Albert Einstein once said, “Creativity is seeing what others see and thinking what no one else ever thought.” When it comes to crafting, this couldn’t be more true. Making a wreath with ribbon isn’t just about following a basic tutorial—it’s about transforming simple materials into something uniquely yours, a personal reflection of your imagination.
If you’re preparing your home for the holidays or want a fun project, making a wreath is a great way to get creative. With just a few supplies and some imagination, you can transform a plain wire frame into a beautiful wreath. Every wreath you make tells a story, and that story is yours to create.
What Does a Wreath Mean?
A wreath is a circular decoration created from flowers, leaves, or stems. People commonly use it for special occasions and holidays like Christmas, Easter, or Weddings, hanging it on doors, walls, or windows.
Wreaths can represent various meanings, such as celebration or remembrance, based on the materials chosen. They can be crafted from natural elements like evergreen branches or fresh flowers, or from artificial materials like ribbons and fabric, which provide a more durable option.
6 Steps to Make a Wreath with Ribbon
Step 1: Prepare the Wire Wreath Form
Before you begin wrapping the ribbon, it’s important to make sure the wire wreath form is clean. Check for dust, dirt, or any loose bits that might be stuck to it. A clean wreath form helps the ribbon lay smoothly and makes the final wreath look neat and professional. If needed, wipe the form with a cloth or gently tap it to remove debris.
Step 2: Secure the Ribbon to Start
Take the end of your ribbon and fold it in half. Use a piece of floral wire to tightly attach the folded ribbon to the innermost ring of the wire wreath form. Make sure it is securely in place, so the ribbon doesn’t slip as you work. It’s important that this starting point is firm because it will hold the ribbon as you create loops throughout the wreath.
Step 3: Make Loops with the Ribbon
Begin by pulling the ribbon through the innermost ring of the wire wreath form, creating loops that are about 2 inches tall. You can make the loops tighter and smaller, around 1 inch, if you prefer a more compact look. Continue pulling the ribbon through the other two sections of the wreath form, making similar-sized loops.
Don’t worry too much if the loops aren’t perfect at first; you can adjust them later. To fully cover the wreath form, vary where you place the loops, making sure they are spread out enough to hide the wire beneath.
Step 4: Twist the Ribbon Underneath
Once you’ve made loops in all three sections of the wreath form, twist the ribbon on the underside of the wreath. This helps secure the loops you’ve already made and prepares the ribbon for the next row.
After twisting, start making loops again in the first, second, and third sections, following the same pattern. Continue this loop-twist process until you reach the end of your ribbon roll.
Step 5: Fluff and Adjust the Loops
Now that you’ve finished looping the ribbon, take a moment to fluff and adjust the loops. Spread them out evenly and make sure the wreath form is fully covered, with no visible gaps.
Fluffing the loops will also give the wreath a fuller, more textured appearance. This step is key to making the wreath look professionally done, so don’t skip it!
Step 6: Attach the Ribbon End
When you’ve used up the ribbon, secure the end of the ribbon to the wreath form using floral wire, just as you did at the start. Don’t worry if the attachment looks a bit messy; the surrounding loops will help hide any imperfections. If you need more ribbon, simply start a new roll and repeat the same process.
Factors to Consider When Selecting Ribbon for Wreaths
- Ribbon Width: Choose the ribbon width based on the size of your wreath. Smaller wreaths need narrower ribbons (1-1.5 inches), while medium and large wreaths can use wider ribbons (2-4 inches).
- Material: Popular ribbon materials include satin ribbon, burlap, sheer organza, and wired ribbons. Satin offers a smooth, elegant finish, burlap adds a rustic feel, and sheer organza provides a light, airy look. Wired ribbons are ideal for wreaths as they hold their shape, perfect for creating bows.
- Pattern and Design: The ribbon’s pattern can enhance your wreath’s look. You can go for stripes, polka dots, florals, plaids, or holiday prints. Solid colors can also work beautifully, either matching or contrasting with your wreath. Try different patterns to add character and interest.
- Durability: For outdoor wreaths, select durable, weather-resistant ribbons, especially wired ones, as they hold their shape better.
- Color Coordination: Pick ribbon colors that match or contrast with your wreath’s design to create the best visual effect.
Craft Your Perfect Wreath with Ease
Some people think making a wreath with ribbon is too hard or takes too long, so they just buy one. But they miss out on the fun and pride of making it themselves. When you make your own wreath, you can design it how you want and enjoy creating something special from simple materials. Why settle for a store-bought wreath when you can create something unique?
Make beautiful wreaths easily with our high-quality ribbons! At BBCrafts, we have strong and stylish ribbon supplies that make crafting simple and fun. With a variety of colors and wired options for easy shaping, we have everything you need to give your wreaths a professional, finished look.
Shop now for great prices and friendly customer service. Start making your perfect wreath today!
Key Takeaways
Creative Project
Wreath making with ribbon is more than just following steps—it’s a chance to show your creativity and make something that reflects your personal style. Every wreath has its own story, and you get to create it.
How Much Ribbon You Need
For a 12-inch wreath, you’ll need about 10 to 15 yards of ribbon. If you’re using more than one color, divide that length by the number of colors you’re using.
Choosing the Right Ribbon
When picking a ribbon, think about the width, material, pattern, and how strong it is. Wired ribbons are best because they hold their shape, making them great for creating bows and wreaths outdoors.