How To Make A Bow for a Wreath

In this post: Easy DIY tutorial that explains in detail how to make a bow for a wreath! Instructions include how to make a burlap bow with no sewing.

Sometimes the simplest things in life are the most rewarding. Who would have thought a person could get such total enjoyment from making a bow? Seriously…I promise you will be absolutely delighted if you whip up one of these beauties! If you follow this easy tutorial, when you are finished, you will have a lovely and full bow that will definitely take your wreath to the next level.

*This post contains affiliate links. Click HERE for my full disclosure statement.

How to Make a Bow for a Wreath

What you need:

2 yards ribbon that is at least 3 inches wide. Wider (4 or 5 inches) is better.
A heavy duty stapler

Step 1: Cut your ribbon into the following lengths:

36 inches
24 inches
6 inches

You will have 3 pieces of ribbon.

Step 2: Mark the center of the 24 inch piece with a pin.

Step 3: Bring the ends of the 24 inch piece to the center, overlapping about an inch. Staple and set aside.

Step 4: Take the 6 inch piece and fold the sides so they meet in the center.

Step 5: Staple both ends and set aside.

Step 6: Take the 36 inch piece and accordion pleat it in the center.

Step 7: Place one staple to hold the pleat together.

How to Make a Burlap Bow: Assembly

Step 8: Lay the 6 inch piece wrong side up on a flat surface. Place the 36 inch piece like pictured below.

Step 9: Lay the 24 inch piece wrong side up so it is next to the 24 inch piece.

Step 10: Now for the fun part! Pull the ends of the 6 inch piece together and straighten the other two pieces so everything is centered.

Step 11: Place two staples in the 6 inch piece to hold the entire bow together. Trim the excess if desired.

Step 12: Fold the end of each tail in half and trim to make a notched end.

Step 13: Stand back and admire your new bow!

When I use heavier fabric, like grain sack, I am not able to use the stapler for the last step. The layers of fabric are too thick and they jam the stapler. A bit of hand stitching is required to hold the pieces together. Below are links to my tutorials for making ribbon from an antique grain sack and also for making a grain sack bow.

DIY Antique Grain Sack Ribbon Tutorial

How to Make a Perfect Grain Sack Ribbon Bow

Obviously, you don’t have to use burlap ribbon, but it does make a lovely bow. Any kind of ribbon will work, but I recommend ribbon at least 4 inches wide so your creation has some presence. Also, my measurements for the 2 longer pieces are totally random. You can make your bow any size under the sun.

Affiliate links included. Click HERE for my disclosure statement.