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How to Make a Bow for a Wreath

Don’t be intimated by bows! In this post, you’ll learn how to make a bow for a wreath in no time at all. The instructions also 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? I promise you will be absolutely delighted if you whip up one of these beauties. By following this easy tutorial, you will end up with a lovely and full bow that will definitely take your wreath to the next level. 

burlap bow with ivy and bittersweet with text - How to make a perfect bow

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

Easy Wreath Bow Tutorial

This method involves no sewing. It is perfect for beginners and experienced wreath-makers alike. I’ll share step-by-step pictures, and even answer questions people have. This tutorial will take you from novice to pro in just a few minutes!

Supplies Needed

You only need three things to make a bow for your wreath. Here’s what you need:

  • 2 yards of ribbon that is at least 3 inches wide. Wider ribbon can also be used and will give you a softer bow.
  • A heavy-duty stapler.
  • Scissors.
Supplies to make a perfect bow for a wreath - burlap ribbon and a heavy duty stapler

How To Make A Wreath Bow

Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a perfect wreath bow in no time at all.

Step 1: Cut Your Ribbon

Cut the ribbon into 3 different pieces, each with a different length. This is how long to cut each piece:

  • 36 inches
  • 24 inches
  • 6 inches

Step 2: Mark the Center Of The Ribbon

Next, mark the center of the 24-inch piece with a pin.

marking the center of the burlap ribbon with a bow

Step 3: Fold The Pieces To The Center

Then, bring the ends of the 24-inch piece to the center, overlapping them about an inch. Staple them to the middle of the ribbon and set this piece aside.

Staple the 24-inch long ribbon

Step 4: Fold The Sides Of The 6-inch Ribbon

Now it’s time to prepare the 6-inch long ribbon. Fold the long sides over so they meet in the middle. They should not overlap, just touch.

folding the 6-inch ribbon to make a bow.

Step 5: Secure With Staples

Secure the ends of the folded ribbon with one staple each. Then, put this piece aside.

Staple both ends of the 6-inch long ribbon

Step 6: Accordion Pleat The Longest Ribbon

Now it’s time to prep the longest ribbon, the 36-inch long one. Make an accordion pleat in the middle of this ribbon.

An accordion pleat on the 36-inch long burlap ribbon

Step 7: Staple It Together

Place a staple in the pleat to hold it together.

A staple holding the accordion pleat together.

Step 8: Place The Pieces Together

Now we are ready to assemble the pieces together. To start, lay the 6-inch piece wrong side up on a flat surface. Place the 36-inch piece as pictured below. 

Assembling the burlap bow

Step 9: Add the 24-inch Piece

Next, lay the 24-inch piece wrong side up so it is next to the 36-inch piece. 

The 24-inch ribbon next to the 36-inch ribbon pieces.

Step 10: Center All The Pieces

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

Center all the pieces

Step 11: Staple Everything Together

Finally, place two staples in the 6-inch piece to hold the entire bow together. Trim the excess if desired. 

Staple the center of the bow to hold it all together

Step 12: Make A Notched End

If you want, fold the end of each tail in half and trim to make a notched end. 

A notched end of a burlap ribbon

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. 

That’s it. See, you don’t need to own a sewing machine or even know how to thread a needle (in most cases) to make a fancy bow for your wreath! It’s that easy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Making Bows For Wreaths

Here are some additional questions that people often ask about making a wreath for a bow.

Do I have to make bows by hand?

No, you definitely do not have to make bows by hand. You can buy bows at craft stores and online, or you can buy bow-making machines that do all the work for you.

How do I make a bow for a wreath using a tool like the EZ bow maker?

The best way to learn how to use the EZ bow maker is to watch a video. That way, you can pause it and keep rewatching steps that you are struggling with. A great EZ bow maker tutorial is shown by Southern Charm Wreaths.

What other materials can I use to make a bow in place of ribbons?

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.

Ribbon is the easiest because it is the perfect size, but there are other things you can use instead. Tulle makes a really fantastic bow, so does crepe paper.

More Ribbon Tutorials

If you enjoyed this tutorial, here are a few more with some additional tips and tricks that you might like to try next.

bows make from red striped grain sack ribbon with text

Affiliate links included. Click HERE for my disclosure statement. 

How to Make a Burlap Bow: Supplies

How I Used Homemade Bows In My Wreaths

Want to see how these homemade bows look on a wreath? Here are some of my favorite wreaths that I made with my homemade bows.

Now that you know how to make beautiful bows, please send me a picture if you make one. I would love to see what you created!

burlap bow with greenery red berries with text