How to Put Ribbon on a Christmas Tree (3 Easy Ways)

Ribbon is the cheapest way to make a Christmas tree look full and professionally styled. Here are three easy ways to put ribbon on a tree, how to make a simple bow, and exactly how much ribbon to buy. Updated for 2026.

What you’ll need

• Wired ribbon, 2.5 to 4 inches wide: 2 to 3 rolls (10 yards each) for a 7 to 7.5-foot tree
• Sharp scissors
• Floral wire, pipe cleaners or twist ties
• Optional: a second ribbon in a coordinating pattern for layering

Wired ribbon is the key. The thin wire along each edge lets you shape loops and twists that hold their form. Non-wired ribbon goes flat and droops.

Before you start

Ribbon goes on after the lights and before the ornaments. That way ornaments can sit on top of the ribbon and hide the tucked ends. Start at the top of the tree and work down. For a fuller finish, tuck a few Christmas tree picks into the ribbon loops.

Method 1: Waterfall (vertical) ribbon

This is the classic designer look and the easiest to get right.

1. Cut strips about 2 to 3 feet long. Cut the ends at an angle or in a V so they look finished.
2. Starting near the top, tuck one end deep into the tree, behind a branch.
3. Let the ribbon fall down the tree for 8 to 12 inches, then push it in to create a puffy loop.
4. Pull it back out and let it fall again. Repeat until the strip runs out, then tuck the end in.
5. Add the next strip about a foot to the side. Space strips evenly all the way around the tree.

Method 2: Swag (horizontal) ribbon

1. Start at the top and tuck the end of a full roll into the tree.
2. Drape the ribbon loosely around the tree, letting it dip 4 to 6 inches between branches.
3. Tuck it into the branches every 12 to 18 inches to hold the shape.
4. Work down in a gentle spiral. Keep the rows about the same distance apart.
5. Don’t pull it tight. Loose swags look softer and fuller.

Method 3: Tucked loops

This one is great if you only have a little ribbon. Cut 12 to 18 inch pieces, fold each into a loop, pinch the ends together and tuck them into the tree, spread evenly. Each loop looks like a small bow and fills thin spots. If you would rather skip tying altogether, our velvet Christmas bows review covers a pre-tied burgundy set and how many bows for a 7 foot Christmas tree look balanced.

How to make a simple bow for the tree

1. Leave a tail about 8 inches long and pinch the ribbon.
2. Make a loop about 4 inches long and pinch it in the center.
3. Make a matching loop on the other side. Repeat for 4 to 6 loops total.
4. Wrap floral wire tightly around the center and twist.
5. Fluff the loops, trim the tails, and use the wire to attach the bow to a branch.

How much ribbon do you need?

Pro tips

• Layer two ribbons, such as a solid velvet with a plaid, for a richer look.
• Repeat your ribbon on the mantel, wreath and gifts to connect the room.
• Match the tree colors: gold ribbon with gold ornaments, red with red and white, and so on.
• Shop after Christmas: wired ribbon is often 50 to 75 percent off.

Ribbon in 5 steps

1. Lights on first.
2. Start at the top.
3. Tuck the end deep into the tree.
4. Drape or cascade, pushing in loops every foot.
5. Add ornaments on top.

Next step: hang ornaments using our step-by-step decorating guide, and check how many you need with our lights and ornaments calculator.

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Which ribbon to choose: types compared

Part of learning how to put ribbon on a Christmas tree is picking a ribbon that holds its shape and suits your style:

How to put ribbon on a Christmas tree of different types

The basics of how to put ribbon on a Christmas tree stay the same for every tree, but small changes help each shape look its best.

Slim and pencil trees

Waterfall style suits slim trees best, because vertical lines make the tree look taller. Use fewer strips spaced closer together and keep loops small so the ribbon does not stick out past the branches.

Flocked trees

Choose strong colors like red velvet, emerald or plaid so the ribbon stands out against white. Tuck gently to limit shedding, and avoid dragging long swags across the flocking. See flocked Christmas tree decorating ideas for color pairings.

Small and tabletop trees

Use 1.5 to 2.5-inch ribbon and the tucked-loop method or a simple spiral. One roll is usually plenty for a tree under 4 feet.

Large trees (9 feet and up)

Work from a sturdy ladder with a helper. Wider ribbon (4 inches) and deco mesh read better at a distance. Plan about 4 rolls for waterfall style.

Ribbon color ideas by tree theme

Color matters as much as technique when you decide how to put ribbon on a Christmas tree. These pairings are easy wins:

• Classic: red velvet with gold ornaments.
• Woodland: green and red plaid with pinecones and berry picks.
• Winter white: silver or white glitter ribbon with clear and silver ornaments.
• Modern: black and white stripe or solid black velvet with gold.
• Soft and pretty: blush pink velvet with champagne ornaments.
• Rustic: burlap layered with a thin red check ribbon.

More pairings are in our Christmas tree theme ideas.

How to fix common ribbon problems

Even when you know how to put ribbon on a Christmas tree, a few things can go wrong. Quick fixes:

• Ribbon keeps sliding down: tuck it deeper, wrap the tucked part around a branch, or secure it with a green pipe cleaner.
• Loops look flat: use wired ribbon, or run a thin floral wire through the back of non-wired ribbon with hot glue dots.
• Uneven spacing: mark a starting point on the tree and space strips by counting branches rather than eyeballing.
• Ends look messy: cut ends in a V or at an angle, and tuck raw ends behind ornaments.
• Too much ribbon: remove every other strip; less is often better.

Common mistakes when adding ribbon

• Adding ribbon after ornaments, which knocks them off and hides the ribbon.
• Pulling swags tight, which looks like a belt around the tree.
• Using too many ribbons. Two coordinating ribbons is the usual maximum.
• Starting at the bottom. Starting at the top lets gravity help the ribbon fall naturally.
• Buying too little. Running out halfway leaves one side bare; check the roll chart above before you start.

Storing ribbon for next year

Once you know how to put ribbon on a Christmas tree, reusing it saves money each season. Roll each strip loosely around a paper towel tube, secure it with a clip, and store it in a bin so wired edges do not crush. Bows can go in a shoebox stuffed lightly with tissue. Next year, setup is quicker because the strips are already cut to length, and you can follow the same steps for how to put ribbon on a Christmas tree in half the time.

How to put wide Christmas ribbon on the tree

To put wide Christmas ribbon (4 inches or more) on a tree, use wired ribbon, cut it into 3 to 4-foot strips, and tuck each strip deep into the branches every 10 to 12 inches so the loops stay puffy instead of flat. Wide ribbon is heavy, so anchor the top of each strip with a pipe cleaner and space strips a little farther apart than narrow ribbon.

1. Finish the lights first, then fluff the branches so there are deep pockets to tuck into.
2. Cut 3 to 4-foot strips and V-cut the ends.
3. Anchor the top end with a green pipe cleaner wrapped around a sturdy inner branch.
4. Let the ribbon fall 10 to 12 inches, pinch it, and push the pinch deep into the tree to form a big, soft loop.
5. Twist the ribbon once between loops so both sides show if it is double-sided.
6. Space strips about 12 to 18 inches apart around the tree, then hang ornaments over the tucked spots.

How to wrap ribbon on a Christmas tree (spiral wrap)

To wrap ribbon on a Christmas tree, start at the top, tuck the end in, then circle the tree in a gentle diagonal spiral downward, tucking the ribbon into the branches every 12 to 18 inches and leaving about 12 to 16 inches between rows. Keep it loose so it sits in the branches rather than on top of them.

• Work with the roll still attached so you do not run short mid-row.
• Step back after each full turn to keep the rows evenly spaced.
• For a fuller look, wrap a second, narrower ribbon in the gaps, or combine ribbon with garland ideas.
• On a thin tree, ribbon loops help hide gaps; see how to make a Christmas tree look fuller.

Helpful resources: For more on how to put ribbon on a Christmas tree, see the National Christmas Tree Association and U.S. Fire Administration.

Finish the look with matching accents: pick colors that work with your ribbon from our best Christmas ornament sets, crown the tree with one of the best Christmas tree toppers, and repeat the same ribbon on one of our best Christmas wreaths for the front door.

How to put ribbon on a Christmas tree: frequently asked questions

Does ribbon go on before or after ornaments?

Ribbon goes on after the lights and before the ornaments. Ornaments can then sit on top of the ribbon and hide the tucked ends.

How much ribbon do I need for a 7.5-foot tree?

About 2 to 3 rolls of 10-yard, 2.5-inch wired ribbon for swags, or about 3 rolls for the waterfall style.

What kind of ribbon is best for a Christmas tree?

Wired ribbon that is 2.5 to 4 inches wide. The wire edges let you shape loops that hold, and the width shows up well on a full tree.

How do you keep ribbon from falling off the tree?

Tuck the ribbon deep into the branches every 12 to 18 inches, or secure it with floral wire or pipe cleaners in the same color as the tree.

How do you put ribbon on a Christmas tree vertically?

Use the waterfall method: cut 2 to 3-foot strips, tuck one end deep near the top, let it fall 8 to 12 inches, push it in to form a loop, and repeat down the tree. Space strips about a foot apart all the way around.

Can you put ribbon on a Christmas tree without wired ribbon?

Yes, but it droops more. Tuck it every 8 to 12 inches, secure it with green pipe cleaners, or use non-wired ribbon only for bows and tucked loops.

How do you put wide Christmas ribbon on the tree?

Use wired ribbon 4 inches or wider, cut 3 to 4-foot strips, anchor the top with a pipe cleaner, and tuck the ribbon deep every 10 to 12 inches to form big loops. Space strips 12 to 18 inches apart.

How do you wrap ribbon on a Christmas tree?

Start at the top and spiral the ribbon loosely down the tree on a diagonal, tucking it into the branches every 12 to 18 inches and leaving about 12 to 16 inches between rows.

How do you put ribbon on a Christmas tree horizontally?

Use the swag method. Tuck one end deep into the branches at the top, then drape the ribbon around the tree in gentle swags, tucking it in every 12 to 18 inches. Let each swag dip a little lower as you work down so the lines look even.

How do you put ribbon on a Christmas tree like a professional?

Use wired ribbon, add it after the lights and before ornaments, and tuck it deep every 10 to 18 inches so the loops stay puffy. Layer two ribbons, such as velvet with plaid, and hang ornaments over the tucked spots to hide the anchors.

Can you put ribbon on a Christmas tree without cutting it?

Yes. Work from one continuous roll in swag or spiral style: tuck the start at the top, keep the roll in your hand and feed it around the tree, pinching and tucking every 12 to 18 inches. Cut only when you reach the bottom.

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