Wondering how to make a bow for a wreath with wired ribbon? This simple step by step tutorial will show you just how fast and EASY it can be!

Then… load up on even more fun DIY Christmas Decorating Ideas!

Christmas wreath decorated with a red bow.
A small black button with the words Pin It.

How to Make a Bow for a Wreath

No wreath is complete without a pretty bow, right?

That why today I’ll show you How to Make a Bow for a Wreath with Wired Ribbon!

You won’t believe how EASY it actually is!

All you’ll need is some wired ribbon and floral wire to create a gorgeous bow in less than 5 minutes!

And once you know how to make a gorgeous bow, there’s no need to pick up those pre-made bows at the craft store.

You’ll save SO much money buying your ribbon in bulk and making your own bows!

You can even use these pretty bows to decorate inside your home around the holidays, or make smaller versions to pretty up gifts and packages!

So what are you waiting for?

Let’s get started!

Here’s what you’ll do…

Related: Holiday DIY on a budget with these Fun Crafts To Do at Home!

How Do You Make a Simple Wired Ribbon Bow?

It’s SO fast and easy! You’ll just need wired ribbon, and we can get started!

What Kind of Ribbon Do You Use for a Wreath?

Now when it comes to ribbon, the options at the store are endless! So what kind of ribbon is used for wreaths? I’ve found that 2.5 inch wired ribbon works the best.

It’s wide enough to make a nice, full bow… and the wire will allow you to easily adjust it to keep it in place.

Red ribbon on a white surface.

Ribbon Supplies Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to round up before you start…

  • 2 1/2 inch Wired Ribbon (minimum 9 feet)
  • 6 feet for bow
  • 3 feet for tails {18 inches each}

That’s it. So easy!

Wired Ribbon Bow Instructions

You won’t believe how quick and easy these pretty wreath bows are to make!

Here’s what you’ll do…

Person holding a ribbon that is looped.

1. Start by making a small loop with the ribbon. This will be your bow’s center loop.

Person holding a ribbon with a twist in it.

2. Then twist the ribbon in the back of the loop.

Make sure to twist on the back side to keep the pretty side of the ribbon facing out.

Person holding a ribbon with two large loops.

3. Now make a larger loop on one side, returning with the ribbon to the back of the first loop.

Person holding together multiple loops in a ribbon.

4. Twist again on the back side, and make a loop of the same length on the opposite side.

Person holding a ribbon with three loops.

5. Bring the ribbon back to the center and twist again on the back side.

Person holding a ribbon with loops and a twist in the back.

6. Repeat the process two more times… gradually making a larger loop on each side.

Person holding a ribbon with several large loops.

7. Once you’re done and have 3 loops on each side of your center loop, secure the bow in the center using floral wire.

Floral wire wrapping around a red bow.
Red bow held together with green floral wire.

8. Now it’s time to make the tails!

Cut two pieces of ribbon, each 18 inches long.

Long pieces of ribbon under a bow.

9. Place the tails flat on a table, overlapping at the top so they spread out at an angle at the bottom.

Small lengths of ribbon sticking out from the top of a bow.

10. Feed the top of the tails through the center loop, fold over in the back, and secure with floral wire.

Ribbon ends tied together with floral wire.

11. You can leave the tails as is, cut at an angle, or cut an upside down ‘V’ shape at the bottom.

Scissors next to ribbons cut like upside-down v\'s.

12. Good job… you did it! Now you can affix your bow to your wreath with floral wire, and you’re done!

Red ribbon on a white surface.

That wasn’t so hard now, was it?

Simple and SO pretty!

Christmas wreath decorated with a red bow.

More DIY Christmas Craft and Decor Inspiration

So are you in the mood for more crafting and decorating?

Get ready to load up on even more fun DIY Christmas Decorating Ideas that are easy on your budget too…

DIY Fresh Christmas Wreath and Garland

Learn how to make your own DIY Fresh Christmas Wreath and Garland with these simple tips and tricks!

Christmas wreath made from fresh greens, pinecones, and red berries.

DIY Stocking Wreath

This cheerful Christmas DIY stocking wreath will make such a fun statement on your front door!

Green stocking filled with greenery hanging on a door.

DIY Hydrangea Wreath for Front Door

Check out this EASY step-by-step tutorial to make a gorgeous hydrangea wreath for your front door!

Red, white, and green wreath handing from a white bow.

DIY Cinnamon Pine Cones

You won’t believe how EASY it is to create your own Cinnamon Pine Cones, and they smell AMAZING!!

Pinecones in a basket.

DIY Snowy Winter Wonderland Pine Cones

These beautiful pine cones add such a wonderful touch to any wreath or garland.  They also look amazing all by themselves!

Two pinecones with white tips.

DIY Photo Ornaments

Deck the halls and trim the trees this Christmas with more fun photo ornaments!

Collage of photo ornaments.

10 Easy Christmas Ornament Crafts for Kids

These sweet and simple Christmas Ornaments for Kids to Make are super-easy for even little kids, and will come together in a snap!

Collage of ornaments made by children.

DIY Plastic Hanger Star with Lights

Give your front yard Christmas decor a frugal upgrade this year when you make this fabulous plaster hanger star strung with lights!

Star made from plastic hangars and Christmas lights.

DIY Plastic Hanger Snowflake with Lights

This easy DIY Plastic Hanger Snowflake project is the fabulous, budget friendly Christmas decoration you’ve been looking for!

Snowflake made from plastic hangars and lights.

DIY Tomato Cage Christmas Tree

Give your yard decor a magical upgrade this year with a pretty DIY Tomato Cage Christmas Tree!

Yard decorated with Christmas lights and decorations.

DIY Wooden Christmas Tree with Lights

Add more Christmas cheer to your front yard when you create some of these festive Wooden Christmas Trees!

Two wooden Christmas trees lit up outside a house.

27 Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Don’t Forget to include your Elf!  Have a blast trying some of these funny Elf on the Shelf Ideas this Christmas!

Elf overlooking a canyon.

45 Christmas Decorating Ideas on a Budget!

Let me help you turn your home into a cozy Christmas Cottage and gorgeous Winter Wonderland with these inexpensive and frugal Christmas Decorating Ideas!

Red, white, and green flowers and plants.

50 Easy Christmas Crafts to Make at Home

So do you have the itch to craft? These craft ideas for kids adults will keep you busy all throughout the holiday season!

Collage of Christmas crafts.

Fun Crafts To Do at Home! (huge list)

So are you still feeling crafty??  Take a minute to go check out this HUGE list of fun craft ideas for every season and skill level!

Crafting supplies including ribbons, scissors, and a paint brush.

55 Fun Christmas Activities for Families, Couples, Kids & Adults

So whether you’re looking for festive new Christmas traditions for families, December date nights for couples, holiday party ideas for adults, exciting activities for friends, or magical ideas for kids… I’ve got you covered!

Wreath decorated with hearts and ornaments.

So have you tried this method for How to Make a Bow for a Wreath yet?

Leave a comment & share!

About Heidi Miller

I'm a recipe developer, food photographer, writer, and the frugal girl living here in sunny AZ with my husband! Here you’ll find trusted Quick and Easy Recipes with step-by-step instructions and massive flavor! Who knew cooking and baking could be SO ridiculously simple and delicious at the same time?

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

28 Comments

  1. Judee says:

    It really came out beautiful and professional looking. Great tutorial. Thank you.

    1. Heidi says:

      Thank you so much, Judee… I just love how easy this style of bow is to make! 🙂

  2. Adriana Leandro says:

    Great tips. I really love your bow.
    Thanks for sharing.

    1. Heidi says:

      Thanks so much, Adriana!

  3. CoCo says:

    I needed this post so much, Heidi! I still do the “shoelace tie” kind of bow but this will definitely help me elevate my game. Plus, it will be really pretty on packages this year too. Loving, pinning, and will share it on Friday. Big hugs, CoCo

    1. Heidi says:

      That’s a great idea to use this technique for adding bows to wrapped gifts, CoCo! Those will be BEAUTIFUL!!

  4. Lovely says:

    I’m so bad at making bows. This looks easy. I need to give this a try.
    xoxo
    Lovely

    1. Heidi says:

      Aww… this is such a simple way to make a bow, you’ll definitely need to give it a try! 🙂