sara Bird/Future)
To make a wreath bow like the one above, simply choose a ribbon in a color that contrasts with or complements the decoration you are adding it to.
You will need:
- Ribbon – we used wired at the edge to help it keep its shape. Amazon sells this mesh ribbon four-pack in fall-winter colors (10yds each) (opens in new tab)
- Clips (optional)
- Chenille twist/pipe cleaner – this Amazon pack is highly rated (opens in new tab).
1. Begin with a loop
(Image credit: Sara Bird/Future)
Leaving a long length of ribbon at the base, make a loop at the top of your ribbon.
2. Add the second loop
(Image credit: Sara Bird/Future)
Make another ribbon loop on top of the first making sure it is perfectly in line with the first. Our loops measured about 6in.
3. Continue adding ribbon loops
(Image credit: Sara Bird/Future)
Continue doing this. It might be easier to clip the loops together as you work.
4. Tie ribbon loops together
(Image credit: Sara Bird/Future)
Tie loops together with wire or a chenille twist. Tying tightly together with a twist.
5. Neaten the bow
(Image credit: Sara Bird/Future)
Cover the tie with another loop of ribbon then secure this at the back with the wire of chenille twist.
6. Primp and arrange
(Image credit: Sara Bird/Future)
Cut off the ends of the ribbon to your desired choice and fan out the loops. You are now ready to attach your wreath bow.
How much ribbon do you need to make a bow for a wreath?
The amount of ribbon you use to make a bow for a wreath really depends on how large the bow needs to be – for a 12in wreath, the bow needs to be around 4in wide to be in proportion – and how full you want it to be. For our 12in wreath, we used around 36in of ribbon to make the bow.