How to Make a Burlap Bow That Takes Just a Few Minutes

Burlap can be very messy material to work with, but the results will be well worth your efforts. Additionally, learning how to make a burlap bow is quick, easy, inexpensive and right on trend. Once you’ve mastered a few styles you’ll find they are easy to manipulate and hold their form well. Here are a few favorites to get you started.

Project 1 – How to Make a Burlap Bow That’s Perfect Every Time

This bow is quick and easy to make as well as adorable and perfect every time you make one.

What You Need

• 2 yards of burlap ribbon that’s at least 3″ wide;
• Stapler or needle and embroidery floss;
• Scissors;
• Pins;
• Floral wire.

Step-by-Step

Preparation

1. Cut 3 lengths of ribbon: 36″, 24″ and 6″.
2. Fold the 24″ piece in half lengthwise and mark the center with a pin.
3. Bring the ends of the piece together overlapping them about 1″, staple the center to hold it in place and set the piece aside.
4. Take the long side of the 6″ piece of ribbon and fold the top down to the center.
5. Fold the bottom edge up to meet in the center.
6. Staple both ends so the long edges remain folded then set it aside.
7. Take the 36″ piece, mark the center with a pin then accordion pleat the middle.
8. Place a staple to hold the pleat in place.

Note: You can sew the pieces in place rather than staple them if you prefer.

Assembly

1. Lay the 6″ piece wrong side up vertically and place the center of the 36″ piece across the center of the 6″ piece.
2. Lay the 24″ piece wrong side up just above the 36″ piece on top of the 6″ piece.
3. Pull the ends of the 6″ piece together and straighten the other 2 pieces so everything is centered.
4. Place 2 staples across the 2 ends to hold the bow together then trim the excess.
5. You can attach the bow to anything with a piece of floral wire.

Project 2 – How to Make a Burlap Bow For a Wreath

Although this bow is perfect for many applications, it makes the perfect accent for a wreath.

What You Need

• 3″ wide burlap ribbon;
• Wire ribbon;
• Scissors;
• Floral wire.

Step-by-Step

1. Measure out a tail and hold the ribbon between your thumb and hand.
2. Fold the ribbon backward to create a loop and hold it between your thumb and hand.
3. Fold another loop on the opposite side the same size as the first loop. All the loops made after these two will be progressively larger.
4. Continue making loops on the back of the pile from left to right making sure each loop is a little larger than the one before. Remember that the more loops the fuller the bow, but there should be an odd number on each side when you’re done.
5. Take the tail in front and make a small rolled loop over the center allowing the tail to drop over the front to the back.
6. Take a piece of wire and run it through the center. Pull the ends to the back and twist them to secure all the loops in place.
7. Lay the bow on a flat surface and pull the loops in alternating directions up and down so that each one can be seen.
8. Run a wire through the back and attach it to your wreath.

Project 3 – How to Make a Burlap Bow Out of Wider Burlap

This unique bow combines a contemporary look with a completely country feel. For the eclectic side in all of us it might be the perfect choice.

What You Need

• 1 Roll 9-1/2″ burlap;
• Jute twine, metallic tinsel roping, pipe cleaner, 24 gauge floral wire or deco flex tubing ribbon (it should match the color of the burlap);
• Scissors;
• Adornments optional.

Step-by-Step

1. Cut a 20″-24″ piece of burlap off the roll and lay it lengthwise on a flat surface.
2. Pinch the burlap in small bunches and pull it toward you while holding it in the middle.
3. Continue until you get to the end making sure you have a nice, even, ruffled effect.
4. Secure the middle of the bow tightly with rope, twine, ribbon or wire. Make sure to leave a few inches of tail after tying it off as you’ll use the leftovers later.
5. Cut off twice the length of the tail desired from the burlap roll.
6. Add the center of the tails to the center of the bow and tie it securely to hold it in place.
7. Trim the tails by folding them in half and then cutting upwards at a diagonal from the outside corner to the bottom in order to make a split-tail style.
8. You can add adornments to the center such as holly, pine cones, greenery or something else by simply wiring or tying them in place.

Project 4 – How to Make a Burlap Bow for a Package

This makes the perfect bow for any size package.

What You Need

• Burlap;
• Hot glue gun and rods;
• Ruler;
• Scissors.

Step-by-Step

To Cut Burlap so it Doesn’t Ravel

1. Measure out how wide you want to cut the burlap. For this project the burlap should be cut between 1/2″ and 3/4″ wide.
2. Pull out 1 or 2 threads that line up with your measurement. This will give you a straight cutting line as well as prevent raveling.
3. Cut in the space that’s blank between the two threads that are still in the burlap.
4. Cut 3 pieces 10″ long, 3 pieces 9″ long, 2 pieces 8″ long and 1 piece 6″ long.

To Make the Bow

1. Take 1 piece of 10″ burlap and loop both ends so they meet in the middle making a figure 8 pattern. Glue the fabric in place using the glue gun.
2. Repeat the process for all pieces except for the 6″ piece.
3. Roll the 6″ piece into a loop overlapping the ends slightly then glue it in place.
4. Beginning with the longest figure 8 and working toward the smallest one, glue the ribbons on top of each other angling each slightly.
5. After all other pieces have been glued in place, glue the 6″ loop over the center.
6. It’s then ready for a package or adornment for that decoration that needs just a touch of help.

Project 5 – How to Make a Burlap Bow That Requires Some Sewing

This bow requires some sewing but is oh, so pretty when done and looks great with burlap that comes in a pattern.

What You Need

• A roll of burlap 5″ wide in a pattern and color to match your theme;
• Scissors;
• Sewing machine;
• Iron.

Step-by-Step

1. Cut 4 strips of burlap from the roll: 1 piece 24″ long, 2 pieces 20″ long and 1 piece 4″ long. If needed, serge all the edges.
2. Fold the largest piece in half lengthwise with the right sides together and sew the ends together. Turn it right side out and press it flat. This makes the largest bow.
3. Fold 1 of the 20″ pieces in half lengthwise with the right sides together and sew the ends together. Turn it right side out and press it flat. This makes the smaller bow.
4. With the other middle size piece, mark the center. This will make the tails.
5. Take the 4″ piece and fold it in half lengthwise with right sides together. Sew it closed, flip it right side out and iron it flat.
6. Lay the smaller bow on top of the larger bow and cinch the middle. Pleating it while allowing the edges to fan out.
7. Cinch the center of the tails and add it to the bottom of the cinched bow.
8. Wrap the smallest piece all the way around the center of the bow and tails then sew it closed so it’s tight. Trim any excess.
9. Fold the end of the tails lengthwise then cut the bottom at an angle. Serge the raw edges.

Summing Up

Burlap adds rustic charm to any tree, home décor project or package and is super quick and easy to make. Best of all, such projects are relatively inexpensive. Once you learn how to make a burlap bow you’ll find they’re really easy and can enhance many projects. They’re also right on trend and can add warmth to any project.

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