How to make a bow for a Christmas tree: 3 easy DIY ideas

What is a tree bow?

No tree, even one that is perfectly decorated with your all-time favorite ornaments, is complete without a Christmas tree topper. And a tree bow is perfect for that! A tree bow is a bigger bow made out of ribbon. There are many different ribbon variations, colors, and materials to choose from, as well as methods to make one. What’s more, these bow decorations could be used not only as tree toppers! You can make some to decorate your Christmas tree instead of using ornaments, you can decorate a Christmas wreath, or use them all over the house. During the holidays, everything is possible! Below, we will show you 3 easy DIY Christmas tree bow topper ideas that will make your festive decorations even better this year!

Tree toppers complete the look of every Christmas tree

How do you make a bow for a Christmas tree?

It is actually quite easy to make your own Christmas bow! Outdoor Christmas decorations, for example, take a bit more effort, supplies, and preparation. For your Christmas bow, you are going to need some ribbon. When choosing your ribbon, you have to take into account your decoration’s color scheme, and the size of the bow you want to make. The bigger the bow, the wider the ribbon should be. Wired ribbon is great for tree topper bows since it helps the bow holds its shape better. You can opt for a ribbon in one solid color or one with fun Christmas patterns. Think about what look you are going for, and choose your ribbon accordingly.

Adding some sparkling elements to your festive decorations is perfect for Christmas

Grab a nice cup of warm chocolate, add some fluffy marshmallows on top and let’s start DIY-ing

How do you make a classic easy bow?

Let’s start with the easiest and simplest classic ribbon bow. This bow is perfect for a more minimalistic tree topper, as it is smaller and less fluffy than the others. You can also use it as a mailbox decoration, on a Christmas wreath, or as a festive front door decoration. The options are endless! Let’s see the step-by-step tutorial for this classic ribbon bow:

What you will need:

• ribbon of your choice (use wire ribbon for a fluffier and stronger bow)
• scissors
• wire (florist wire is a good option)

Step-by-step tutorial:

1. Start by folding your ribbon in half and cutting the ends into a fishtail shape with your scissors. (make sure you are using a sharp pair of scissors, so the cuts are smooth)
2. Repeat this on both sides.
3. Then twist the ribbon so that the ends cross, and one big loop forms from the ribbon. The form should look like the ribbons we wear to support different important causes.
4. After that, grab the center of the loop and bring it back to where the ends cross. You should immediately see the bow forming.
5. Grab the middle of the bow and scrunch everything tightly together in one place.
6. Use one hand to hold the center of the ribbon and the other to grab some florist wire.
7. Then use the wire to secure the center of the bow tightly in one place.
8. Cut the excess wire and leave it aside.
9. Finally, use your hands to fluff up the bow and shape it any way you would like.
10. You are done!

This is the end result- a beautiful classic bow ready for your Christmas tree

Take a look at the video for visual instructions:

How do you make a double ribbon bow?

A double ribbon bow is made out of two different types of ribbons. This is great because you can get very creative with your decoration. Maybe you want to make a ribbon with two different colors, or one from two completely different materials, or even to combine a solid colored ribbon with one that has a cool pattern. There is no doubt that you will have one gorgeous Christmas tree this year! Let’s dive into the tutorial:

What you will need:

• two types of ribbon
• scissors
• wire

Step-by-step tutorial:

1. Start by trimming the ends of your ribbon diagonally.
2. Then identify the size of your ribbon loops, depending on how big you want your bow to be.
3. Begin folding your loops in your hand and stacking them on top of one another.
4. After you have enough ribbon loops, trim the other end of your ribbon with your scissors.
5. Then cut a slit halfway through the middle of your loops. (be careful not to cut past the middle)
6. Cut another slit halfway through the middle of the other side of your loops.
7. After that, take your florist wire and start wiring around your loops.
8. Then start separating your loops. Fold two loops backward and two loops forward. Repeat.
9. Continue separating the other loops.
10. Finally, arrange your loops, so they look nice, fluffy, and well-formed.
11. Voilà, you are done!

Your double ribbon bow is ready for the top of the Christmas tree

Take a look at the video for visual instructions:

How do you make a Christmas tree bow topper with three ribbons?

This next DIY idea is for those of you who want to make an even bigger, more dramatic, and colorful Christmas tree bow topper. For it, you are going to need three different types of ribbon of your preference. Make sure that the colors and patterns don’t clash. You want the combination to look great together without being over the top. Consider using a wired ribbon for this Christmas DIY since we are aiming for a bigger and fluffier bow.

What you will need:

• three types of ribbon (wired ribbon is a good option)
• scissors
• florist wire or zip tie

Step-by-step tutorial:

1. First, start by stacking the ribbons on top of each other.
2. Decide how big you want your loops to be and start folding them over around 6-10 times depending on the size you are going for.
3. After you are done folding, cut off the ends of the three ribbons, so you are only left with the loops you just folded.
4. Then cut a slit halfway through the middle of your loops. (again, be careful not to cut past the middle, this will ruin your bow)
5. Cut another slit halfway through the middle of the other side of your loops.
6. After you are done, use your zip tie or wire to cinch the ribbons together and pull it as hard as you can, so it is tightly secured into place.
7. Then start separating your loops one by one.
8. When you are done with that, you can fluff up your bow.
9. Optional: Add tails with the leftover ribbon by attaching some long pieces together and sticking them at the back of your bow.
10. You are all done!

You can use this method to make a big tree topper bow with only one color as well

Take a look at the video for visual instructions:

How do you attach a bow to a tree topper?

If your tree topper bow is not very heavy, you can just plop it on a branch, no hooks or wire needed. This will also make your bow stay in a more natural way within the branches. If your bow is heavier, and you doubt that it can stay on top of the Christmas tree on its own, then you can use some florist wire to attach it. A fun way to spice up your bow is by adding jingle bells, dried fruits, branches, and glitter to it! Enjoy!

Let’s take a look at some Christmas bow tree topper inspiration:

Red and gold is the ultimate Christmas color combination

Spice up your tree topper bows with some fairy lights 

Unique checker tree topper bow

A unique red foiled tree topper bow 

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