How to Make a Tree Topper Bow
A tree topper bow is very popular and really adds a finished touch to your Christmas tree. I get asked a lot how to make them and below, I’m sharing my instructions for making a tree topper bow. This bow will fit a 6-7 foot tree. For trees larger than this, keep adding more layers to the bow increasing each layer by one inch. This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.
Supplies
2.5” ribbon 20 Yards (I got mine from Sam’s)
1.5” Ribbon 20 Yards
Zip Tie
Two pipe cleaners, doubled up
Scissors
Please watch the video below for exact instructions.
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How to Make a Tree Topper Bow
Make the Bow Tails
Cut two 4 yard strips of each ribbon. Pinch in the center and loosely tie off with a pipe cleaner. Set this aside.
Layer 1
Make two 6” loops to look like a bow tie.
Layer 2
Make four 7” loops to form an X shape behind layer 1
Layer 3
Make two 8” loops to go behind layer 2
Layer 4
Make four 9” loops to form an X shape behind layer 3
Layer 5
Make three 10” loops to go behind layer 4.
Zip tie together and then use the doubled up pipe cleaner or long florist wire to attach to the bow. Use the pipe cleaner to tie the bow on the tree about 12” from the top.
Watch my How to Make a Tree Topper video below:
Do you use a bow as a tree topper? If not, what do you use? Comment below and let me know.
You might also like how to make a tree topper bow with multiple ribbons here.
If you want to learn to make smaller bows for your Christmas wreaths or garlands, here’s my free 9 Ways to Make a Bow video.
Happy Wreathing,
Julie
If you liked this post, you might also like:
How to Make a Designer Tree Topper Bow with Multiple Ribbons
Do you teach classes at your shop?
No. I run my business out of my home garage so that is why I teach online via ebooks, blog & how to videos.
Do you sell your bows ? I have arthritis really bad in my hands and cannot keep my bow together.
I love your Deco Mesh wreaths and would like to be able to learn how to make them, but I am unable to purchase your e-book here in Canada. Will you be selling your e-book in Canada at some point?
You can purchase it here http://www.learndecomeshwreaths.com. The site with all of my wreaths doesn’t not do international checkout.
Hi Julie, I just purchased your e-book and I can’t wait to start creating beautiful wreaths following your instructions. I was a little concerned about downloading the e-book and the bonuses because I’m not very tech savvy. I was successful in downloading everything but the candy cane wreath instructions, can you tell me how to download these instructions at this time.
Thank you for your help
Lise
Once you open the website with the candy cane video, there are download links under the videos. Email me if you need further assistance.
Hi Julie, Thank you for sharing you tree top bow video it was wonderful and you are so kind. Happy holidays & happy new year.
Julie I love your work the bow you made for tree is beautiful my husband just bought me a little house for my wreath I have learn so much from you thank you and GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON
You are awesome!!!!!!… I have been wanting to learn how make bows and I happen to stumble upon one of your pins on (where else) Pinterest. Thank you so much for the great tutorials. Easy pesy lemon squeezy…… I can’t wait to get started………
Great tutorial. Thank you! Can’t wait to make my bows.
Great tutorial, thank you so much
Lisa, I loved your video on making the tree topper bow. I will be getting your ebook about wreath making soon. You make it look so easy.
??
Great video. Thanks for going slow and not rushing through it??
Hi: In looking at your “How to make a tree topper, I found this video, AFTER I had bought some wired ribbon about three inches wide from Frontgate. I was wondering (without wasting some of the ribbon), if I could just use the one ribbon and not two to make a wreath the same way as you direct.
The loops will need to be longer since the ribbon is wider. Can wait to see your photos.
Yes it did help. I haven’t made one in awhile and was unsure on some things. This video put me right on track. Thanks
This video was very helpful! If just using 1 ribbon that is 2.5″, would you make more loops? I’m thinking the topper wouldn’t be as full with just 1 ribbon. What else would I need to do differently if just using 1?
You could make more loops or double up the same ribbon.
Love your videos! They have helped me so much!!
I make small bows that my Mom taught me to make as a child basically on the same idea but never could get the big ones to look like that. After watching the video I saw what I was doing wrong. Thank you so much and I will sign up for sure now for many of your DIY’s.
Thanks again and Merry Christmas.
Teri
Would you recommend using ribbon that is wired or no wire? Thank you for the awesome video!! I cannot wait to try it this year!!
Always wired
Thanks you for this tutorial. I’m going to try and make mine tonight !!!!
Great video
You took your time, showed us with pictures too, you did a valuable teaching job
Thank you?
Oh My Julie you have not idea how much I need this video WOW. My younger daughter has just gotten in contact with me after a few years of not talking to me (God is so good). After I told her about my new adventure making wreaths with y’all she asked me to make her a new tree topper bow. This video is an answer to my pray just today. Thank you so much and God Bless you for sharing your amazing talents.
What a beautiful bow. Good tutorial. Can change the scale to make a smaller one for a wreath. Love it. Good to know. Will try it real soon.
Love how you separated the 2 ribbon for a fuller bow. Thanks so much for the lesson
I LOVE THE VIDEO, I HAVE SO MANY PROBLEMS W/ MY HANDS CRAMPING AND DRAWING I HOPE I CAN DO THIS !! SURE GONNA TRY, I THINK W/ 2 WIRED RIBBONS… I WANT TO DO A PINK(FUSCHIA) , PURPLE AND GOLD WITH A TURQUOISE MIXED IN,,, THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR VIDEOS
Thank you. You are awesome. I love my bow and my tree now.
Beautiful bow can’t wait to try it
Beautiful bow, and a great instructor. Thank you for posting this. I’ve been making decorative bows for years, but had never done a tree topper bow. Our tree is artificial, and the top branch won’t hold a traditional star topper. This bow will be spectacular! You’ve made it look so easy, thanks again.
Absolutely awesome! I learn something new and different every time I watch your videos. Thanks for all the great tips.
Thank you! Your tutorials are the best o the internet!
Awe, thank you!!
Would you please tell us how to attach it to the top of the tree?
Thanks. Loved the zip tie rather than wire!!
Nicely done and very helpful. Thanks!
Would like to see how you do a topper without a bow. I use floral picks.
Tree topper bow video is awesome! Thank you
Wonderful tutorial! Can’t wait to go try it. Thank you!
In the video for the streamers you say to measure 6 feet but you’re measuring from a yard stick. Don’t you mean 6 yards?
If you want long streamers in a large 7 foot tree, I would measure for those.
What about a 10’ tree? How big would you start the first loops?
I really enjoyed watching your video!!! Was very helpful , what is the ebook and how much is it and how much material does it go over? Thanks Patsy
Thank you so much for your tree top video your very simple and explain very simple I will use it over and over. I’m excited to try this soon for our simple tree but this might put me in another league!!:) Happy holidays and thank you again!!
Great tutorial! Happy Holidays.
Does it look okay not to have all the long streamers?
Yes ma’am.
Great video!! I feel confident in attempting to make my first Christmas tree bow!!
The written instructions. For the tails are a different measurement from the video
My bow turned out great. Wish you would have put it on the tree so I could put the streamers on the tree. With a little practice I go it to my liking. Thank you, my tree looks great.
Soo beautiful. Very professionally done. I wished had seen this lastxmas2018. Looking forward to make 2 for the Chinese New Year for my front door. Thank you so much for shating
Thank you!
Loved it looked lik a diy could do it. I gonna try just for curiosity how would you charge for that bow. Saw one asking $60 &$70 for them. Hope I can make my own.
Amazon has a Bowdabra that holds the ribbon for you. It is $26. Then you can make all kinds of bows with ease.
Thank you for sharing your talent! This is the best ever instructions on making tree toppers! I loved the pictures you showed with the easiest and simplest directions. Thank you
How big of a tree topper bow is needed for a 9 & 1/2 foot tall really full(approximately 6 feet around) Christmas tree? This tree is used in our church sanctuary for the memory/in honor of tree.
Approximately 14 inches.
Wonderful demonstration & easy to understand!! Beautiful bow! Only wish: I’d love to hear more about how to hang on the tree. Maybe there’s another video for that, will look to see. Thank you for taking time to share your talent!
You do an AMAZING JOB!
Thank you for clarity. Wonderful instruction not complicated.
Getting ready to make my first Christmas tree topper. This video is awesome and inspires me to try this NOW instead of waiting til I’m under time constraints later. Thank you , thank you!
Great job!! Easy to follow ??