Patriotic 4th of July Wreath Step by Step Instructions

Patriotic 4th of July Wreath Step by Step Instructions

What You'll Need

Gather these supplies before you start:

Step 1 – Build the Wreath Base

Cut both rolls of mesh into 39-inch lengths. You should end up with 18 pieces total (9 pieces from each roll).

Take one piece of mesh and overlap the two cut ends by 1–2 inches to create a continuous loop. Flip the mesh over so the seam is facing down. Place a small weight or clips on each side of the seam to keep it from shifting.

Starting at one short end, place your thumbs in the center while using your index fingers to gather the mesh toward the middle. Continue gathering until you've created a "bow tie" shape, then pinch the center firmly with your thumb and index finger.

Open one set of ties on your wreath frame and place the pinched center of the mesh directly into the middle of the tie. Twist the tie twice to secure the mesh tightly.

Leave the ties open—you'll use them again to attach the ribbon tails in the next step.

Repeat until all 18 mesh bundles have been attached to the wreath frame.

Step 2 – Add the Ribbon Tails

Cut your ribbon into the following lengths:

  • 4-inch ribbon: Cut each pattern into 5 pieces at 15 inches each (10 ribbon tails total).
  • 2.5-inch ribbon: Cut 3 pieces at 15 inches.
  • 1.5-inch ribbon: Cut 3 pieces at 15 inches.

Begin with the 4-inch ribbons.

Fold one ribbon tail in half lengthwise to create a center crease. Pinch the crease between your thumb and index finger, then gently shape the tails into a "V."

Place the ribbon directly on top of the mesh bundle with the tails pointing downward. Twist the wreath tie tightly around the ribbon twice, then tuck the remaining tie ends behind the mesh.

Alternate the two 4-inch ribbon patterns around the outside ring of the wreath.

Next, attach the 2.5-inch and 1.5-inch ribbon tails to the inside ring, alternating the patterns.

Leave the two top center ties empty—this is where your bow will be attached later.

Step 3 – Attach the Sign

Insert pipe cleaners or floral wire through the pre-drilled holes in your sign and twist to secure.

Position the sign slightly off-center on one side of the wreath. Feed the chenille stems through the mesh and around the wire frame, wrapping them securely.

For added stability, attach the stems around the center of the mesh bundles rather than only around the wire frame.

Step 4 – Create and Attach the Bow

You can make your bow by hand or with a bow maker. These instructions use a bow maker.

First Ribbon

Using your first 4-inch ribbon, create a 7-inch tail and pinch the ribbon before placing it between the pegs of the bow maker.

Twist the ribbon so the back side is facing up.

Create a 6½-inch loop, holding the back of the loop with one hand. Fold the ribbon so the front side faces up, pinch the center, and place it between the pegs.

Repeat to create a second loop.

Cut the ribbon to create another 7-inch tail opposite the first. Arrange the loops and tails so they form an "X" on the bow maker.

Remaining Ribbons

Repeat the same process with the remaining ribbons.

With each additional ribbon, make the loops about ½ inch smaller than the previous layer. Arrange the loops and tails so they fill the spaces between the layer beneath them.

Once all ribbon layers have been added, secure the bow with a zip tie—but don't tighten it completely yet.

Slide a chenille stem underneath the zip tie, then check the placement of all your loops and tails. Once you're happy with the arrangement, tighten the zip tie completely.

Attach the finished bow to the two empty ties on the wreath frame. Wrap the chenille stems securely around the wire frame and fluff the bow until it's full and balanced.

Step 5 – Add the Picks and Sprays

Separate your decorative sprays into smaller clusters to make them easier to work with.

Start with the star sprays, inserting them around both the upper and lower portions of the wreath. Angle them outward to create movement and dimension. I like to position several stars so they extend above the mesh and ribbon.

Secure each spray by wrapping the wire stems around the metal wreath frame.

Next, insert the ball sprays, alternating the red and blue picks between the star sprays for balanced color throughout the design.

Step 6 – Fill Gaps and Make Final Adjustments

Step back and view your wreath from several feet away.

Straighten any ribbon tails, adjust the sprays for balance, and bend the wired ribbon loops to add fullness and dimension. Give the bow one final fluff until you're happy with the overall look.

Small adjustments at this stage make a big difference in the finished wreath.

Step 7 – Hang and Enjoy!

Attach a wreath hanger or create a loop with ribbon on the back of the wreath.

Your patriotic wreath is now ready to display on your front door, porch, mantel, or wall all season long!

Pro Tips

  • Use wired ribbon to help your bow hold its shape, especially outdoors in heat and humidity.
  • Decorating with odd numbers of picks (3 or 5) creates a more natural, designer-inspired look.
  • If your wreath will be displayed outdoors, add a small dab of hot glue to each pick before securing it to the frame for extra durability.
  • Don't be afraid to bend and shape your ribbon loops and sprays—those finishing touches give your wreath a full, professional appearance.

Shop all the supplies used in this tutorial: Browse our Patriotic Collection →

Final Thoughts

Once you've mastered this technique, the possibilities are endless! This wreath-making method works beautifully with virtually any combination of mesh, ribbon, signs, florals, picks, and sprays. Simply swap out the colors and embellishments to create wreaths for every season, holiday, or home décor style.

With a little creativity, you'll be able to design beautiful, full, designer-inspired wreaths every time. Happy crafting! 🇺🇸❤️