Learn how to make a wreath with fabric scraps for a holiday or occasion. This easy, no-sew craft will keep the kids busy and make a great handmade gift for family and friends.
Start by folding a strip of fabric in half lengthwise with the wrong sides together. Tie a knot using either a single overhand or a double square knot.
Fabric
Whether you have fabric scraps left over from other projects or purchase a bundle at a craft store like JOANN’s, these no-sew wreaths are a fun way to decorate for the holidays. Choose a fabric with a holiday theme or opt for solid-color materials. You can find fabric in different patterns that match a specific holiday or occasion.
When tying the strips of fabric together, try using a double knot rather than a single knot. This will create a bunchy look and make the strip of fabric shorter.
Cut a 6-foot length of twine or rope and tie a loop at each end to hang your wreaths. These also make beautiful handmade gifts for friends and family.
Wreath Form
Having a stash of fabric scraps from previous DIY projects and other crafty activities is the key to creating this thrifty, festive wreath that can be made for any holiday or occasion. It’s also a great way to recycle old wool blankets and repurpose them into something new for your home.
The first step is to cut your strips of fabric, either using pinking shears or regular scissors with a blade that has serrated teeth (this is what makes them pink).
This type of cutter creates a sawtooth pattern that minimizes fraying. If you don’t have any pinking shears on hand, regular scissors with a blade that cuts a zig-zag pattern will work just fine, too.
You can use as many fabric colors as you want or mix and match different fabrics. I used 105 strips for my wreath, but you can get away with less if you work with a smaller wire wreath form. Remember that the more you add, the fuller your wreath will be.
Once you have cut your fabric strips, it’s time to assemble your wreath. Start with the wreath’s outermost wires and tie a strip around them with an overhand knot, making sure that the end of the strip is tucked inside the loop of the existing knot. Repeat with the other two outer wires.
Tip: When tying your strips, try to make them as uniform in length as possible, but it’s not a big deal if some are shorter or longer than others. When you finish the outer rings, move on to the inner ring. You may have to tuck in some shorter strips if they stick out too much.
Flowers
A Christmas wreath is a traditional home decoration, but why not make yours with natural materials for a unique handmade wreath that will be more durable than store-bought versions? This beautiful botanical wreath features a moss base and flowering branches to create a festive focal point on your front door. It is a simple but effective homemade Christmas wreath that can be made in any size.
Start your Christmas wreath with a base of moss that you’ve cut into 6″ (15 cm) long pieces. This will add moisture to your wreath and help it last longer.
You can use other types of foliage to form your base instead—ivy, boxwood, magnolia leaves, or holly are all suitable.
Next, you’ll need to add your flowers and foliage. For this floral wreath, we used white anemones and white ranunculus for their elegant blooms and sweet scent. We also added eucalyptus and red skimmia for their gorgeous colour.
If you’re using eucalyptus, remove the leaves at the bottom of the stems first so they look neater.
For a touch of glamour, we added some silver tinsel to give the wreath a sparkling festive feel. You can also tie ribbons around the hoop or use pine cones to create a festive look.
When you’ve finished, your DIY Christmas wreath will be ready to hang on your wall or front door. It will also be a gorgeous handmade gift for any holiday or occasion.
This floral wreath craft is easy to adapt for any occasion, with a variety of flowers and greenery to choose from.
Wire
Adding materials to your wreath gives it color and texture. Depending on the occasion or holiday, a variety of materials also helps to bring the design together.
The basic supplies for a Christmas wreath include a wire wreath form, floral wire, twine, and ribbons. You can purchase a wreath form in various shapes, but a grapevine wreath form with its entwined bundles of twigs is a popular choice for its natural charm and durability.
You’ll also need shears, scissors and a pair of work gloves. A wire snip is the sharpest tool for cutting and shaping wire; needle-nose pliers are helpful when reaching tight crevices.
Hanging hardware is important for hanging your finished product, including picture hooks, D rings and screw eyes.
Floral wire in a range of gauges and on paddles is ideal for attaching greenery to the wreath form. When tying materials to the frame, it’s best to start with a small bundle, overlapping each successive bundle by half. Then, wrap the entire bundle with floral wire, using a simple overhand knot that doesn’t smoosh or bend the stems.
For embellishments like juniper sprigs, eucalyptus pods, cassia, or snowberries, cut the material into 6—to 8-inch pieces and cluster them into bunches. You can tie the bunches using a single or double knot. A double knot, in which you make a right-over-left twist, has a more visually balanced look.
If you’re creating a lit evergreen wreath, space the lights in the base of the wreath about 1 inch apart. Secure the lights with more floral wire, wrapping it around each light a few times and tucking the ends into the foliage. When you’re finished, plug the lights in and test them to ensure they still work.
Twine
Making a wreath for Christmas can be cheaper and more convenient than purchasing one. You can use various materials to make a homemade wreath, from natural items such as pine branches and holly to decorative elements like ribbons, ornaments, or pom-poms.
If you have access to reusable crafting tools, creating multiple wreaths over time is possible, reducing per-wreath costs. Handmade items also often hold sentimental value, outweighing any cost savings.
The key to this DIY project is thick, sturdy twine. You can find this in a variety of colors at your local craft store or online. The thicker the twine, the better it will hold your fabric and other embellishments. You can also purchase twine with a decorative finish to add a festive touch.
Start with a 3 x 3m piece of twine and divide it into three equal sections. Tie these to a wire wreath form in the center using a knot. Once you have completed this, secure the ends of the twine to the wire using a hot glue gun. This will help prevent the rope from pulling out of the wreath form.
When tying your twine, leave room for the remainder of the wreath to form around the back of the twine strip. Then, tie the next rope section to the last section using an overhand knot. Continue tying the rope sections to the wreath form until fully covered. Then, trim off any tag ends of the rope left behind after attaching the previous sections.
A simple rag wreath is another excellent way to recycle your fabric scraps and create a unique holiday decor item for the home. This project is also a wonderful way to get kids involved in making their decorations and passing on family traditions.
Summary
Creating a Christmas wreath out of leftover fabric is a fun and inexpensive craft that gives your holiday décor a unique touch. You may make a lovely and nostalgic decoration for your house or as a considerate handmade present by repurposing items like fabric scraps, twine, and natural greenery.
The options are infinite, whether you want a traditional evergreen design, a wreath made of colorful fabric, or a unique touch with flowers and decorations. Kids can easily participate in this no-sew activity, which makes it a fun opportunity to spend time together and make enduring holiday memories. Have fun with your crafts!