I am proud to be sponsored as a Command Brand blogger and enjoy using Command Brand products. Opinions are my own and additional products used in the project were selected by me.
In this post: Learn how to make wired ribbon from fabric and create gorgeous Christmas garlands for a fraction of the price! Post includes bonus tips on how to hang your garlands like a pro.
My Christmas decor this year has been all about red plaid! I had my heart set on purchasing plaid, six-inch wired ribbon for my porch garlands, but when I tallied the cost of how many yards I would need for my project the cost was going to be over $75. Yikes! I knew I could make my own plaid wired ribbon for much less. The total cost to make 12 yards of 7 inch plaid ribbon was only around $12!
Tip: Use craft store coupons to significantly reduce the cost of your projects! I was able to save 60% on my fabric with a coupon.
To make and hang your own wired ribbon garlands, here is what you will need.
Wired Ribbon Garland Supplies
- Choice of fabric (I purchased two yards.)
- Floral wire
- Glue gun
- Greenery and faux garland
- Command Outdoor Light Clips
Step 1: Cut your fabric into strips.
I used the plaid stripes to determine where to cut my strips, and I cut between every two red stripes. You could measure your fabric strips and use a straightedge to achieve even strips of ribbon. Remember to leave room in your measurements for the seam allowance.
Step 2: Place your floral wire along the edge of your ribbon, run a bead of hot glue along the edge, and fold the seam over.
If you want a perfect looking seam, you will need to fold the seam over again and glue in place. I chose to trim any fraying edges and called it a day. This is just a garland and not a garment, so don’t feel that it needs to be perfect!
Step 3: When you reach the end of the fabric, cut the wire, fold the end of the fabric over and glue into place.
All of my pieces of ribbon were 2 yards long in length. I didn’t need to glue the lengths of the ribbon together because it is very easy to disguise the ends of the ribbon once on the garland. If your project requires a longer ribbon, just match your pattern and glue the two seams together.
Voila! You just made gorgeous wire ribbon! Now it’s time to hang it.
Tip: Use real and faux greenery mixed together to create a lush look for less.”
To attach your garland around your door frame you will need some finishing nails or Command Outdoor Hooks and Command Outdoor Light Clips. Secure your faux garland to your hooks by using a wire branch from your garland or some floral wire. Be sure to follow all package instructions.
Next, add your real garland on top of your faux garland and secure at the top with floral wire.
I have long finishing nails running around the top of my door frame which makes hanging garlands easy. However, last year the sides of my garland would blow around in the wind causing the entire garland to come down several times. To prevent this from happening this year, I used Command Outdoor Light Clips down the sides of my door frame. Brilliant! I’m not sure why I didn’t think of using them in this way last year since the indoor Command strips are a staple to my indoor Christmas decorating.
I love that they are damage-free and easy to use over and over again with refill strips. Be sure you choose the outdoor strips when choosing your products for an outdoor project. I have both the indoor and outdoor strips and the Command Outdoor hooks and clips are indeed different—they are water and UV-resistant and designed to withstand all weather conditions such as rain, snow and extreme temperatures.
To create my ribbon garland, I used four of my 2-yard strips of ribbon. I created two “loop bows” with two of the strips, leaving a tail on each so that they appear to be one giant bow when attached together. To make a loop bow, simply fold your ribbon accordion-style about four fingers width apart and secure the loops in the back with floral wire. Attach the bow to the garland with floral wire.
Secure the ribbon in place on the sides of the garland with Command Outdoor Light Clips using the same method I used to attach the greenery.
To hang the wreath, I used the Command Outdoor Large Brushed Nickle Metal Hook.
It is tempting to just stick the hook on the door and get on with it, but you MUST follow the directions on the package for best results. Directions include cleaning your surface with rubbing alcohol and waiting at least an hour before hanging items from hooks. Be sure to read through the instructions to be sure you are not exceeding the weight requirements for your project.
I hung my rubber boots from a nail in our door in order not to test the weight requirements for our hook. I love the layered look!
Thanks for stopping by today! I hope my ribbon tip helps you save money and create your own beautiful ribbon garlands and bows this season. I will be showing off my entire Christmas porch tomorrow so I hope you’ll come back to see the tour!
Feel free to pin this project for later and share it with someone who might find it helpful!
Thanks for sponsoring this post Command Brand! You can find Command Brand products at home centers, craft stores, and on online.
Sandy says
Thanks so much for this! I am definitely going to be using this idea next Christmas! I didn’t realize just how much I love plaid until I bought some Ralph Lauren plaid placemats ( on sale ) this year! Thanks again!
Lenore says
Great info! Thanks so much!
PattyP says
Thanks for the ideas! I think I would tend to use a stiffer shinier fabric (taffeta?) and try serging over some thin but very straight wire. Hmm…. lots of possibilities!
Kim @ Sand & Sisal says
So pretty! I love my command hooks! I use them everywhere! I have the large one that you used on the door and I placed it outside on our 2nd story palladium window 5 years ago to hold a large wreath and it is STILL holding on strong!
Beth says
Oh wow! That’s impressive considering your heat and humidity!
Jennifer @ Decorated Chaos says
What a great idea! Thanks for sharing.
Beth says
Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment Jennifer! 🙂