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If you’re looking for something different for your décor, try a DIY fabric wreath. These easy, unconventional crafts are the perfect way to dress up any front door or wall.
What is a fabric wreath?
A fabric wreath is exactly what the name suggests. Instead of using twigs, foliage, or flowers for a base, these wreaths are made entirely of fabric. They can still incorporate flowers or the usual decorations and embellishments, however the base itself is unconventional.
Like many other artificial wreaths, these options can be used both indoors and out. They can also be used for a long time, as long as they’re cared for properly.
Popular styles for fabric wreaths include burlap wreaths, as well as deco mesh wreaths.
If you’re interested in creating your own fabric wreath, check out our guide below for basic tips and suggestions.
How to Choose Your Fabric
Here are some of the most popular fabric choices for wreaths:
- Mesh
- Tulle
- Burlap or Cotton
- Ribbon
- Fabric remnants
In theory, you can use any type of fabric for a wreath. However, there are some important factors that you’ll need to consider.
The main issue is structure. Regular fabrics such as cotton or polyester, don’t have much structure. They can’t stand up on their own without support.
Fabrics like mesh and tulle, however, do have structure. They’re generally able to stand up on their own, in whatever shape you put them in.
Ribbon on the other hand, can go either way. Regular satin ribbon is not going to have much structure. But there are types of ribbon that have wires running through the sides. These have plenty of structure, so you can shape them however you like.
Overall, how structured a fabric is will determine what sort of wreath you can make. Mesh and tulle are popular choices, because you can make large, full wreaths with them. Not so much with cotton.
Instead, unstructured fabrics are much better for use with techniques like ruffles, draping, or wrapping. They won’t look as full, but they still have their benefits. With these fabrics, you get more options for colors and patterns.
They are also cheaper and easily accessible. You may even have scraps lying around that you can use for forming your base.
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How to Create Your Wreath
When making a wreath, the type of frame or form you use is just as important as the type of fabric. The type of frame you use determines both what fabrics are best, as well as how you’ll eventually style those fabrics.
Here’s what you need to know about the two main options you have for creating wreaths:
Foam Wreath Forms
If you’re using a foam form, making a fabric wreath is pretty simple.
Here are the basic steps to get you started:
Start by cutting your fabric into thick strips. The width of the strips will determine how many you need to cover the whole frame. The length of them, when folded in half, will determine how large your wreath is. Keep this in mind and plan accordingly.
Once you have your strips made, you’ll need to tie them onto the form. To do this, pass one of the strip through the middle of the form, and then bring both ends together, evenly. You want the wreath form to hang directly in the middle of the strip.
From there, tie the strip into a simple knot. Adjust the strip so that the knot is at the top side of the form, and the ends of the strip are facing outward.
Repeat until the whole wreath form is covered.
For this method, you’ll want to make sure you’re using sturdy fabrics that won’t flop over. Stick to mesh, tulle, and ribbon that’s been reinforced with wire.
When using sheer fabrics like mesh or tulle, you can also layer strips on top of one another. This will make the strips opaquer. It will also make the wreath look fuller.
To see this in action, check out this great tutorial:
Another option with this type of frame is to wrap the fabric around it. This method is better for fabrics like cotton and burlap.
How you wrap the fabric depends on what look you’re going for. The simplest method is to wrap it tight by weaving the piece of fabric in and out of the center of the form.
You can also use pins or glue to create things like pleats or ruffles, by bunching the fabric as you wrap it.
Wire Wreath Frames
Wreath frames are also popular for fabric wreaths, but they are a little trickery to use. There’s less surface area than on a foam form, so how you attach the fabric is important.
One popular method is to use zip ties. These are secure and easy to use. They’re also easy to remove, should you need to adjust the wreath, or deconstruct it later. Simply wrap the zip tie around whatever bundle of fabric you’re using, and then attach it to the frame.
If you don’t like zip ties, you can also use any of the other means used to attach decorations to wreaths. Just make sure you’re being careful with hot glue, as it can melt fabrics like tulle and mesh.
If you’re looking for some unique ways to wrap fabrics, here are some great tutorials.
Ruffle Burlap Fabric Wreath
This option is great for if you’re working with fabrics that aren’t as structured. Cotton, burlap, and and sort of fabric remnants would work well for this method.
Buffalo Check Wreath
This option is a great way to change up the usual deco mesh wreath style. In this case, rather than forming little rolls with the fabric, you form petals. It’s great for anyone who wants something unique and delicate looking.
As the video shows, it’s also a great method for mixing complementary fabrics.
Creating Your Ideal Fabric Wreath
One of the best aspects of working with fabric is that it’s fairly straightforward.
When working with artificial or dried plants, there’s a lot of restrictions as to how you mold them, or how you can build them into a wreath.
With fabric, things are very different. You can shape it and bundle it however you want. There’s also a larger variety of colors, textures, and patterns to choose from. In that sense, this type of wreath allows for much greater creativity and fun.
So if you’re interested in an easy, unique craft, try a DIY fabric wreath.
