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How to create a gorgeous ribbon wreath you’ll be proud to display
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Wreaths are a popular way to decorate your door and fireplace. They often change depending on the season and holiday. While the most popular wreaths are made using artificial flowers or evergreen, ribbon wreaths are quite appealing too. They are surprisingly cheap and easy to make, and the possibilities are endless. They are a great option if flowers are not your thing.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Making a Tied Styrofoam Wreath

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  1. You can use a straw wreath or a Styrofoam wreath, but it needs to be tube-shaped with no sharp edges. Choose a wreath a few inches/centimeters smaller than you want it to be. The tied-on ribbons will make it appear larger.
  2. You will need a 1½ to 2-inch (3.81 to 5.08-centimeter) wide, solid-colored ribbon to use as a base. You will also need a variety of other ribbons to use as the ties. They can be solid colored, patterned, sheer, or a combination of the three. Make sure that the colors and patterns go well together.
    • 7/8, 5/8, and 3/8-inch (22, 16, and 10-millimeter) wide ribbons will work the best for the ties.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Ribbon Wreath
    Hot glue the end of the ribbon to your wreath. Wrap the ribbon around the wreath in a spiral, making sure to overlap it slightly. When you are back to where you started, cut the excess ribbon off, and hot glue the end down.
    • You won't see much of this layer in the end, but it will look nicer peaking through your tied ribbons than bare Styrofoam or straw.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Ribbon Wreath
    Each of these pieces need to be long enough to wrap around the wreath, plus a couple of inches/centimeters) for the tails. How long you cut the ribbons depends on how thick the wreath is and how long you want the ties to be.
    • For more texture, cut V-shaped notches into the ends of the ribbons.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Ribbon Wreath
    Take a ribbon, thread it into the wreath, then tie both ends into double-knot on the outside edge. Repeat this step over and over until the entire wreath is filled. Alternate different colors and patterns of ribbon for a unique effect.
    • Begin tying on the right side of the hanging ribbon, and finish tying on the left side.
  6. Adjust the short, tied ribbons so that the knots are all on the outside of the wreath and even. If you were to look at your wreath from the side, the knots should all be in a straight line, not a wavy one. Lastly, gently pull the tied ends of each ribbon apart to make them appear fuller.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Making a Tied Metal Wreath

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  1. You can find these wreath frames in the floral department of an arts an crafts store. They are typically green, and are make up of four rings, which are connected by vertical bars.
  2. You will need different widths of ribbons to tie onto your wreath. 7/8, 5/8, and 3/8-inch (22, 16, and 10-millimeter) will work the best. Choose a mixture of solid colors and patterns, but make sure that they all go together. For a really interesting wreath, you can even combine satin, grosgrain, and sheer ribbon. [1]
    • Do not use wired ribbon.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Ribbon Wreath
    You can do this quickly by stacking two or three ribbons at once, then cutting them with a sharp pair of scissors. [2] For more texture, cut V-shaped notches into the ends of the ribbons.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Ribbon Wreath
    Take a 7/8-inch (22-millimeter) ribbon and thread it under the outside ring. Tie the end of the ribbon into a tight, double-knot on the front of the ring. Repeat this step with the remaining 7/8-inch (cc-millimeter) ribbons until the outside ring is filled. [3]
    • Do not tie the ribbons to the metal bars connecting the rings.
    • Tie the ribbons as close together as you can so that the ring is nice and full.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Ribbon Wreath
    You will be using the widest ribbons on the outside ring, and the narrowest ribbons on the inside ring. Once again, make sure that all of the knots are on the front of the wreath, and that you are tying the ribbons as close together as possible. [4]
    • Use the 7/8-inch (22-millimeter) ribbons on the second ring.
    • Use the 5/8-inch (16-millimeter) ribbons on the third ring.
    • Use the 3/8-inch (10-millimeter) ribbons on the fourth (inside) ring.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Making a Looped Ribbon Wreath

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  1. These wreaths typically come in green, and are made up of four rings connected by vertical bars. You can get them in the floral department at an arts and crafts store. What size you get is entirely up to you!
  2. Deco mesh ribbon is the most popular, but you can also use burlap, sheer, or satin ribbon. Make sure that the ribbon is wired.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Ribbon Wreath
    Flip the wreath frame over so that the curved side is facing down. Thread the end of your ribbon under the smallest, inner ring on the wreath. Tie the end of the ribbon to the rest of the ribbon in a tight knot.
    • Make sure that you are tying the ribbon next to one of the vertical bars on your wreath.
  4. Your wreath frame has four rings. Starting from the smallest ring on the inside, they will be referred to as the first, second, third, and fourth rings.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Ribbon Wreath
    You can make the loop as big or small as you want. About two-finger-widths would be ideal, however. Also, make sure that the loop is oriented horizontally so that it is parallel to the rings. If it isn't, simply twist it so that it is.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Ribbon Wreath
    Reach down between the second and third rings, and pull out another loop of ribbon. Make sure that it is the same size as the first loop. Repeat this step for the third and fourth ring.
    • Make sure that you are pulling the ribbon snug against the rings. You want there to be loops only on the front of the wreath, not the back.
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Ribbon Wreath
    Use the same process as before, but in reverse. Pull another loop of ribbon between the fourth and third rings. Push it up against the first loop in that row, then move on to the next row down until you reach the first ring again. [5]
  8. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Ribbon Wreath
    Keep the loops as close together in size as you can, and make sure that they are oriented horizontally. Scrunch them up against each other slightly so that they hold together and the wreath appears full. [6]
    • After three rows of three loops each, secure the ribbon to your frame with a 6-inch (15.24-centimeter) piece of pipe cleaner. [7] Try to use a color that matches your ribbon.
  9. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Ribbon Wreath
    Flip the wreath over so that the back is visible. Cut the ribbon down to about 1 to 2 inches (2.54 to 5.08 centimeters) then tie it to the vertical, metal bar wire a pipe cleaner, a piece of string, or a thin wire. [8]
  10. Use a hot glue gun to secure items to the front of your wreath to give it more character. Use items that match the color of the wreath as well as the season. Flowers, leaves, and floral bows are all great options.
    • For a fall wreath, try acorns, colored leaves, or fake spiders.
    • For a winter wreath, try ornaments, jingle bells, or plastic snowflakes.
    • For a spring wreath, try plastic Easter eggs, butterflies, or spring flowers.
    • For a summer wreath, try bees, butterflies, or daisies/sunflowers.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    What type of leafy greens will last the longest if used on our wreath?
    T. Chinsen
    Top Answerer
    Look in the floral section of a craft store for synthetic leafy green which would last the longest. If you wish to include natural materials, again look in the floral department. Most stores will carry seasonal materials, so it can be hit or miss to find something. Any florist or a farm stand that sells floral wreaths may be able to advise you on suitable materials.
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      Tips

      • Avoid getting these wreaths wet, as some discoloration and staining may occur.
      • Choose colors that suit the season or the holiday.
      • Use a wreath hanger to hang up your wreaths. You can also tie a long piece of ribbon into a loop, then secure it to the wreath using a slip-knot.
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      Things You'll Need

      Making a Tied Styrofoam Wreath

      • Styrofoam or straw wreath
      • Hot glue gun and hot glue sticks
      • 1½ to 2-inch (3.81 to 5.08-centimeter) wide ribbon
      • 7/8, 5/8, and 3/8-inch (22, 16, and 10-millimeter) ribbon

      Making a Tied Metal Wreath

      • 7/8-inch (22-millimeter) ribbon, 31 yards (28.35 meters)
      • 5/8-inch (16-millimeter) ribbon, 18 feet (5.5 meters)
      • 3/8-inch (10-millimeter) ribbon, 12 feet (3.66 meters)
      • Metal wreath frame
      • Scissors

      Making a Deco-Mesh Wreath

      • Metal wreath frame
      • 2½ to 6-inch (6.35 to 15.24-centimeter) wide, wired ribbon
      • Scissors
      • 6-inch (15.4-centimeter) pieces of pipe cleaner
      • Hot glue gun and hot glue sticks (optional)
      • Flowers, leaves, bows, etc (optional)


      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To make a ribbon wreath, start by hot gluing the end of a solid-colored wide ribbon to a tube-shaped wreath. Then, wrap it around the wreath in a spiral, overlapping slightly as you go. After the entire wreath is covered in the ribbon, cut off any excess material and hot glue the end down. Finally, tie a variety of smaller ribbons onto the wreath until it’s filled. To learn how to make a tied metal wreath, keep reading!

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