DIY Velvet Bow Garland: The On-Trend Way to Add Festive Charm to Your Home

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he holiday season is officially here, and with it comes the urge to fill every corner of our homes with cozy, festive touches. One of my absolute favourite ways to add instant charm is with bows. Lucky for me, they are this year's hot holiday commodity. They are also a timeless decor element that screams "holiday magic." So obviously, this DIY velvet bow garland is the perfect way to incorporate popular yet timeless bows into your home. What makes this project even better is its simplicity; you don't have to know how to tie a bow! With just a few easy steps, you can create a gorgeous garland that looks like you spent a small fortune in the store — but in reality, it only took some velvet ribbon and a hot glue gun to put together. Let's dive in!

DIY bow garland on top of an arched cabinet in a living room

Why Velvet Bows? 

If I need to explain it, I will – but let’s be honest, it speaks for itself. Velvet has a rich, luxe texture that feels just right for the season, adding warmth and depth to any room. Plus, bows are universally loved for their festive and joyful vibe, so why not combine the two into a garland that’s as simple as it is stunning? This DIY velvet bow garland will add an elegant touch to your tree, mantel, side table, or anywhere else in your home that needs a little holiday magic. Plus, they are available everywhere right now – my favourite are these Lulu and Georgia ones.

DIY bow garland on top of an arched cabinet

What You’ll Need to DIY A Velvet Bow Garland 

To make one bow, you’ll need:

  • 12″ piece of velvet ribbon
  • 10″ piece of velvet ribbon
  • 24″ piece of velvet ribbon
  • Hot glue gun and glue sticks
  • Scissors
  • Fishing line (to hang the garland)

For reference, I used a 1″ thick velvet ribbon, and each completed bow is about 5.5″ wide, which is the perfect size for my house.

How to make a bow garland - the velvet ribbon laying out
How to make a bow garland - the velvet ribbon laying out and the makings of a bow
Bow in the making

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get started! Follow these simple steps to create a beautiful velvet bow garland:

Step 1: Prepare the 12″ Ribbon

  • Lay the 12″ piece of velvet ribbon flat on the table, with the velvet side facing down.
  • Fold each side of the ribbon over so the edges meet in the center.
  • Use your hot glue gun to seal the edges where they meet.

Step 2: Prepare the 10″ Ribbon

  • Now, repeat the process with the 10″ piece of velvet ribbon.
  • Lay the ribbon velvet side down, fold the edges to meet in the center, and glue them together. This piece will sit on top of the 12″ piece.

Step 3: Stack the Two Pieces

  • Place your 10″ piece directly on top of the 12″ piece.
  • Make sure the seam of the 10″ piece is in the center of the 12″ piece (this way, the seam will be hidden when you place the last piece on it).
  • Use your hot glue gun to attach the two pieces.

Step 4: Create the Bow Shape with the 24″ Ribbon

  • Put the 24″ piece of velvet ribbon on the table, velvet side down.
  • Place the stacked 10″ and 12″ pieces in the centre of the 24″ piece. Gently pull the 24″ ribbon so you have one side slightly longer.
  • Take the longer side, fold it over the stacked 10″/12″ piece, and tie it into a knot. Tighten the knot and adjust the ribbon so both sides have the velvet facing forward.

Step 5: Repeat as Needed

  • Repeat the same process to create as many bows as you need for your garland. Whether you want a few large bows or a long, full garland with many bows, the process is the same each time!

Step 6: Assemble the Garland

  • Once you’ve made all your bows, grab your fishing line and cut a piece to the length you want your garland to be.
  • Thread the fishing line behind each bow. You can space the bows however far apart you like; I didn’t space mine.
  • Use your hot glue gun to attach the edges of the bows to the fishing line. You can glue the back of the bows to the line to ensure they stay in place and don’t slide around. I also glued the edges of my bow together.

Step 7: Hang Your Garland

  • Once everything is glued and dry, hang your velvet bow garland wherever you like! Drape it across the mantel, the staircase, or a window frame for a festive touch that will brighten up any room.
Bow in the making
Bow in the making
bow garland in the making

Final Thoughts on Bow Garland

This DIY velvet bow garland is an easy way to add holiday cheer to your home; the best part is that you don’t have to be a crafting expert to pull it off! You can create a beautiful garland that looks like a million bucks with just a few simple steps. The velvet ribbon’s luxurious texture and the design’s simplicity make it the perfect festive accent for your home this season.
So grab some velvet ribbon, get crafting, and enjoy decorating your space with this easy, elegant garland.
DIY bow garland on top of an arched cabinet in a living room

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