The holiday season is here, and it’s the perfect time to put a bow on it! Whether you’re finishing off a wreath, dressing up a gift, or adding a festive flourish to your garland, a handmade bow can make any project feel extra special. At Lakeview Nurseries, we love the little details that make your home feel merry and bright, so we’re sharing our easy step-by-step guide to help you create the perfect Christmas bow.
What You’ll Need:
- 2-3 yards of wired ribbon (we recommend 2.5″ width)
- Scissors
- Floral wire or twist ties
Step 1: Cut Your Ribbon
Start with about 24 inches of ribbon for the loops and another 10-12 inches for the tails. You can always adjust the length based on how big you’d like your bow to be.
Step 2: Make a Center Loop
Hold the ribbon in your hand and form a small loop, leaving a few inches for the tail. This will be the center of your bow. Give the ribbon a twist in the middle to hold the loop together and keep the pattern facing outward.
Step 3: Create Your Loops
Keep making loops on each side of the center loop, twisting the ribbon in the middle after each one. Aim for 3-4 loops on each side for a nice, full bow. Remember, the twist helps keep the ribbon from flattening out.
Step 4: Secure the Bow
Wrap floral wire or a twist tie tightly around the middle of the bow to hold everything in place. Give it a good twist to secure it.
Step 5: Attach the Tails
Fold your extra piece of ribbon in half for the tails. Place it behind the loops and secure it with the same wire.
Step 6: Fluff It Up
Now for the fun part—fluff up your bow! Gently adjust each loop until you’re happy with the shape. Trim the ends of the tails at an angle or cut a V-shape (dovetail) for a finished look.
Pro Tip: Use Wired Ribbon
Wired ribbon is a game-changer! It’s easy to work with and holds its shape beautifully, making it perfect for holiday bows.
Need a Little Extra Help?
Don’t worry if you need a hand—swing by Lakeview Nurseries, and we’ll be happy to give you a quick demo. We’ve also got a fantastic selection of fresh wreaths, garlands, and holiday plants, so you can deck the halls in style. Let’s make this season unforgettable—one bow at a time!
Happy holidays from Michelle and the Plant Geeks at Lakeview Nurseries! We can’t wait to see your festive creations. 🎀🎄

