Learning how to make bows for your Christmas tree is a fun and festive way to add a personal touch to your holiday decor.
Whether you love classic red velvet, rustic burlap, or shimmering metallic ribbons, handmade bows bring warmth, texture, and charm to your tree.
They’re simple to create and can instantly elevate your overall holiday look.
From elegant toppers to playful accents tucked between branches, bows are a versatile decoration that ties your theme together beautifully.
In this article, we’ll walk you through creative ideas and easy techniques for making Christmas tree bows that look professional and polished.
Get ready to deck your tree with handmade touches that make your holiday season feel extra special.
Essential Materials for Christmas Tree Bows
Making Christmas tree bows is a breeze when we’ve got the right supplies. The ribbon, the type of wire, even the scissors we use really affect how neat and sturdy our bows turn out.
Choosing the Right Ribbon
Ribbons can be the star of the show, so it’s worth picking one that stands out but isn’t too stiff. Usually, a width between 2.5 to 4 inches works well for Christmas tree bows.
Buying ribbon on a spool is usually more budget-friendly than pre-cut pieces. Plus, you get more to play with.
- Solid colors like red, gold, or silver give a classic look. Plaid or glittery ribbon adds more character and a bit of sparkle.
- If you want the tails to drape nicely, a soft-finish ribbon is best. But if you want bows to hold their shape, wired ribbon is the way to go.
Tools You Need for Bow Making
Besides ribbon itself, a few tools make life easier.
- Floral wire is great for securing the center of the bow. It’s thin but strong, and we can twist it tightly without making a bulky knot.
- A sharp pair of scissors is a must. Dull scissors just fray ribbon edges and make cutting a neat “V” shape into the tails almost impossible.
- A hot glue gun is not always necessary, but it’s useful for attaching bows to wreaths, garlands, or ornaments when wire isn’t enough.
Having these basics ready saves time and helps our bows look their best.
How To Make a Classic Christmas Bow
Making a bow for the Christmas tree starts with the right ribbon length. Shape the loops evenly, then hold everything together with floral wire.
Measuring and Cutting Ribbon
Start with wire-edged ribbon because it bends easily.
- For a medium bow, cut about 2 to 3 yards of ribbon.
- If you’re aiming for a bigger bow, like for a tree topper, closer to 4 yards works. It’s smart to cut extra for the tails.
To size the tails, measure from where the bow will sit down to where you want them to hang. Cut the ribbon at a diagonal or into a “V” shape for a polished finish.
Creating Ribbon Loops
- To make loops, fold the ribbon back and forth, keeping the center pinched between your fingers. Each loop should be about 5–7 inches wide for a tree bow.
- Make anywhere from 4 to 8 loops, depending on how full you want it. With wide ribbon, even fewer loops can look lush.
- Twist the ribbon at the center as you fold. That way, the front side of the ribbon faces out on every loop.
Securing the Bow With Floral Wire
- Once you’ve got your loops and tails, hold the center tight and wrap floral wire around it. Wrapping two or three times gives extra strength.
- Twist the wire ends together and leave a few inches sticking out. That’s what you’ll use to attach the bow to the tree.
- Fluff the loops by gently pulling and shaping them. The wire edge in the ribbon makes this part pretty satisfying.
Easy DIY Christmas Bow Variations
Trying out different bow shapes and layers is half the fun. Some styles focus on texture, others on length or fullness, so we can match any tree vibe.
Pom Pom Bows
Pom pom bows are great if we want something soft and playful. Instead of ribbon, use yarn or fluffy fabric strips.
- Wrap the yarn around your fingers or a small piece of cardboard to make a thick bundle.
- Tie it in the center and trim. Suddenly, you’ve got a round, fluffy bow.
These add texture and work well in clusters. Use solid colors or mix two yarn shades for contrast. They’re light, so they don’t pull down branches. Honestly, they also double as cute gift toppers.
For extra fullness, group three pom poms together and tie them with thin ribbon before hanging.
Double and Stacked Bows
Double and stacked bows give a layered, more decorative look. These bows are perfect for big branches or as tree toppers.
- Start with two ribbons of different widths — the wider makes the base, the narrower sits on top.
- Loop both at the same time, stack them, and secure the center with floral wire.
- Wrap a small strip of ribbon around the middle to hide the wire.
Stack three ribbons if you want even more volume.
Mixing textures like satin with burlap or velvet with lace makes the bow pop without being too flashy.
Long-Tailed Bows
Long-tailed bows are simple but elegant.
- Start with a classic bow, but leave the ends long.
- The tails can be curled, angled, or left straight — totally up to you. Wired ribbon helps the tails keep their shape.
- For a balanced look, cut the tails into a V-shape or at a diagonal.
These look especially nice at the top of the tree, with tails cascading down like streamers. They’re great on garlands or stair railings too.
Want extra drama? Just use longer ribbon so the tails reach deeper into the tree.
Decorating Your Christmas Tree With Bows
Adding bows to a Christmas tree gives it a softer, more polished look. Placement and how you mix them with other decorations really change the vibe.
Placing Bows for Maximum Impact
Where you put bows can totally change the tree’s style.
- For a balanced look, space bows evenly from top to bottom.
- Cluster them in groups of three to fill gaps between ornaments.
- Large bows are best near the bottom where branches are wider. Smaller bows fit nicely near the top or on thinner branches. Mixing sizes keeps the tree from looking too uniform.
- Angling bows upward makes the tree look taller. Placing them downward draws the eye toward the base.
- A big bow at the very top ties everything together.
Mixing Bows With Other Christmas Decorations
Bows don’t need to stand alone. They look great with ornaments, lights, and garlands.
- Try velvet or matte ribbon bows for contrast if you’re using shiny ornaments.
- Metallic bows pair well with simple glass baubles.
- Be careful not to cover lights or ornaments. Place bows slightly above or beside other decorations so everything’s visible.
- Mixing textures is fun too. Pair soft fabric bows with wooden ornaments or glittery baubles for variety.
- Tuck smaller bows if you’re using a ribbon garland for a coordinated look.