It is one of those projects you can make while watching TV, which is my favourite kind of craft when the house is busy, the glue gun is hot, and nobody can find the scissors even though you bought four pairs last month. The result is bright, textured, and perfect for summer decorating.
This DIY patriotic ribbon wreath works beautifully for Fourth of July, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Labor Day, or any red, white, and blue celebration. You can hang it on a protected front door, use it above a mantel, or lay it flat as a festive table centerpiece with battery-operated candles in the middle.
For more red, white, and blue inspiration, you may also like our Easy 4th of July Wreath, our Quick 4th Of July Wreath, and this Fourth of July Star Wreath if you prefer a paper craft version.
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What you need
1 wire wreath frame, approximately 12 inches
Red ribbon, 1.5 inches wide
White ribbon, 1.5 inches wide
Blue ribbon, 1.5 inches wide
Wooden star cutouts
White acrylic paint
Small paintbrush
Hot glue gun and glue sticks
Scissors
Twine, ribbon, or floral wire for hanging
Optional: Fray-checking glue, clear craft sealant, or glitter paint
A good sharp pair of craft scissors makes this project much easier, especially when you are cutting lots of ribbon strips. You can usually find suitable wire wreath frames, wooden stars, acrylic paints, ribbon bundles, and glue sticks through Amazon craft supplies. If you are making several wreaths for a group craft day, it is worth buying ribbon in larger rolls so you do not end up one strip short at the very end, which is exactly the sort of thing that makes a calm crafting afternoon feel unnecessarily dramatic.
Instructions
Ribbon Amount Guide
For a 12-inch wire wreath frame, plan on using approximately:
- 1 to 2 rolls of red ribbon
- 1 to 2 rolls of white ribbon
- 1 to 2 rolls of blue star ribbon
The exact amount depends on the width of your ribbon, how full you want the wreath to look, and how tightly you push the tied ribbons together. Wider ribbon fills the wreath faster, while narrower ribbon gives a more textured, shaggy finish.
If you are using 1.5-inch ribbon, cut your strips around 12 to 14 inches long. Shorter strips create a tighter look. Longer strips give a fuller, fluffier wreath.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Wreath Frame
Start with a clean wire wreath frame. A 12-inch frame is a nice manageable size for a front door, but you can go larger if you want something more dramatic.
Decide how you want your colours arranged before you begin. You can divide the wreath into three large sections of red, white, and blue, or you can alternate the colours all the way around. For a flag-inspired look, use a large blue section with red and white stripes filling the rest of the wreath.
If your wreath frame is very visible and you are worried about gaps showing through, you can quickly paint the frame white or wrap it with plain ribbon first. This is optional, but it gives a neater finish if your ribbon is thin.
Step 2: Cut the Ribbon Strips
Cut your ribbon into strips measuring approximately 12 to 14 inches long.
Do not worry if every strip is not absolutely perfect. Ribbon wreaths are very forgiving, and once everything is tied and fluffed, tiny differences disappear into the texture. That said, if you want a cleaner look, cut one strip first and use it as your measuring guide for the rest.
To reduce fraying, cut the ribbon ends on an angle or in a V shape. Grosgrain ribbon can fray a little once cut, so a small dab of fray-checking glue on the ends can help if you want this wreath to last for several seasons.
Step 3: Tie the First Section
Take one ribbon strip and tie it around the wreath frame using a simple knot. Pull the knot firmly, but not so tight that the ribbon twists awkwardly.
Place the knot toward the front or outer edge of the wreath so the ribbon ends spread out nicely. Continue tying strips of the same colour until you have filled your first section.
Push the ribbons close together as you go. This is what gives the wreath that lovely full look instead of a sad, skinny “I ran out of supplies” look. We have all been there.
Step 4: Add the Other Colours
Repeat the same process with your second and third ribbon colours.
For a classic patriotic wreath, keep the red, white, and blue sections bold and easy to see. For a softer farmhouse-style version, use muted navy, cream, and burgundy ribbons instead of bright primary colours.
If you are making this with children or as a group craft, alternating the colours randomly is often easier and still looks lovely. It also avoids the “someone tied the blue in the red section” situation, which is not a tragedy, but may cause strong opinions at the craft table.
Step 5: Fluff and Shape the Ribbon
Once the wreath frame is covered, spend a few minutes fluffing the ribbon ends.
Turn some pieces slightly forward, some outward, and some inward to create fullness. Trim any very uneven pieces if needed, but do not overthink it. The charm of a ribbon wreath is that it looks handmade, textured, and cheerful.
Step 6: Paint the Wooden Stars
Paint your wooden star cutouts with white acrylic paint and allow them to dry completely.
You may need two coats depending on the wood and paint coverage. If you want extra sparkle, add a little glitter paint or brush on a light coat of Mod Podge and sprinkle with fine glitter.
For a more rustic look, lightly sand the edges of the stars once the paint has dried.
Step 7: Glue the Stars in Place
Arrange the stars on the wreath before gluing. Place them mostly over the blue section for a flag-inspired design, or scatter them around the whole wreath for a more playful party look.
Once you are happy with the placement, attach the stars with hot glue. Press each star gently into the ribbon and hold it for a few seconds while the glue sets.
If this wreath will be displayed outdoors, keep it under a covered porch or protected doorway. Ribbon and wooden embellishments can handle a little summer decorating, but rain and harsh sun will shorten their life.
Step 8: Add a Hanging Loop
Tie a loop of twine, ribbon, or floral wire to the back of the wreath frame.
Make sure the loop is secure and centered so the wreath hangs straight. If your wreath leans to one side, shift the hanging loop slightly until it balances.
Now your Fourth of July ribbon wreath is ready to hang.
Easy Variations
This wreath is simple to customize, which makes it a great repeat project for different holidays.
For a farmhouse patriotic wreath, use ticking stripe ribbon, navy gingham, cream grosgrain, and wooden stars.
For a sparkly party wreath, add glitter stars, metallic ribbon, and small firework-style picks.
For a budget version, use fabric strips instead of ribbon. Scrap cotton, old shirts, bandanas, and leftover red, white, and blue fabric can all work beautifully. If you enjoy using up leftover materials, have a browse through our Recycled Crafts section for more stash-friendly ideas.
For a kids’ craft version, skip the hot glue and use stick-on foam stars instead of wooden stars.
Crafting Tips
Use wired ribbon if you want a fuller, more sculpted wreath. It holds its shape nicely and is easier to fluff.
Use grosgrain ribbon if you want a crisp, classic look. It is sturdy and easy to tie.
Use satin ribbon if you want shine, but be aware that it can slip around a little more while tying.
Cut all your ribbon before you start tying. It makes the project feel quicker and less stop-start.
If your wreath looks sparse, add a second layer of ribbon strips between the first knots.
If you are making this for a party, create matching mini ribbon napkin rings using the same ribbon colours. It is a nice way to use up the leftover pieces.
How To Display Your Fourth of July Ribbon Wreath
Hang it on your front door for a cheerful summer welcome.
Use it above a mantel with small flags, candles, and a simple garland.
Lay it flat as a centerpiece and place a battery-operated candle or vase of flowers in the middle.
Hang it on an interior door, kitchen cabinet, or party backdrop.
Tie it to a porch railing for a festive outdoor display, as long as the area is protected from rain.
If you love holiday decorating, our Holiday Crafts section has plenty of handmade ideas for seasonal decorating, gift making, and party projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of ribbon works best for a ribbon wreath?
Grosgrain, wired ribbon, and cotton ribbon are all good choices. Grosgrain gives a tidy finish, wired ribbon creates volume, and cotton ribbon gives a softer handmade look.
Can I use fabric instead of ribbon?
Yes. Fabric strips work well and are a great way to use scraps. Cut the strips with pinking shears if you want to reduce fraying.
How long should the ribbon strips be?
For a 12-inch wreath frame, 12 to 14 inches is a good starting point. Use shorter strips for a neater wreath and longer strips for a fuller, fluffier wreath.
Can this wreath go outside?
Yes, but it is best used in a protected area such as a covered porch or sheltered front door. Rain, humidity, and strong sunlight may fade or damage the ribbon and wooden stars.
How do I store a ribbon wreath?
Store it loosely in a wreath storage bag, box, or plastic tub. Do not squash it under heavy decorations or the ribbon will flatten. A quick fluff is usually all it needs when you bring it out again next year.
Can kids make this wreath?
Older children can help tie the ribbon strips, and younger children can help sort colours or add foam stars. An adult should handle the hot glue gun and any wire cutting.
Why This Project Works
This easy Fourth of July ribbon wreath is bright, beginner-friendly, and surprisingly relaxing to make. It is a no-sew patriotic craft that looks impressive without needing complicated supplies or advanced skills.
It is also a lovely way to use up leftover ribbon from other projects. I always seem to have odd lengths of ribbon hiding in a drawer, usually tangled around something completely unrelated, so a wreath like this feels very satisfying. You get a finished decoration, the craft stash gets slightly smaller, and the front door gets a cheerful summer makeover. That is a win in my book.
What do you think of this project? Let us know!