How to Make a Tree Topper Bow

In many homes, the tree topper is the last thing one puts on the Christmas tree – a tradition that often marks to final touch of tree decorating. Throughout the years, the types of decoration that adorn a holiday tree has grown more diverse. From the traditional angel or star, the seasonal snowflake or red berry bunch to the zany top hat or lollipop swirls – there is something for any theme, belief, trend, tradition, or color scheme. A Christmas tree topper bow is one of the most versatile statement pieces to add to your holiday decor. This classic, eye-catching finish to your tree makes it look like a beautiful present and adds a bit of luxury to your home.

If you’re looking for ways to boost your holiday tree decorating this year and want to learn how to make a tree topper bow, this article is for you, friend!

Not ready to make your bow just yet? Pin this guide for later.

What is a Tree Topper Bow?

True to its name, a tree topper bow is a large, decorative bow that fits atop your holiday tree. Made from wired ribbon, the tree topper is a large bow with several large loops. You can also add other decorative pieces to the bow, including picks and sprays.

How Do You Make a Bow to Top Your Tree?

In this tutorial, we’ll go over how to make a basic tree topper bow, using 5 ribbons, and how to attach it to your tree.

Bow Supplies

Here’s what you need to make a simple tree topper bow for your next holiday tree – whether it be a Christmas tree, Halloween tree, fall tree or any other tree you wish to use to celebrate something in your life! These supplies are for the bow pictured below and featured in the video tutorial at the end of this post.

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• Three, 2.5-inch wired ribbons of different designs
• Two, 1.5-inch wired ribbon of different designs
• Tinsel ties
• Zip ties
• Scissors
• EZ Bow Maker from DecoExchange

Tree Topper Bow Instructions

If you’ve made a wreath with a bow, you’ll master this tree topper in no time! This topper is comprised of 5 layers – using 5 different ribbon designs (of two different widths). Follow these step-by-step instructions to make your dazzling topper – whether for your tree or a customer’s!

Step 1: Make the bottom layer

Start with one 2.5-inch ribbon. Make the tail as long as you’d like. Then make two, 7-inch loops on each side. To make the bow, loop, pinch, twist then loop again. Repeat three times.

If you are using the EZ Bow Maker like me (hello carpal tunnel!), you will slide the center of the bow through the holder. The EZ Bow Maker helps each layer of your bow stay put while you make the others. You can go without it and clamp each layer of the bow and set aside.

Step 2: Make the next bow layers

Using the next 2.5-inch ribbon, measure the tail the same length as the bottom layer’s. Then make one, 7-inch loop per side (two total) and stack on top of the first layer.

Make a third layer with your final 2.5-inch bow. Make the tail the same length as the other layers, then make two loops on each side, making the loops just a little bit smaller than the first layers. Stack on top of the previous layer.

Step 3: Repeat with the 1.5-inch ribbons

Take your first 1.5-inch ribbon and make two loops on each side, measuring about the same length as the third layer’s loops. Stack on top of the other layers.

Finally, take your final 1.5-inch ribbon and make one loop in the center, then two loops on each side. Stack on top of all the other layers. This is the top layer.

If you’re not using the EZ Bow maker, stack your bows in the order you’ve made them, spreading the loops out so you can see each layer’s design.

Step 4: Combine your layers to create one bow

Find the center of the bow through all of your layers, squish layer together and wrap a zip tie around it and tighten it. Cut off the excess zip tie.

Step 5: Add your tinsel ties

Make one long tinsel tie by wrapping two together. Then, wrap the arms of the tinsel tie around the center, over the zip tie and twist the arms to secure. This will be the way you or your customer will attach the topper bow to the tree.

Step 6: Fluff your bow

Find the center loop and move it over the zip/tinsel ties. Separate and spread the loops out so you can see each layer. Dovetail the ends by folding the ribbon in half and cutting at an angle. You want the tails of each ribbon to be the same length.

How to Attach a Tree Topper Bow

It’s easier than you think! When attaching your bow to the tree, you want the top of the tree to stick up past the bow. Next, wrap the tinsel tie around the trunk of the tree to secure it in place.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tree Topper Bows

To learn more about tree toppers and all things holiday and Christmas tree decorating, I have an ENTIRE class! While the live class was in October – kick starting the holiday season – everything was recorded and is still available for you to watch, learn and having your questions answered. There is 10 hours of content waiting for you – and a 3-hour Q&A! Just go to HolidayTreeClass.com to sign up. You’ll get immediate access to all of the content on the website when you purchase the class.  

While you’re here, though, I’ll answer a few other frequently asked questions to help get you started!

How much ribbon do you need to make a tree topper bow?

The amount of ribbon you need will depend on your bow design and the size of your bow. The size will depend on the size of your tree. In this tutorial, I used 5 ribbons. Each ribbon had two tails about 8 inches long. There were 19 loops, each about 5-7 inches long.

How do I pick my design?

If you’re making tree toppers to sell, keep your clients in mind – not necessarily your tree. Making tree toppers to go with specific themes (snowmen, gingerbread, etc.), designs (polka dots, stars, etc.) or color schemes (red and green, gold and silver, etc.) will be more successful than making ones that go with your tree. Peruse trending tree décor, stick with traditional or classic colors and designs, or work specifically with your clients to make something custom to their holiday tree.

If you’re making tree toppers for your own holiday tree, pick your favorite color scheme, ask your kids to pick their favorite designs or build on the themes you already have.

What else do I need to know about tree toppers?

SO many things! And my Holiday Tree Class will teach you. When it comes to tree toppers, you’ll learn things like:

• How to make various tree toppers for different themes
• How to install a tree topper
• How to pick your tree topper size based on your tree
• How to balance the tree with all different elements
• Large tree toppers
• Selling tree topper bows

And more. Including other tree decorating hacks, like ornaments, tree garland, tree lighting, pricing, and filling your tree. There is 10 hours of content, tutorials, supplies lists, guides and coupon codes. You can still purchase this class now and immediately gain access to all of the content on the website! With the replays, you can watch and decorate at your own pace! Now is the time to jumpstart your holiday decorating and/or your holiday decorating business!