How to make a wreath for every occasion
A wreath can make a spectacular addition to your decor in any season, whether you’re decking the halls with a Christmas wreath or making one laden with flowers for spring.
Wreath making is very versatile and there are so many different ways to make your own. You can make wreaths using foliage and flowers or use craft techniques to make a show-stopping DIY wreath.
Once you’ve made your wreath, you can display it proudly on your front door or hang it indoors as an impressive handmade decoration. Wreaths can also be placed on your dining table to create an elegant centrepiece.
In this guide, we’ll share wreath making ideas for every occasion, as well as information about some of the basic materials you’ll need.
Follow the links below to go straight to the section of the article that you’d like to read:
- How to choose the right base for wreath making
- Wreath making tools and supplies
- Wreath making ideas for any occasion
- Seasonal wreath making ideas
How to make a wreath
How to choose the right base for wreath making
Wire wreath bases
Wire wreath bases are very practical and easy to use. They’re made up of concentric circles of wire, so you can tie anything you like to the base.
Wire bases can be used for foliage or dried flowers, but you can attach other decorations to them too.
A wire wreath base provides an excellent foundation for a bauble wreath. Learn how to make a bauble wreath in five easy steps.
Wire wreaths often come in novelty shapes too – keep an eye out for them in your favourite craft store.
Rattan grapevine wreath bases
If you’re looking for a natural wreath base that will be visible under your decorations, opt for a rattan grapevine wreath base.
It’ll give your wreath an instant rustic vibe that’s suitable for any season. Leave some of the rattan showing through your decorations to give your wreath more character.
Take a look at our dried flower wreath tutorial to find out how to work with a rattan hoop.
Rattan wreaths can also be bought in alternative shapes. Why not choose a crescent-shaped wreath for Halloween?
Willow wreath bases
Willow is another great base for natural wreath making. Its flexibility means that it can be shaped easily, so you’ll sometimes see it shaped into hearts as well as the more traditional hoops.
Willow is very sturdy and will last well over time. The woven branches are easy to cover with decorations, as there are lots of places to position your decorations on the wreath.
Styrofoam or polystyrene wreath bases
Styrofoam wreaths are not an eco-friendly option for wreath making, as they’re not biodegradable. However, they’re lightweight and provide a good surface for decorations, especially if you want to glue them on using a glue gun.
Styrofoam wreaths can look bulky, so this is not a great choice for anyone who wants a delicate-looking wreath.
This festive DIY felt wreath is a good example of a wreath made using a styrofoam base.
Embroidery hoop wreaths
Embroidery hoops can be useful if you want to make a miniature wreath to hang indoors. Use wires or string to attach your decorations to your hoop, then display it proudly in any room.
You can use regular embroidery hoops to make your wreath, but it’s possible to buy ones without any screws so you can achieve a seamless circle.
Wreath making tools and supplies
When you’re making a wreath, it’s helpful to have a few practical tools to hand. The tools you need will depend on the style of wreath you’re making, so you may not need all of these for your project.
Florist’s wire
Florist’s wire is a thin wire used to attach decorations, flowers or foliage to your wreath base. You can buy it in reels, but it’s also available to buy in short pre-cut lengths.
The short strips of wire will be suitable for most wreath making and mean that you don’t need wire cutters.
Wire cutters
If you’re working with florist’s wire, it’s useful to have a pair of wire cutters to hand. You shouldn’t use ordinary scissors to cut florist’s wire, as it can damage the blades.
Wire cutters can be used to shorten lengths of wire or to trim away any loose ends.
Florist tape
Florist tape or floral tape is essential if you’re working with real foliage or flowers.
This tape is water-resistant once it’s been applied to a dry surface, so it’s practical to use it if you want to hang your wreath outside.
Floral tape can give your flowers extra support so that they don’t droop after a few days on display, keeping your wreath looking fresh for longer.
Pruning shears
Pruning shears can be used to cut flower stems and trim foliage for your wreath. If you’re a keen gardener, you may already have a pair at home!
If you’re serious about wreath making, it’s worth investing in a pair of pruning shears. They make light work of cutting through tough stems or boughs and will make the whole process much easier.
Glue gun
Glue guns come in handy for a wide variety of crafts, not just wreath making! If you’re making a decorative wreath such as a pom pom wreath, a glue gun will make the process much quicker.
Once the hot glue has been applied, your wreath decorations will be held firmly in place with no need for extra wire or tape.
Ribbon
Complete your wreath with a final flourish! Adding a bow is the perfect way to finish your wreath and make it stand out.
You can also wind a ribbon around the outside of your wreath to tie your design together and create a sense of harmony. Your ribbon choice can complement your colour scheme and give it a professional finish.
Festive wreath decorations
Let’s face it, Christmas is the time to be making wreaths! Cover your wreath in traditional festive ornaments such as cinnamon sticks, dried oranges and pine cones.
Wreath decorations can be expensive when you buy them all separately, so buying a pack of mixed decorations can save you time and money.
Wreath making ideas for any occasion
Pom pom wreaths
If you have a tendency to hoard yarn, have a go at making a pom pom wreath to clear out your stash.
Making a pom pom wreath is incredibly easy – you can make pom poms using cardboard circles or with the aid of a pom pom maker. Check out our how to make pom poms guide to get started.
While this pom pom wreath is festive, you could make a wreath in more neutral colours to brighten your home all year round.
Learn how to make a pom pom wreath with Gathered.
Ribbon wreaths
Ribbon wreaths have grown in popularity in recent years and they’re a great choice if you’re looking for a wreath that you can reuse every year.
There are a few different ways to make ribbon wreaths. In our how to make a ribbon wreath tutorial, we’ve gathered together sections of wire-edged ribbons and attached them to a wire base using florist’s wire. The wreath is then finished with a flourish of miniature baubles.
Another way to make a ribbon wreath is to tie short lengths of ribbon around a foam hoop, working your way around the circle until all of the base is covered with ribbons. This is a good project to make if you have lots of ribbons leftover from other projects.
Bear in mind that most ribbon wreath methods will use more ribbon than you expect, so it’s worth buying an extra roll or two. If you have any left over, you can always finish your wreath with a stylish bow!
Ribbon wreaths can be made for any occasion, simply update the decorations and the colour scheme to match the season.
Paper wreaths
Paper wreaths can be crafted for any season from Easter to Thanksgiving. The best ones make use of paper scraps that you already have in your home.
With a little creativity, you can make a paper wreath to celebrate any occasion. Here are some fabulous paper wreath ideas for you to make at home.
1. Thanksgiving wreath
Give thanks for all the good things in your life with this charming Thanksgiving wreath designed by Becki Clark.
Use the free leaf templates to cut out all of the elements, then assemble your wreath. This is a really easy wreath making idea, so you could even get children involved too.
2. Poinsettia wreath
Prepare for Christmas with this bright and beautiful poinsettia wreath idea.
Download the free templates to cut out the paper shapes, then follow the step-by-step instructions to make your own gorgeous festive wreath.
3. Autumn wreath
Cut and shape patterned papers to make this sweet autumn wreath for fall. Add a little ink to the edges of the leaves to create more depth.
You can use a die-cutting machine to cut out your leaf shapes or trim them by hand.
5. Winter wreath
This DIY winter wreath has a contemporary feel and could be displayed in your home all winter.
The wreath features paper eucalyptus leaves, delicate roses and anemones. It would make a lovely winter gift for friends and family too.
How to make a quilted wreath
This intricate quilted wreath is guaranteed to impress your guests! If you’re looking for an heirloom Christmas craft project, this is the pattern for you.
Make your own Christmas patchwork wreath with Gathered.
6. Origami flower wreath
Want to take your paper crafting to the next level? Make this elegant origami flower wreath.
Once you’ve mastered the precise folds needed to make the origami flowers, you’ll want to use them on all of your craft projects!
7. Easter wreath
You know spring has arrived when golden daffodils begin to pop up everywhere. Give your home a burst of sunshine by crafting this brilliant Easter wreath idea.
Wreath patterns to knit and crochet
If you’re a yarn lover, why not try knitting or crocheting a wreath?
There are plenty of patterns for every occasion online. Here are a few fun ideas to get you started:
1. Knitted advent calendar wreath
Count down to Christmas with this enchanting advent calendar wreath. It’s guaranteed to be a hit with young children!
2. Crochet Christmas wreath
This sweet crochet Christmas wreath pattern will keep you busy on cold autumn evenings. Finish off your wreath with a dash of jingle bells!
3. Christmas wreath knitting pattern
These cute Christmas characters will make you smile whenever you look at them. Cast on this adorable Christmas wreath knitting pattern to share the joy!
4. Easter wreath knitting pattern
Wreaths aren’t just for Christmas! This Easter wreath knitting pattern features chicks, bunnies and clusters of pretty spring flowers.
Cross stitch and embroidery wreaths
Put your stitching skills to good use to make a spectacular cross stitch wreath or embroidered wreath.
This clever technique uses two hoops of different sizes to create the look of a wreath. It works well for both cross stitch and embroidery, so don’t be afraid to experiment!
Upcycled wreaths
Why limit yourself to traditional materials? Making a wreath using upcycled materials is immensely satisfying – you can reduce waste and make something stunning at the same time.
Use this upcycled wreath tutorial as a starting point for your own creative ideas.
Seasonal wreath making ideas
Get festive with our Christmas wreath ideas
Christmas is the season when wreaths really come into their own. There are endless variations to make, whether you prefer a traditional Christmas wreath or something more contemporary.
Wreath making is a fun activity to share with friends and family. Why not invite some friends over for a Christmas wreath making session?
Start feeling festive with Gathered’s Christmas wreath ideas.
Celebrate the season with winter wreath ideas
If you don’t want a Christmas wreath on your door, a winter wreath can be a great alternative. You can keep a winter wreath up throughout the season – it’s not just for Christmas!
Explore our winter wreath ideas for plenty of magical projects to craft.
How to decorate a Christmas tree like an expert
Make the tree the star of the show this Christmas! Give your tree a professional makeover with Gathered’s expert tips and advice. Learn how to decorate a Christmas tree with Gathered.
Welcome autumn with these fall wreath ideas
A beautiful fall wreath can be proudly displayed on your door from September right up to Thanksgiving!
Find seasonal inspiration with Gathered’s fall wreath ideas, which features rustic wreaths, stunning paper wreaths and even ones made from felt.
Give the neighbours a fright with Halloween wreath ideas
Craft a haunted village, make a spooktacular spider web or gothic lace wreath – whatever takes your fancy!
A Halloween wreath is a fun way to get in the spirit! Your sinister wreath will lure trick-or-treaters to your home and welcome guests in for a hauntingly good celebration.
Dress up your doors this October with these spellbinding Halloween wreath ideas.
Say goodbye to winter with spring wreaths
Spring is the time to celebrate new life and the return of warmer weather. You can make spring wreaths to mark the end of winter or decorate your house in time for Easter.
Whichever occasion you choose to mark, your spring wreath can feature seasonal elements such as flowers, birds or even Easter eggs.
This DIY spring wreath project is adorned with fresh flowers set on a slender wire wreath. It looks elegant and can be displayed indoors or outdoors.
Brighten your home with a summer wreath
Summer is all about vibrant colours, flowers and sunshine. If you’re dreaming of summer days, crafting a seasonal wreath will bring some warmth into your home.
Paper wreaths are easy to make and will keep looking fresh throughout the year. Get cutting and sticking to make your own cheerful summer wreath with Gathered.
How to make a wreath in any style
Whether you want to make a classic Christmas wreath, welcome spring with a floral wreath or make a hand-crafted hoop for fall, you’ll find wreaths for any season in our wreath making guide.
Wreaths can welcome visitors to your home when displayed on your front door, but they look just as wonderful hanging indoors. You could even keep one on show all year round, updating it with the changing seasons.
How to make a Christmas wreath
Making a Christmas wreath for your door is the perfect way to embrace the spirit of the season.
In this classic Christmas wreath tutorial, you’ll learn how to make your own fantastic decoration using real foliage.
Learn how to make a Christmas wreath with Gathered.
