How To Make A Christmas Bow With Wired Ribbon

Every holiday season, many of us feel the pressure to make our decorations stand out, but it can be overwhelming to find something unique and personal. You want your tree, wreath, or gifts to look special, but store-bought decorations often lack that personal touch. Does this sound familiar?

The good news is that creating something with your own hands, like a beautiful Christmas bow, can solve this. With just a wired ribbon and a little time, you can make a bow that looks stunning and adds a personal touch to your holiday décor. And yes, it’s easier than you think!

6 Steps to Make A Christmas Bow With Wired Ribbon

Decorating for Christmas feels even more special when you add a personal touch. Creating a wired ribbon bow is simple and adds charm to your tree, wreaths, or gifts. Follow these 6 easy steps to craft your own beautiful Christmas bow!

Step 1: Cut the Ribbon

Decide how big you want your bow to be based on where you’ll use it. For a medium-sized bow, start with about 3 feet of wired ribbon. If you want a larger or more dramatic bow, you can use a longer piece of ribbon. Wired ribbon works best because it holds its shape and makes the bow look fuller.

Lay the ribbon flat and measure the length if needed. Use sharp scissors to cut the ribbon cleanly. If you're unsure about the length, it’s better to cut a little more than you think you’ll need; you can always trim it later.

Step 2: Create the Loops

Take one end of the ribbon and form a loop, holding it securely between your thumb and fingers. This will be the center loop of your bow. Then, create a second loop on the opposite side, making sure both loops are equal in size. This balance is key to a well-shaped bow.

Continue alternating sides, adding loops until you have at least 4–6 loops (two or three on each side). For a fuller and fancier bow, you can add more loops. Keep the loops snug in the center while forming them to ensure the bow holds together during the next steps. 

Step 3: Secure the Middle

Once your loops are complete, pinch the center of the ribbon tightly with your fingers to hold everything in place. The tighter you pinch, the neater the bow will look once finished. This step is essential to properly make a ribbon bow that stays secure and looks professional.

Take a piece of floral wire or a twist tie and wrap it securely around the pinched center. Twist the wire tightly to lock the loops together. Make sure it’s snug enough to hold the bow firmly but not so tight that it damages the ribbon.

Step 4: Shape the Loops

After securing the bow, gently pull and adjust each loop to shape them. Start by pulling each loop outward, spacing them evenly on both sides. This creates a balanced and full appearance.

Thanks to the wired edges of the ribbon, shaping the loops is easy. Bend and fluff the loops until they look smooth and even. Take your time with this step, as shaping the loops properly makes the bow look polished and professional.

Step 5: Add Tails

For an extra touch, cut a separate piece of ribbon to create tails for your bow. The length of the tails depends on how dramatic you want them to look, but a good starting point is about 12–18 inches.

Attach the tails to the back of the bow by wrapping the same floral wire or twist tie around the center. Position the tails so they hang down evenly for a classic look. Adjust them as needed to ensure they complement the bow’s overall shape.

Step 6: Trim the Ends

Finally, trim the ends of the ribbon tails to your desired length. To give the bow a finished look, cut the ends at an angle or into a “V” shape. For a V-cut, fold the ribbon in half lengthwise and cut diagonally from the folded edge to the open edge.

This clean finish adds a professional touch to your bow and prevents the ribbon from fraying. Double-check the length of the tails and adjust them if necessary to ensure they’re symmetrical and match the style of your bow.

Where to Use Your Christmas Bow?

Christmas bows are a simple way to add charm to your holiday decorations. With a ribbon bow DIY approach, you can create a festive touch for trees, gifts, and more.

1. Christmas Tree

Add bows to your Christmas tree for a festive and stylish look. Ribbon making allows you to create unique designs that add a personal touch. Place them on the tips of branches or near the trunk to fill in gaps and create depth. You can use smaller bows for a subtle touch or larger ones as statement pieces. Try matching the ribbon color to your tree ornaments for a coordinated look.

To secure the bows, twist the floral wire around the branches. This ensures they stay in place even if you move or adjust other decorations. A few well-placed bows can make your tree look professionally decorated.

2. Wreaths

Use your bow as the centerpiece of a wreath to make it stand out. If you're making a bow with ribbon or using a pre-made one, position it at the top, bottom, or side, depending on your style. A large bow can serve as the focal point, while smaller bows can be added as accents.

If you’re making your own wreath, attach the bow using floral wire or hot glue for a secure hold. For store-bought wreaths, simply tie or twist the bow into the greenery. A Christmas bow on a wreath adds charm and gives your front door a warm and welcoming feel.

3. Gifts

Handmade bows are a great way to dress up wrapped presents. If you want to make bow with wired ribbon, it’s simple and adds a polished, festive look. Place the bow on the center or corner of the gift for a beautiful finish. Using a ribbon that matches your wrapping paper ties the whole package together perfectly.

To attach the bow, use double-sided tape, glue, or tie it directly into the ribbon wrapped around the gift. Adding a handmade bow shows you’ve put extra thought into your gift and makes it even more special for the recipient.

4. Garlands

Brighten up your garlands with Christmas bows for a cheerful touch. Space them evenly along the length of the garland, or place them at each end for balance. Bows look great on garlands draped over mantels, staircases, or doorways.

Attach the bows securely with floral wire or twist ties to keep them in place. Consider using different-sized bows to add variety and make the garland more visually interesting. Adding bows to your garlands is an easy way to bring extra holiday spirit into your home.

Small Effort, Big Festive Impact

Creative enough? Even the most creative people need simple tools to bring their ideas to life. Think about how artists use brushes or chefs use their favorite knives to create something special. Making a Christmas bow with wired ribbon is no different—it’s a small effort that creates a big impact on your holiday decorations.

At BBCrafts, we know that every detail matters, especially when it comes to your holiday décor. Just like crafting a bow, creating beautiful decorations takes the right tools and a little care. Shop our collection today to find everything you need to make your holiday decorations shine!

Key Takeaways

Personal Touch Made Easy
Making a Christmas bow with wired ribbon is a simple way to add a personal and festive touch to your holiday décor. If you're making bows with wired ribbon for your tree, wreath, gifts, or garlands, these handmade creations add a unique charm that store-bought decorations can’t match..

Simple Steps for Stunning Results
With just a few materials and six easy steps, you can create a bow that looks professional. From cutting and looping to shaping and trimming, each step is designed to make the process straightforward, even for beginners.

Flexible Ways to Spread Holiday Cheer
Christmas bows are perfect for trees, wreaths, garlands, and presents. When you make a bow with wired ribbon, it’s easy to secure and instantly brings a festive and creative look to your home. These handmade bows show thoughtfulness and creativity, making your decorations truly stand out.