How to Make a Bow for a Wreath

Wreaths are a good idea for decorating your front door. A gorgeous handmade bow adds a nice touch to your wreath. There are so many different ways to make a ribbon bow; however, this bow is the easiest. This bow is perfect for decorating wreaths, Christmas gifts, Christmas trees, lanterns, and more.

 

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Supplies to Make a Ribbon Bow

I adore making bows; however, I remember my first few failed attempts at making them. Since then, I have learned to make many different types of ribbon bows. Additionally, I enjoy sharing my favorite ways to make a bow; you can find more bow tutorials in my ultimate bow-making guide. 

Ribbons

Selecting ribbon is the best part of bow making. There are a ton of different types of ribbons. However, my favorite ribbon to use for making a bow is a wired ribbon since it makes shaping bows super easy. The wire also helps the ribbon bow to maintain the shape of both the loops and tails. 

I prefer using a wider ribbon such as 2 1/2 inches for wreath bows. However, my favorite ribbon for my DIY bows is a wired burlap ribbon. It holds its shape, and it makes a gorgeous bow it can be used on a vast array of wreaths.

 Zip Tie and Wire

After you “tie” your bow, you will need a zip tie or a piece of floral wire to hold your bow together. You can also use a chenille stem or pipe cleaner to cinch and hold it together. I like to use a chenille stem that matches the ribbon. Therefore, I keep a variety of colors on hand. 

Wire Cutters and Scissors

I like to use sharp scissors and heavy-duty wire cutters (my favorite ones) when making bows and to craft.

 

How to Make a Bow with Three Loops

1. To make this simple bow, I used a 2 1/2 inch wide wired ribbon. The first step is to determine the size of bow you would like to make. Once you know the size, you will make a loop with the ribbon, then loop your ribbon around the first loop two more times. Be sure to start and stop the ribbon circles a little before the center starts and a little after to finish.

Note: The number of loops on each side is determined by the amount of ribbon “circles” you make. In other words, if you make three ribbon circles of ribbon you will have three loops on each side of your bow. 

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2. Cut the ribbon off just about an inch past the center.

3. To form the bow streamer or tails, fold a piece of ribbon in half just a little longer than your desired final length and cut the ribbon.

4. To form the bow, pinch the center of the three circles of ribbon.

5. Next, pinch the center of your stream tail and hold it on the pinched loops’ center bottom.

 

6. Use a zip tie (the one I used) around the center of the bow’s loops. Be sure to pull it tight before trimming off the zip tie with your wirecutter (this one is my favorite). Please note: if you want to attach the bow to a wreath with wire or a chenille stem, place it on the back of your bow and then zip tie the bow and chenille stem together. 

7. The center ribbon knot is simple to make. Cut a piece of ribbon, then make a knot in the center of your ribbon. Use the tails of your ribbon knot to tie it around the center of the bow. Note: you can use another ribbon or the same ribbon for the center knot. 

 

8. You can tie the knotted ribbon around the center of the bow and leave the tails long enough to attach the bow to a wreath, as a lantern bow, Christmas tree bow, swag bow, or gift wrapping bow. You can also use hot glue or floral wire to attach the bow.

9. To fluff the bow, I start with the inside left loop and pull it to the bottom, and then I grab the loop on the opposite side and do the same thing. I leave the loop on top as the center loop and pull out from the top, always leaving the center’s top loop. However, you may like to arrange them the opposite either way is gorgeous.

10. Now, your wreath bow is ready to be attached to your wreath form. If you added a wire or chenille stem to the zip tie, then you can wire the bow to your wreath. However, you can use a hot glue gun and glue it to your wreath, or it can be pinned in place. 

Learning how to make the perfect bow only takes a few minutes and no special tools!

Finished Bows

 

These gorgeous bows all have a farmhouse-inspired vibe with the buffalo check or burlap ribbon. However, if you use a satin ribbon to make this bow, it will look elegant. 

 

I used black and white buffalo check ribbon for this DIY ribbon bow. The ribbon choice is perfect for all-year use.

Burlap wired ribbon bows are the most popular since they are lovely for wreaths, weddings, gifts, crafting, and decorating.

 

 

 

Wired Edge Ribbon Wreath Bow

This bow can be made with a grosgrain ribbon for a hair bow or a wide ribbon for decorating.

My handmade wood slice wreath was made from a fallen tree in my yard. I like the wood slices’ rustic farmhouse look, and I really enjoy buffalo check ribbon, so combining these two elements was a must.

 

Additional Ideas for Making a Bow

Multi Ribbon Bow

Fall is my favorite time of year, and to celebrate, I like to create a gorgeous new bow for my fall wreath. In an earlier post, I share how I made this multi Ribbon bow. It is an easy bow to make but looks so elegant. This bow is so gorgeous I had to use it on my Christmas wreath too.

Easy DIY Bow

You know I LOVE Goodwill shirts, pumpkins! So I took it one step further, made a door hanger with a Goodwill shirt, and added this Easy DIY Bow. This two-loop b0w with short tails is just what my door hanger needed.

One Ribbon 

This one ribbon bow has a center loop, right and left loop (add as many loops as you wish), and tails. 

 

Double Ribbon Loopy Bow

The Double Ribbon Wonder is quick to make using two ribbons making this one gorgeous. See how to make this one on my YouTube video. This one makes the perfect Christmas tree topper bow too. 

Fun Bow

This funky fun bow can be made with up to eight different ribbons. It is the perfect way to use up pieces of scrap ribbon. You can see how I made this fun bow in this earlier post.

DIY Gift Ideas You Might Like:

Making handmade Christmas gifts with easy bows, scrap fabric, and wood, etc., can be relaxing and budget-friendly too.  Why buy when you can DIY?

These adorable DIY Christmas Ornament Gnomes are made with cardboard boxes and scraps. They would make an affordable gift for anyone.

 

Please join me (HERE) as we craft up some fun. You can look forward to receiving new inspiration every week. As well as special online crafting events, seasonal and holiday crafting too. 

Thank you for your visit today,

Kippi