How To Put Burlap Ribbon On A Christmas Tree: A Festive...

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Dreaming of a rustic, charming Christmas tree that exudes cozy, natural beauty? Burlap ribbon is your secret weapon! Its textured weave and earthy tones instantly bring warmth and a touch of farmhouse chic to your holiday decor. But how do you transform a simple roll of burlap into a stunning tree adornment?

Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think! Whether you’re aiming for a subtle accent or a dramatic statement, this guide will walk you through every step. Get ready to elevate your Christmas tree from ordinary to absolutely breathtaking with the timeless appeal of burlap.

Transform Your Christmas Tree with Burlap Ribbon

Burlap ribbon offers a unique texture and natural aesthetic that can make your Christmas tree stand out. Its rustic charm pairs wonderfully with traditional ornaments, natural elements like pinecones, and even metallic accents for a touch of sparkle. This guide will cover everything from choosing the right burlap to securing it artfully on your tree, ensuring a beautiful and long-lasting display throughout the holiday season.

Choosing the Right Burlap Ribbon

The first step in achieving that perfect rustic look is selecting the ideal burlap ribbon. There’s a surprising variety available, and understanding your options will help you make the best choice for your tree and overall decor theme.

Types of Burlap Ribbon

Natural Burlap: This is the classic choice, featuring a rough weave and a natural tan or brown color. It’s versatile and provides an authentic rustic feel.
Painted or Dyed Burlap: Available in a spectrum of colors, from deep reds and greens to whites and even metallics. This allows for more creative integration with your existing ornaments. Look for ones where the color is applied in a way that still shows the burlap texture.
Wired Burlap: This is a game-changer for tree decorating. The wires along the edges make it incredibly easy to shape, fluff, and secure loops and bows. It holds its form beautifully, preventing it from drooping.
Burlap with Embellishments: Some burlap ribbons come pre-decorated with lace, glitter, stitching, or even festive prints. These can add an extra layer of detail but might be best used sparingly to avoid overwhelming the natural charm.

Considerations When Shopping

Width: Burlap ribbon comes in various widths, from thin 1-inch strips to wide 4-inch or even 6-inch ribbons. Wider ribbons make a bolder statement and are often easier to work with for draping techniques. Thinner ribbons are great for accenting or creating smaller bows.
Material Quality: Check for a tight weave that doesn’t fray excessively. While some fraying is characteristic of burlap, excessive shedding can be frustrating.
Length: Measure your tree’s height and estimate how much ribbon you’ll need. It’s always better to have a little extra than to run short, especially if you plan on creating multiple loops or bows. A general rule of thumb is about 10-15 feet of ribbon per foot of tree height, but this can vary significantly based on your styling.
Edge Type: Some burlap ribbons have finished edges, while others are naturally frayed. Wired edges are particularly useful for shaping.

Preparing Your Burlap Ribbon

Before you even think about putting the ribbon on the tree, a little preparation can go a long way in making the process smoother and the end result more polished.

Cutting Your Ribbon

Decide on your desired lengths based on how you plan to use the ribbon. If you’re draping, you’ll need long sections. For bows, you’ll need shorter, manageable pieces.

For Draping: Cut long lengths, ideally enough to go from the top of the tree to the bottom, or to create a continuous flow around the tree.
For Bows: Cut individual pieces for each bow. The size of the bow will dictate the length needed.

Tip: To prevent fraying while cutting, you can use a sharp pair of scissors or a rotary cutter. For a very clean cut, you can also carefully singe the ends of natural burlap with a lighter (do this in a well-ventilated area and with extreme caution!). (See Also: How to Brace a Tree: Save Your Beloved Giants!)

Securing the Ends

If you’re not using wired ribbon, you might want to secure the ends to prevent excessive fraying.

Hot Glue: A small dab of hot glue can seal the edges.
Clear Nail Polish: Apply a thin layer to the cut edge to prevent unraveling.
Stitching: For a more durable finish, you can hand-stitch or machine-stitch the edges.

Methods for Putting Burlap Ribbon on Your Christmas Tree

There are several popular and effective ways to incorporate burlap ribbon into your Christmas tree decor. Each method offers a different visual impact, allowing you to customize your tree’s look.

Method 1: The Drape Technique

This is a classic and very popular method that creates a flowing, elegant look. It’s perfect for showcasing the texture and color of burlap.

Start at the Top: Begin by securing one end of your burlap ribbon near the top of the tree, close to the trunk. You can tuck it under a branch or use a floral wire or a small ornament hook.
Create Gentle Loops: Let the ribbon drape down the side of the tree, creating loose, relaxed loops as you go. Don’t pull the ribbon too taut; allow it to fall naturally.
Work Your Way Down: Continue draping and looping the ribbon around the tree, working your way down towards the base. Aim for a consistent but not perfectly uniform look. Vary the size of your loops slightly for a more organic feel.
Secure as You Go: As you create each loop or reach a point where you want to change direction, secure the ribbon to the tree branches. Wired ribbon makes this easy – you can simply twist the wire around a branch. For non-wired ribbon, use floral wire, small zip ties, or even tuck it securely under branches.
Repeat if Necessary: If you have a large tree or want a more dramatic effect, you can use multiple strands of burlap, starting each one at the top or strategically placing them around the tree.
Finishing the End: Once you reach the bottom, secure the end of the ribbon. You can tuck it into the base, let it trail slightly, or even connect it back to the top if you’re creating a continuous spiral.

Expert Tip: For wired burlap, gently fluff and shape your loops as you go. This will give your ribbon dimension and prevent it from looking flat against the branches.

Method 2: The Bow Accent

Bows add a charming and traditional touch. Burlap bows, especially when made from wired ribbon, are wonderfully full and eye-catching.

Prepare Your Ribbon: Cut a length of burlap ribbon. The size depends on how large you want your bows. For a medium-sized bow, start with about 18-24 inches.
Create the Loops: Fold the ribbon back and forth to create two or three large loops on each side. For a classic bow, make two large loops.
Pinch the Center: Pinch the ribbon in the center where the loops meet.
Add a Smaller Loop (Optional): Take a smaller piece of ribbon (about 4-6 inches) and wrap it around the pinched center to form the knot of the bow. Secure it with hot glue or by twisting the wire if using wired ribbon.
Form the Tails: Cut the ends of the ribbon to create tails. You can cut them straight across, at an angle, or create a V-shape by folding the tail in half lengthwise and cutting from the fold to the edge.
Fluff and Shape: If using wired ribbon, gently pull and shape the loops and tails to make the bow full and attractive.
Attach to the Tree: Use floral wire, pipe cleaners, or hot glue to attach the finished bow to your tree. You can place them strategically throughout the tree, at the top, or even clustered together.

Pro Tip: Make several bows at once. This saves time and ensures consistency if you’re decorating a larger tree. You can also use different sizes of bows for variety. (See Also: How to Remove Hardened Tree Sap From Car Windshield)

Method 3: The Garland Twist

This method involves creating a twisted garland effect with your burlap ribbon, offering a more textured and continuous line of decoration.

Cut Long Strands: Cut long lengths of burlap ribbon, similar to the draping method.
Twist the Ribbon: Gently twist the ribbon as you work your way around the tree. This adds visual interest and prevents it from lying flat.
Secure Periodically: Tuck or wire the ribbon to the branches every 6-12 inches to keep it in place.
Vary the Twist: You can twist the ribbon tightly for a more defined spiral or loosely for a softer effect.
Combine with Other Ribbons: Burlap can also be twisted with other types of ribbon (e.g., red velvet, gold metallic) for a richer, layered look.

Method 4: Layering and Mixing Techniques

Don’t feel limited to just one method! Combining draping with strategic bow placement can create a beautifully balanced and dynamic tree.

Drape First, Then Add Bows: Start with your draped burlap, then add bows at key points where the ribbon changes direction or where you want a focal point.
Bows as Connectors: Use bows to connect different sections of draped ribbon or to transition from one side of the tree to another.
Mix Widths: Use a wider burlap ribbon for draping and a narrower one for smaller bows or accents to add depth and contrast.

Tips for a Flawless Burlap Ribbon Christmas Tree

Achieving that picture-perfect burlap ribbon tree is all about the details. Here are some extra tips to ensure your creation shines:

Work from the Inside Out: Start decorating closer to the trunk and work your way outwards. This helps to fill in any gaps and gives the tree a fuller appearance.
Balance is Key: Distribute the ribbon evenly around the tree. If you have a lot of ribbon on one side, the tree will look lopsided.
Consider Your Ornaments: Think about how the burlap will interact with your ornaments. If you have delicate or small ornaments, ensure the burlap doesn’t overpower them. For larger, bolder ornaments, burlap can provide a beautiful grounding element.
Don’t Overdo It: While burlap is beautiful, too much can make the tree look cluttered. Aim for a balance that highlights the ribbon without hiding your other decorations.
Use Floral Wire: Floral wire is your best friend when working with non-wired burlap. It’s strong, flexible, and blends in well with the branches. Keep a spool handy.
Test Different Angles: Experiment with how you drape or attach the ribbon. Sometimes a slight adjustment in angle can make a big difference in how it lays.
Lighting Matters: Ensure your tree lights are on while you’re decorating. This allows you to see how the ribbon looks with the lights and helps you place it strategically to catch the light.
Safety First: If using hot glue, be careful not to burn yourself. Ensure all attachments are secure to prevent ribbons from falling.
Embrace Imperfection: Burlap is a natural material, and a little bit of fraying or unevenness is part of its charm. Don’t strive for absolute perfection; embrace the rustic, handmade feel.
Storage: After the holidays, carefully remove the ribbon and roll it up loosely. Store it in a cool, dry place to preserve its quality for next year.

Troubleshooting Common Burlap Ribbon Issues

Even with the best intentions, you might encounter a few bumps along the road. Here’s how to handle them:

Excessive Fraying

Problem: The burlap is shedding threads everywhere, making a mess and looking untidy.

Solution: (See Also: How to Kill Small Tree Stumps: Easy & Effective Methods)

Use wired burlap whenever possible.
For non-wired ribbon, try singeing the ends carefully with a lighter.
Apply a thin line of clear nail polish or fabric glue along cut edges.
Embrace a little fraying as part of the rustic charm!
Use scissors or a rotary cutter designed for fabric for cleaner cuts.

Ribbon Not Staying in Place

Problem: Your carefully draped or bowed ribbon keeps slipping off the branches.

Solution:

Use floral wire or pipe cleaners to secure the ribbon to the branches. Twist them around the branch and through the ribbon.
Hot glue can be a temporary fix, but be mindful of damaging your tree or the ribbon.
Tuck the ribbon firmly under sturdy branches.
If using wired ribbon, twist the wire edges around branches.
Ensure you’re not pulling the ribbon too taut; allow it to drape naturally.

Burlap Looks Too Flat

Problem: The ribbon appears flat and lacks dimension against the tree branches.

Solution:

Use wired burlap ribbon; the wires allow you to shape and fluff the ribbon.
Create fuller, more voluminous loops for bows.
Gently twist the ribbon as you drape it for a garland effect.
Layer different widths of burlap or mix with other textured ribbons.
Don’t be afraid to pull and shape the ribbon until you achieve the desired fullness.

By understanding these methods and tips, you’re well on your way to creating a stunning Christmas tree adorned with beautiful burlap ribbon. It’s a simple yet impactful way to add warmth, texture, and a touch of rustic elegance to your holiday celebrations.

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Conclusion

Putting burlap ribbon on your Christmas tree is a fantastic way to achieve a warm, rustic, and inviting holiday display. Whether you choose to drape it, create charming bows, or twist it into a garland, the natural texture of burlap adds a unique charm. Remember to select wired ribbon for easier shaping, prepare your lengths, and secure them thoughtfully. With these techniques, your tree will radiate cozy holiday spirit, becoming a beautiful centerpiece for your festive celebrations.

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