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Home > Bow Tutorials > Make A Bow By Hand for Christmas Decor

Make A Bow By Hand for Christmas Decor

December 28, 2023 | Bow Tutorials, Christmas, DIY Seasonal Decor

I’ve just unleashed my inner holiday elf, and you won’t believe the merry magic I’ve concocted—a candy-stripe ribbon bow that’s so ridiculously easy and cute, you’ll want to deck everything with it! Whether it’s your Christmas tree, wreath, or even a DIY home decor project, this bow is the ultimate festive touch. 

How To Make A Bow By Hand for Christmas

Crafting doesn’t have to be complicated, right? This bow is the ultimate in easy-peasy Christmas bows! All you need is some candy-stripe ribbon (the wider, the better for that bold statement), a pair of scissors, and a piece of wire. It’s basically the crafting equivalent of wrapping a present—easy, breezy, and oddly satisfying.

Now, here comes the really fun part—mixing and matching your ribbon! Go wild with colors and patterns—candy stripes, polka dots, maybe even a bit of glitter if you’re feeling extra festive. The beauty of this bow is its versatility. Got leftover ribbon scraps? Perfect. This is where they shine. Just layer them on top of each other when creating your bow, and suddenly, you’ve got a whimsical explosion of color. It’s like confetti for your decor, and who doesn’t love a good confetti moment?

Once your candy-stripe ribbon bow masterpiece is complete, it’s time to spread the joy. Whether you decide to crown your Christmas tree with it, add a burst of color to a wreath, or jazz up a simple swag, this bow is the mini-celebration your decor needs. Stick it on a wrapped gift, and use it as a finishing touch for a garland—the possibilities are as endless as the smiles it’s bound to induce. And here’s the real secret: no one needs to know it took you mere minutes to create. It can be our little crafting victory.

Directions

  • Start by cutting a dovetail, or V cut, in your ribbon and measuring your first tail. I made mine 30” for a nice long tail with a lot of movement. 
  • At the 30” mark, hold your ribbon tightly and create a twist by twisting your right hand backward and your left hand forward. Hold that twist between your thumb and forefinger. This twist will keep that beautiful front of your ribbon facing out. 
  • Create your first loop, as big as you’d like it. I decided to make mine about 6”, or the length from my pinky to my thumb when I “hang 10”. This is a fun, consistent measurement to use. When your loop is created, twist your ribbon like you did earlier, then hold that loop with your same thumb and forefinger. 
  • Repeat these steps to create three more loops, one symmetrical to your first, then another pair in front of the first. You’ll end up with 4 loops. 
  • Add two more loops, a couple of inches shorter than your others, to add some dimension. Mine are about 4”. 
  • Grab your piece of 18 gauge wire and wrap it around the center of your bow. Twist it tight and pull it to the back of your bow. This will keep the bow together and is how you will attach your bow to your tree, wreath, or whatever project you are working on. 
  •  Cut your second tail. I cut mine just a little bit shorter, to 24”, to match the first. I love longbows on my tree, which is what this bow is for. 
  • Floof your loops and arrange your loops and tails as you’d like them to lay, and you’re ready to go! 

TIPS AND TRICKS

  • Change your ribbons to make bows that match whatever type of decor you are creating. Make a smaller version for a wreath or swag. Add multiple smaller bows to your tree. Let the versatility of this fun bow shine!
  • If you’d rather use a cable tie, be sure to add a second to the back to attach it easily to your tree or project.   
  • I used a wide ribbon for this bow, a 2.5”wire-edged ribbon, and I think that works best. But you are free to use this same bow with any type of ribbon you’d like to match your wreath. Your bow will be more floppy if you use a ribbon that is not wire-edged. 

How Can I Use a Candy-Stripe Bow by Hand for Christmas?

When it comes to infusing that extra dose of festive flair into your Christmas decor, the candy-stripe ribbon bow by hand is a game-changer. Elevate your holiday tree by placing these whimsical bows strategically on branches for a pop of color and charm. Adorn wreaths with these delightful bows, turning an ordinary wreath into a vibrant display of holiday cheer. Don’t stop there—let these bows take center stage on your DIY garlands, adding a playful touch to staircases or mantels. For an extra special touch, attach them to wrapped presents, transforming your gifts into festive masterpieces. 

Ideas for Mixing and Matching Ribbon Patterns in Christmas Decor

Unleash your creativity and elevate your Christmas decor by embracing the art of mixing and matching ribbon patterns. Start by selecting a base ribbon, perhaps a classic candy-stripe, for that festive touch. Then, introduce complementary patterns like polka dots, plaids, or even glitter-infused ribbons. Layer them together to create a dynamic and visually engaging combination. For a cohesive look, stick to a consistent color palette that ties all the patterns together. Consider wrapping the mixed ribbons around your Christmas tree, intertwining them in a harmonious dance of textures and colors. Don’t shy away from experimenting—use the eclectic ribbon combinations to craft bows, swags, and garlands that showcase your unique holiday style. 

Learn how to create designs like this one by joining
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