How to Tie a Velvet Christmas Bow

Deck the halls with bows—not holly! Nothing says "Merry Christmas" like a colossal red velvet bow. And while a perfectly tied ribbon bow may seem like something simple, getting the just-right loops or cutely curled ends isn't always as easy as it looks. That's why we've got an easy DIY guide for anyone who is ready to take their velvet bow game up a notch.

Whether your xmas wish is to neatly tie red velvet ribbon for wreaths, amp up your bow-making to complement your gift wrapping efforts or simply just become the best darn bow maker on the block, check out our easy bow tutorial.

After all, who doesn't like beautiful bows at Christmastime, or for that matter, any time of the year?

There are many different ways you can make a large decorative bow. If you wish to tie a simple bow, you will need a 2-inch-wide velvet ribbon, scissors, florist wire and an object to secure. Instead of threading the ribbon around the wreath or whatever item to which you are tying it, tie the bow separately and then attach it to the object.

Begin by folding the ribbon back and forth to create two loops at the top and one loop in the bottom center. Being careful not to twist the ribbon, cross the top right loop over the top left and fold the loop on the left down behind the loop on the right and through the bottom loop. Then, pull the top loops tight, creating a center knot.

Once tied, attach the bow to a wreath or tree with florist wire threaded through the back of the knot. Then, wrap the wire around the object to which you are securing the bow.

You can also use this method to craft up cute DIY hair accessories. Instead of wire, use another velvet ribbon to tie the bow to a headband . And voila—you just made your very own velvet hair bow. But don't let the hair bow tutorial stop there. Add the velvet creation to a hair clip or barrette too!

While a Christmas present with a traditional bow still looks elegant, you can kick it up a notch with a ‌tufted rosette bow‌. To tie one of these, all you will need is a pair of scissors, tape, a thin ribbon and a wired ribbon, which will hold its shape better than a regular ribbon.

First, wrap the present. Whether you choose a Christmas tree themed paper or want to go with a solid color, the perfect bow will take your gift wrapping from ho-hum to ho-ho-holiday fantastic!

Next, crisscross a ribbon around the box. Now make the bow:

1. Wrap the wire ribbon around your hand five times, making sure each loop lines up neatly with the previous one. Without cutting, lay the loop over the package to gauge the size of the bow and adjust accordingly.
2. Cut the end of the ribbon from the roll. Remove your hand and fold the loop in half.
3. Hold the ribbon so the centerfold faces up, then cut both corners of the centerfold.
4. Open the fold, take the second, thinner ribbon and knot it around the cut middle section so the knot faces the backside of the bow.
5. Fan out the bow by separating the loops one by one, pulling gently from the center and twisting toward yourself until it resembles a rosette.
6. Secure the rosette bow to the criss-crossed ribbon on the gift using the ribbon tails in the center of the rosette.

If the rosette bow is not your style, opt for a more traditional wrap bow—think velvet bow tie with a gift wrapping twist. With a ribbon of your choice, measure the length by wrapping the ribbon around the top corner. Run the ribbon under the present and bring it together on the top of the opposite corner.

Then, tie a traditional bow by forming two loops, crisscrossing them and pulling through. Secure it in place and adjust the loops so they are full and even. Once you are happy with the look, cut the ribbon tails at an angle.

Get as crafty as you want with these simple bow DIYs. If you're not into wreaths, hair accessories or gift wrapping decor, add your velvet bow to the Christmas tree as a topper, hang a few on the walls or dress up the dinner table in a velvet ribbon theme.