How to Make Ribbon Bows for Your Christmas Tree and Decor

A handmade bow turns a plain tree or a bare mantel into something that looks styled on purpose. Store-bought ones can get pricey fast, and making your own lets you pick the exact ribbon, size and color. The method below uses wired ribbon and floral wire. Make one sample before cutting supplies for a matching set.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Content on Life With Amanda is created with the help of AI.

Project note: Amanda has not personally made or tested this bow. The images are AI-created illustrations. The measurements below are a planning example; ribbon thickness and the center twists affect the amount used and final size.

Ribbon supplier May Arts demonstrates the loop-and-twist technique, including keeping loops balanced and securing the center with floral wire. Use the same principles for the smaller four-loop design below.

What You Will Need

Velvet wired ribbon: A 2.5 inch width is one option for this decorative bow. Start with 2 yards for the main bow plus a separate 10 inch piece for the center cover. Use ribbon you already own if it holds the shape you want.
Floral wire: A thin, bendable green wire to cinch the center.
Fabric scissors: Fabric scissors give the cleanest cut on the ribbon tails.
Clear ruler: For consistent loop and tail lengths.
Wire cutters: Use cutters appropriate for the floral wire. Do not cut wire with fabric scissors.

How to Make a Classic Wired Ribbon Bow

Step 1: Measure and cut your ribbon

Cut a 72 inch main length and a separate 10 inch center-cover piece. Set aside floral wire long enough to wrap the center and leave attachment ends. For the planning example, the two larger loops extend about 5 inches from the pinch to the fold, and the two smaller loops extend about 4 inches. Each loop uses roughly twice its reach: 20 inches for the two large loops plus 16 for the two smaller loops. Two 10 inch tails add 20 inches, leaving about 16 inches of the main length for center twists and trimming. This is an allowance, not a tested yield.

Hands measuring red wired ribbon with a ruler and cutting it with scissors on a wooden table

Step 2: Fold the loops

Leave a 10 inch starting tail and pinch the ribbon at that point. Form a loop extending about 5 inches to the left of the pinch, bringing the ribbon back to the same center. If the ribbon has a front and back, twist at the pinch as needed so the decorative face stays on the outside. Make a matching 5 inch loop on the right. Add one 4 inch loop on each side, holding all four loop bases together at the center. Keep the remaining ribbon as the second tail; do not trim it until the center is secured.

Two hands pinching the center of folded red ribbon loops to form a bow

Step 3: Wire the center

Thread a length of floral wire around the pinched center and twist it firmly at the back. Leave the wire ends long if you plan to attach the bow to a tree branch or garland, since you can twist them right onto the greenery. Use wire cutters for any wire trimming and fold sharp cut ends inward at the back with suitable pliers. Use fabric scissors only for the ribbon tails, cutting at an angle or with a V notch.

Green floral wire wrapped around the center of a red ribbon bow, with scissors nearby

Step 4: Wrap the center and fluff

Fold the separate cover piece lengthwise to make a narrower band, wrap it around the pinched center and tie its ends securely at the back. Trim only after checking the knot. Keep the main attachment wire accessible. You can omit the cover if the ribbon is too stiff to tie neatly; a tucked but unsecured end can work loose. Open each loop with your fingers and shape its wired edges. Trim the two tails to matching lengths if desired.

Finished red wired ribbon bow being fluffed into shape with both hands

Keep sharp wire ends away from hands and delicate surfaces. Attach bows to suitable branches or supports, not to electrical light cords. Keep ribbon clear of candles, heaters and active fireplaces. The illustrated mantel is styling inspiration, not a safe clearance guide.

Where to Use Your Bows

On the tree: Tuck bows into the branches at different heights, or place a larger one at the top. Wire the bow to a sturdy branch so it does not droop.
On a mantel garland: Space bows evenly along the garland, or cluster three at the ends.
On wreaths and stair railings: A smaller bow every few feet keeps the look cohesive.
On gifts: A wired bow doubles as a keepsake topper.

Red velvet ribbon bows tucked into a fresh evergreen garland on a fireplace mantel with candles

Tips and Troubleshooting

Bow looks flat: Fluff each loop from the inside and reshape the wired edges until they stand up.
Loops are uneven: Measure each fold against the ruler, and keep the center pinch tight while you work.
Ribbon frays: Cut a V notch in the tails, or use a tiny dab of fray sealant on the ends.
Bow droops on the tree: Use the long wire ends to twist the bow firmly onto a branch, rather than resting it on top.
Matching a set: Finish one sample first. Record its actual ribbon length and loop reach, then cut the remaining pieces to match.

Make a Matching Set

Once the sample has the shape and attachment you want, use its measurements as a guide for the rest. If you are finishing the rest of your holiday setup, my holiday gift-wrap station guide is a good place to keep your extra ribbon organized, and these no-sew felt ornaments pair nicely with a bow-trimmed tree.

How to Make Ribbon Bows for Your Christmas Tree and Decor

What You Will Need