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A Fourth of July ribbon wreath adds a bright red, white, and blue accent to your front door or holiday décor. This beginner-friendly project uses ribbon tied onto a wreath frame, with painted wooden stars for decoration. The steps are simple to follow, and you can adjust the ribbon spacing to make the wreath fuller or use less material.
What Is a Ribbon Wreath?
A ribbon wreath is made by tying strips of ribbon directly onto a wreath frame. The method is straightforward: cut the ribbon to length, knot each piece around the frame, and add more strips until the frame is covered.
Changing the ribbon colors lets you adapt the design for different holidays and seasons. For this patriotic version, divide the frame into red, white, and blue sections. Before starting, lay out the supplies and check that the frame is large enough for the amount of ribbon you have.
Supplies for a Fourth of July Ribbon Wreath
- Wreath frame
- Red, white, and blue acrylic paint
- 1.5-inch-wide red, white, and blue ribbon; wider ribbon can make tying quicker
- Wooden star cutouts
- Twine or wire for a hanging loop
- Hot glue gun
- Small paintbrush and scissors
The project costs about $20 and makes one wreath. The listed drying time is 20 minutes, with a total project time of 1 hour and 50 minutes. Allow additional drying time if the paint still feels wet before you begin tying the ribbon.
How to Make a Fourth of July Ribbon Wreath
1. Paint the wreath frame
Divide the frame into three roughly equal sections and paint them red, white, and blue. Matching the paint to the ribbon helps conceal small gaps in the finished wreath. If your frame is already white, you can leave the white section unpainted. Apply a second coat if needed for more opaque coverage, then let the paint dry.
2. Tie the first row of red ribbon
Cut the red ribbon into 14-inch strips. Tie each strip around the frame with the knot positioned on the outer edge, then continue until the red section is covered. Keep the pieces close together for an even base, but avoid pulling the knots so tightly that the ribbon is difficult to adjust.
The ribbon spools used for this project were 21 feet long, and slightly more than one spool per color was needed. To stay within one spool of each color, cut the strips a little shorter or leave a little more space between them.
3. Fill the gaps in the red section
Cut a second set of red strips and tie them into the spaces between the first row of ribbons. This extra layer makes the section look fuller and helps cover the frame. Check the front as you work so the ribbon is distributed evenly.
4. Add the white and blue ribbon
Cut 14-inch strips of white and blue ribbon, then repeat the same two-row process in their matching sections: tie one row close together, followed by another row in the gaps. Adjust the ribbon ends as needed to keep the color sections distinct.
Grosgrain ribbon may fray at the cut edges. To reduce fraying, cut the ends at an angle, use a suitable fabric fray sealant, or choose a ribbon material that is less likely to unravel, such as velvet.
5. Attach the wooden stars
Paint the wooden star cutouts white and let them dry. Use a hot glue gun to attach them to the red and blue sections. Arrange the stars before gluing so you can check their placement and balance the decoration across the wreath.
6. Make a hanging loop
Thread twine or wire through the back of a middle ribbon in the blue section and tie it into a loop. Before hanging the wreath, check that the loop is secure and that the frame hangs level.
Your Fourth of July ribbon wreath is ready to display. Store it in a bin with other seasonal decorations to help protect the ribbon between uses. Craft instructions by Laura.
Helpful Tips
- Use ribbon about 1.5 inches wide for a quicker project; narrower ribbon can also be used, but it may take more strips to cover the frame.
- Paint the frame in colors that match the ribbon to make small uncovered areas less noticeable.
- Keep a few extra ribbon strips available in case you find gaps after completing a section.
- Let paint and glued decorations dry fully before hanging or storing the wreath.
This Fourth of July ribbon wreath is a simple way to bring seasonal color to your entryway. With a frame, ribbon, paint, and a few wooden stars, you can create a festive decoration and adjust its fullness to suit your materials and style.
