Ribbon has an almost magical effect on a Christmas tree. A few carefully placed bows can soften a tree filled with shiny ornaments, introduce a new color without replacing your existing decorations and make even a simple evergreen feel beautifully finished.
And Christmas tree bows don’t have to be enormous or complicated.
The tree pictured here proves the point beautifully. Soft ivory bows are tied among branches filled with warm gold, bronze and chocolate-colored ornaments, natural pinecones and tiny glowing lights. The bows aren’t competing for attention. Instead, they add movement and a lovely fabric texture that ties the entire tree together.
Whether you want to recreate that quiet elegance, add dramatic cascading ribbon or make a magnificent bow for the very top of the tree, the basic techniques are surprisingly easy to learn.
🎄 Christmas Tree Bows at a Glance
Difficulty: Beginner-friendly
Project time: About 5–20 minutes per bow
Best ribbon for structured bows: Wired ribbon
Best ribbon for soft bows: Velvet, satin or fabric ribbon
Useful widths: About 1–4 inches depending on the size of the bow
Basic supplies: Ribbon, sharp scissors and floral wire or chenille stems
🎀 What You’ll Need
- Ribbon in your chosen color and texture
- Sharp fabric or craft scissors
- Floral wire or chenille stems
- Wire cutters
- Measuring tape, optional
- Extra ribbon for tails
- Christmas tree or wreath for testing proportions
Wired ribbon is particularly useful when you want large, sculpted loops because the edges can be bent back into shape after the bow is attached. Soft unwired velvet or satin, on the other hand, can create the relaxed draping effect seen in the photograph.
Neither is automatically better. They simply produce different looks.
🤍 1. Simple Ivory Christmas Tree Bows
This is the easiest way to recreate the elegant tree pictured on the page.
Rather than making one enormous decorative bow, create a collection of medium and small bows from cream, ivory or champagne-colored ribbon and scatter them naturally among the ornaments.
Choosing the Ribbon
A soft satin, velvet or fabric ribbon approximately 1½ to 2½ inches wide works beautifully.
For the most relaxed appearance, choose ribbon that drapes rather than something extremely stiff. The loops should fall softly while the tails hang naturally between the branches.
Ivory is particularly versatile because it looks lovely with gold, bronze, brown, red, green and natural wood.
How to Tie the Bow
Cut a length of ribbon approximately 24–30 inches long for a medium bow.
Tie it around a sturdy branch as though you were beginning to tie a shoelace. Form two loops, cross one over the other and pull it through gently.
Don’t tighten it excessively.
Adjust the two loops until they are roughly equal, then pull and arrange the tails.
The prettiest bows aren’t necessarily perfectly symmetrical. A slightly longer tail or softly tilted loop can make the bow look more natural.
Trim the ends diagonally or cut a small inverted V into each tail.
Attach several throughout the tree, placing some closer to the trunk and others farther out toward the branch tips.
Against metallic ornaments and warm lights, those little cream bows create an understated Christmas tree that feels elegant without looking overly formal.
✨ 2. Classic Wired Christmas Tree Bow
If you’d like a fuller bow that holds its shape, wired ribbon is your friend.
The wire hidden along each edge allows you to sculpt every loop after the bow has been tied.
How to Make It
Leave approximately 8–12 inches of ribbon hanging down for the first tail.
Create a loop on one side and pinch the ribbon firmly at the center.
Twist the ribbon once at the pinch point so the decorative side faces outward, then create a matching loop on the opposite side.
Continue alternating from one side to the other. Three loops on each side create a nice medium bow, while four or five per side produce something much fuller.
Once you have enough loops, leave another length of ribbon for the second tail and cut the ribbon from the spool.
Wrap floral wire tightly around the pinched center.
Now comes the part that makes the bow beautiful: fluff it.
Pull one loop upward, another outward and the next slightly downward. Repeat on the other side rather than leaving every loop stacked directly on top of the previous one.
Shape the wired edges with your fingers until the bow feels full and dimensional.
Finally, trim the tails.
❤️ 3. Luxurious Velvet Christmas Bows
Few materials feel more suited to Christmas than velvet.
A deep burgundy velvet bow against dark evergreen branches can look wonderfully traditional, while champagne, ivory or dusty rose velvet creates something softer and more romantic.
You don’t need to construct elaborate multi-loop bows for velvet to make an impact.
In fact, one of the prettiest approaches is simply to tie classic bows directly onto the branches.
For an old-fashioned Christmas tree, try deep red velvet.
For something elegant and neutral, choose ivory or taupe.
For a woodland tree, use dark forest green or warm brown.
And for a more glamorous tree, champagne or muted gold velvet pairs beautifully with metallic ornaments.
Let the tails fall naturally instead of trying to make every bow identical.
A tree filled with twenty slightly different handmade bows often looks far more interesting than one decorated with twenty perfectly uniform ones.
🌲 4. Rustic Burlap & Plaid Bows
If your Christmas tree includes pinecones, wooden ornaments, dried oranges, woodland animals or other natural decorations, burlap and plaid ribbon are natural companions.
Use wired burlap ribbon as the base of the bow, then add a narrower tartan or red-and-green plaid ribbon through the center.
Create two or three large burlap loops on each side and secure them with floral wire.
Then make a smaller plaid bow and wire it directly over the first.
This layered approach adds color without losing the rustic texture.
Long burlap tails look particularly nice tucked among evergreen branches, especially if you gently curl them instead of allowing them to hang perfectly straight.
🎁 5. Layered Two-Ribbon Christmas Bow
Combining two ribbons is one of the easiest ways to make a homemade bow look more elaborate.
Choose a wide base ribbon and a narrower accent ribbon.
For example, pair:
Red velvet with gold metallic ribbon for a traditional tree.
Ivory velvet with champagne ribbon for an elegant neutral tree.
Plaid with burlap for farmhouse Christmas décor.
Forest green velvet with tartan for an old-world look.
White satin with silver ribbon for a winter wonderland tree.
Hold the two ribbons together as though they were one and create the loops using the wired-bow technique.
Alternatively, make two separate bows and wire the smaller bow over the center of the larger one.
The second method is particularly forgiving because you can adjust each layer individually.
⭐ 6. Dramatic Christmas Tree Topper Bow
A bow can replace a traditional star or angel at the top of the Christmas tree—or sit just beneath one.
For a statement topper, use approximately 2½- to 4-inch wired ribbon and make a generously layered bow.
Create several large loops on each side, gradually reducing their size as you approach the center.
Secure everything very firmly with floral wire.
The tails are what turn an ordinary bow into a tree topper.
Instead of cutting them short, leave several feet of ribbon trailing below the bow. You can allow them to fall vertically through the tree or gently weave them in and out of the branches.
For an especially full topper, add separate lengths of ribbon behind the bow rather than trying to make every cascading tail part of the bow itself.
This gives you much more control over the final arrangement.
🌟 7. Miniature Bows for a Traditional Tree
Large statement bows aren’t right for every tree.
Tiny bows can be even more charming, particularly on a tree filled with vintage ornaments, wooden decorations or family keepsakes.
Use ribbon approximately ½ to 1 inch wide and tie simple little bows.
Instead of attaching one to every branch, distribute them much as you would ornaments.
Red velvet miniature bows look wonderfully nostalgic, while gingham creates a cottage feel. Ivory satin produces something much closer to the tree in the photograph.
This is also a practical way to use scraps left over from gift wrapping.
🎄 8. Cascading Ribbon Bows
For a more dramatic decorator-style tree, combine bows with flowing sections of ribbon.
Begin by creating three to five substantial wired bows.
Attach them vertically down the tree rather than scattering them randomly.
From each bow, allow long ribbon tails to fall toward the next bow below. Tuck sections into the branches every foot or so, allowing the ribbon to billow outward between the tucked points.
The ribbon should appear to weave naturally through the tree rather than being pulled tightly across its surface.
Repeat the same ribbon several times around the tree to create rhythm.
This approach is especially effective on tall trees because the long lines draw the eye from top to bottom.
✂️ How to Cut Beautiful Bow Tails
A tiny finishing detail can make a surprisingly big difference.
For a simple diagonal finish, fold nothing—just cut across each tail at approximately a 45-degree angle.
For the classic dovetail, fold the ribbon lengthwise and cut diagonally upward from the folded edge toward the outer edge. When you unfold it, you’ll have a neat inverted V.
Wired ribbon is particularly easy to trim because the edges remain relatively stable while cutting.
Don’t feel that both tails need to finish at exactly the same length. Slight differences can make a bow look softer and more natural.
📏 How Big Should Christmas Tree Bows Be?
There isn’t one correct size because trees vary enormously.
A small tabletop tree generally looks best with tiny bows.
A typical living-room tree can handle a mixture of medium bows and several larger statement bows.
Very tall or exceptionally full trees need bigger decorations simply because small bows can disappear into the branches.
The easiest test is surprisingly simple: make one bow first.
Hold it against the tree and walk across the room.
If it disappears completely, make the next one larger. If the bow looks as though it has swallowed the branch, scale it down.
Only after you like the proportion should you make the remaining bows.
That one-minute test can save an evening of tying the wrong size.
🎨 Choosing a Christmas Tree Bow Color
Your ribbon doesn’t necessarily need to match your ornaments exactly.
Sometimes contrast is much more interesting.
The tree pictured here combines creamy white bows with warm copper, gold and dark brown ornaments. Because the ribbon is lighter than everything surrounding it, each bow remains visible without introducing another bold color.
For a classic tree, red bows against green branches remain difficult to beat.
Gold and burgundy feel rich and traditional.
White and silver create an icy winter look.
Natural linen, brown and deep green suit woodland decorating.
Pink and champagne create a softer romantic palette.
And bright red-and-white stripes are perfect for a candy-cane or peppermint tree.
If you already own many ornaments, choose ribbon after looking at what you have. One new ribbon color can often make an older ornament collection feel entirely different.
💡 Why Wired Ribbon Is So Useful
Wired ribbon isn’t required for every Christmas bow, but it’s invaluable when you want structure.
After the bow is attached, you can bend and reshape each loop until it sits exactly where you want it. If the bow becomes flattened in storage, you can usually fluff it back into shape the following Christmas.
It also allows long tails to curve through the tree rather than simply falling straight downward.
For loose little bows like those in the featured photograph, however, soft unwired ribbon can be equally beautiful.
The ribbon should suit the style rather than the other way around.
🎀 How Many Bows Does a Christmas Tree Need?
There is no magic number.
If bows are the main decoration, you may want dozens of small ones.
If you’re using large elaborate bows as accents among plenty of ornaments, five to ten may be enough.
Start with fewer than you think you’ll need.
Place the bows throughout the tree, step back and look for areas where the eye seems to need another touch of ribbon.
It’s much easier to add two more bows than to remove fifteen because the tree feels overwhelmed.
🌲 Where to Put Bows on a Christmas Tree
Avoid placing every bow at exactly the same distance from the trunk.
Some should sit deep inside the branches, where their color fills dark spaces. Others can sit near the outer tips.
Move around the entire tree as you decorate rather than completing the front first.
You’ll also get a more natural look if the bows aren’t arranged in perfect horizontal rows.
Imagine a loose spiral moving around the tree from top to bottom. Positioning decorations along that invisible line can create a sense of movement without looking overly planned.
Our Christmas Decorating Ideas guide explores the same idea of repeating a few colors and decorative elements throughout a room to make everything feel connected.
✨ Combine Bows With Christmas Ornaments
Bows are at their best when they have something different to contrast with.
In the featured tree, smooth metallic ornaments sit beside textured yarn-covered balls, pinecones and soft ribbon bows. The different finishes keep a relatively restrained color palette interesting.
You can achieve something similar by mixing:
- Shiny and matte ornaments
- Large and small balls
- Pinecones
- Wooden decorations
- Glass ornaments
- Handmade ornaments
- Ribbon bows
- Warm lights
If you’d like to introduce more handcrafted pieces, our Easy DIY Christmas Ball Crafts includes several ornament ideas that can be coordinated with your ribbon.
🏡 Use the Same Bows Beyond the Christmas Tree
One of the easiest ways to make Christmas decorating look intentional is to repeat the same ribbon elsewhere.
Use a few matching bows on your staircase garland.
Tie one around a wreath.
Add smaller versions to dining chairs or cabinet doors.
Use the same ribbon for wrapped presents beneath the tree.
Tie bows around porch greenery or lantern handles.
A beautiful Christmas ribbon can become the thread that visually connects several rooms without every decoration needing to match.
The same techniques work particularly well when you’re making a Christmas wreath.
🎁 Save Your Ribbon Scraps
Don’t throw away the short pieces left after trimming tails.
A ten-inch piece may be useless for another full-size tree bow but perfect for tying around an ornament, gift tag or napkin.
Very short scraps can be incorporated into handmade Christmas decorations.
You can even fill a clear ornament with tiny curls of leftover ribbon. Our DIY Christmas Ball Crafts include several ways to turn little leftover craft materials into new decorations.
Christmas crafting becomes much less expensive when today’s scraps become tomorrow’s ornaments.
📦 How to Store Christmas Bows
One advantage of making bows with wired ribbon is that many can be reused year after year.
Remove them carefully rather than pulling them from the branches.
Place large bows loosely in a plastic storage container instead of crushing them into an ornament box. Stuffing a little tissue paper inside especially large loops can help protect their shape during storage.
Don’t worry if they’re slightly flattened when you open the box next Christmas.
Take each bow out, separate the loops and reshape the wired edges with your fingers. In a few moments, most will look ready for the tree again.
Soft velvet and satin bows are best stored with enough room that they aren’t creased beneath heavier decorations.
❓ Christmas Tree Bow FAQ
What ribbon is easiest for making Christmas tree bows?
Wired ribbon is generally the easiest choice for full decorative bows because the edges help the loops hold their shape. Simple tied bows can be made beautifully with soft satin or velvet ribbon.
How wide should Christmas tree ribbon be?
For medium and large statement bows, ribbon around 2½ inches wide is extremely versatile. Narrower ribbon works nicely for miniature bows, while very wide ribbon makes dramatic tree toppers and oversized decorations.
Do all the bows have to match?
Not at all. You can use the same ribbon in different bow sizes or combine two coordinating ribbons throughout the tree.
Should bows go on before ornaments?
For large bows and cascading ribbon, it is usually easier to position them after the lights but before most smaller ornaments. Tiny decorative bows can be added later like ordinary ornaments.
Can I use velvet ribbon on a Christmas tree?
Yes. Velvet is particularly beautiful for Christmas because its texture creates depth against evergreen branches. Wired velvet works for structured bows, while soft velvet makes lovely relaxed bows.
Can tree bows be reused?
Many can. Wired bows are especially easy to reshape after storage. Store them loosely rather than compressing them beneath heavy Christmas decorations.
❤️ Tie the Tree Together
A beautifully decorated Christmas tree doesn’t need dozens of complicated techniques.
Sometimes a length of ribbon is enough.
The cream bows scattered through the tree pictured here are a perfect example. Surrounded by warm metallic baubles, pinecones and tiny lights, they bring softness and movement without overwhelming the ornaments around them.
You can recreate that simple look with ivory ribbon, embrace Christmas tradition with deep red velvet, build extravagant wired bows or create one enormous topper with ribbons cascading all the way down the tree.
Whichever style you choose, make one bow, hold it against the branches and see how it feels.
Then tie another.
Before long, those little pieces of ribbon will begin doing exactly what a good Christmas bow should do: tying the whole tree together.
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