DIY Bows Are the Best (and Easiest!) Last-Minute Christmas Decor

Bows have been making a bold statement in home decor lately, and Christmas is the best excuse to make them even bigger and better. In fact, a giant, festive bow can even make your last-minute holiday prep look polished and intentional.

These bows use fabric instead of ribbon for bigger-is-better personality, which means your pattern opportunities are endless. Whether you’re dressing up a mantle, topping a tree, or giving your tablescape a festive touch, these quick DIY bows deliver instant impact with timeless charm in minutes. 

Gather Your Materials

You might already have everything you need to make this simple craft. Shop your craft room (or local craft store) for the following materials.

• Fabric yardage
• Scissors
• Hot glue gun
• Hot glue sticks
• String
• Pinking shears

How To Make an Oversized Bow

These statement bows are so much easier to make than they look. Simply fold, scrunch, wrap, then glue it all together. Once you learn how to make this one, you can have fun changing up the measurements to make bows in all sizes. Here are the details.

1. Cut Fabric to Size

Cut fabric yardage into three different rectangles. For this bow, we used these sizes:

• Scrap 1: 18″x20″
• Scrap 2: 10″x4″
• Scrap 3: 43″x9″

After you’ve cut your fabric to size, hem the cut edges. Fold over the edges on the long side of each scrap create a small, thin hem—just enough to hide the raw-cut edge. Secure with hot glue.

2. Create Center Bowtie

Starting with fabric scrap 1 (18″x20″), tri-fold the rectangle length-wise (like you’re folding an envelope) along the hemmed edges. The edges should overlap enough to glue together. Secure with hot glue.

Once the glue has cooled, scrunch the fabric down the middle to create a bowtie shape. Secure with a long piece of string. Do not cut the tails—you can use the string to attach the bow to the surface you’re decorating.

3. Wrap Center with Fabric

Use fabric scrap 2 (10″x4″) to wrap around the center of the bow, hiding the piece of string. Secure with hot glue in the back. Let cool.

4. Attach Tails

Fold fabric scrap 3 (43″x9″) diagonally to create a large, upside-down V. Attach to the back of the bow with hot glue. Cut ends diagonally to finish the look. Attach to the mantle, tree, or garland with the tails of the string. Then, step back and admire!