How to make a wreath bow – 7 easy steps for beginners

Make a ribbon wreath bow in minutes with this easy step-by-step guide

Wreath bow
(Image credit: Sara Bird/Future)

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
Sara Bird

Sara 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

Ribbon wreath

(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:

1. Begin with a loop

Ribbon wreath bow

(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

Ribbon wreath bow

(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

Ribbon wreath bow

(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

Ribbon wreath bow

(Image credit: Sara Bird/Future)

Tie loops together with wire or a chenille twist. Tying tightly together with a twist.

5. Neaten the bow

Ribbon wreath 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

Ribbon wreath bow

(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.

Sara Bird
Style Editor

Creative Director, Stylist, speaker, published author of books Home for the Soul and Gardens for the Soul and Style Editor at Future, Sara has been creating commercial and editorial images and content for favorite interiors and lifestyle brands for over 25 years, including Country Homes, Ideal Home and Homes & Gardens.