How to Make a Burlap Wreath

Co-authored by Lois Wade

Last Updated: September 15, 2021 References Approved

When it comes to making all-season wreaths on your own, burlap is a popular and affordable material. And while you can buy a premade one at any number of stores, where's the fun in that? Instead, try making your own personalized burlap wreath for a unique, rustic decoration that is easily customizable and will impress your guests.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Fastening the Burlap to the Wreath

1
Select a roll between 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) wide to give your wreath enough fluff. Use burlap between 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) wide for a wreath that is standard in terms of fluffiness. If you'd like a fluffier wreath, use burlap that is 12 inches (30 cm) wide.^{[1]
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- Don't use burlap 6 inches (15 cm) or less—your wreath won't have enough fluff to create its signature look.
- To avoid stuffing your wreath, avoid using burlap more than 12 inches (30 cm) wide.
2
Cut a 20 to 25 inch (51 to 64 cm) piece of burlap for each 12 inch (30 cm) frame. Burlap rolls are typically sold in 100 yard (91 m) bundles, which is enough for plenty of wreaths! Every 20 to 25 foot (6.1 to 7.6 m) piece of burlap you cut should fill 1 wreath, although you will be cutting it into smaller pieces as you work.
- Purchase burlap rolls at crafts stores, department stores, big-box stores, and online suppliers.
- Find an old piece of burlap and cut it to size with a pair of scissors to skip purchasing a roll.
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3
Fold the top 2 inches (5.1 cm) of your burlap lengthwise into quarters. Lay the burlap vertically onto a flat surface facing toward the top of the frame from the outside. Grab the end of the burlap closest to the wreath and fold the top 2 inches (5.1 cm) in half, and then again into quarters. After this is done, there should be 4 layers of burlap on the end closest to the wreath.^{[2]
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4
Be sure that the top of your wire wreath base is the part farthest from you.
- Hold the 4 layers together with your thumb and index fingers after folding them.
5
Run approximately 10 inches (25 cm) of wire through the 4 layers of the wreath. Cut off your wire piece using wire cutters and run it up through the 4 layers from the bottom-left or bottom-right. Now, take the remaining wire hanging from the bottom of the burlap and run it up through the 4 layers again, but this time through the opposite side—bottom-left or bottom-right, whichever is remaining.^{[3]
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- Check that you have 2 ends of the wire poking through all 4 layers and be sure that both are pointing upward.
- Use thin wire—about 30 AWG should do the trick.
6
Fasten the folded end of the burlap to a divider bar. The divider bars run horizontally across all 4 rings of the wreath. Within these rings are the inner sections, middle sections, and outer sections, each designated by the wire rings. Place the burlap underneath the divider bar at the top of the wreath farthest from you. Pull each wire through the bottom section closest to you on either side of the bar and tie them into a knot around it.^{[4]
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- Snip off the excess wire afterward using wire cutters.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Creating the Wreath Loops

1
Press the first 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) of the burlap through the inner section. The inner section is closest to the center hole of the wreath and designated by the 2 innermost wires. Place your non-dominant hand underneath the burlap and press it upward through the inner section. Continue feeding it through by pulling it with your dominant hand until the loop extends about 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) upward. Since there are 2 layers, this totals about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) of burlap.^{[5]
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- Use your first 4 fingers as a guide for loop size. If the loops are loose around your fingers, pull down on the burlap until it fits snugly over them.
- Increase loop size for a fluffier wreath and decrease it for a tighter wreath.
2
Pull the loose burlap through the center section of the wreath. Press down through the center section and onto the burlap with your dominant hand. While holding the burlap down onto the table with your dominant hand, place your non-dominant hand underneath the loose burlap and press it upward through the center loop.^{[6]
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- Align the 2 loops of burlap to determine that they are fairly even.
3
Tuck a loop of burlap through the outer section of the wreath. Clutch the 2 loops from the inner and middle sections in your dominant hand and press down through the middle section down onto the burlap. While holding it in place, pull the burlap up through the outer section to create the outer loop.^{[7]
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- Align the 3 loops and make sure that they are fairly similar in size.
4
Scrunch the 3 loops into a divider bar and twist the loose end tight. Grab the 3 loops simultaneously from the left and press them right into a divider bar. Once they are tight against the divider bar, hold them in place and twist the bottom loose end of the burlap 2 to 3 times to hold them in place.^{[8]
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- Continue holding the 3 loops together even after twisting the bottom of the burlap.
5
Continue pressing loops of burlap across the wreath's circumference. Always work from the inner section to the outside and be sure that each bundle is comprised of 2 to 3 loops. If you prefer a compact wreath, aim for about 3 bundles for each section. For a looser wreath, 2 bundles will suffice.^{[9]
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- Use between 12 to 36 feet (3.7 to 11.0 m) of burlap in total and increase your usage for more compact loops.
6
Fold the remaining 2 inches (5.1 cm) of burlap into quarters and attach it to the wreath. Once you have used up your burlap, fold the last 2 inches (5.1 cm) into quarters just like you did at the start. Insert another piece of wire through the bottom so that each end pokes through and points upward, and tie the wreath to the closest wire or divider bar.
- Use about 10 inches (25 cm) of wire for the best results.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Decorating Your Wreath

1
Create a theme for your decorations and purchase supplies. Before you decorate your wreath, decide on a theme. Is it Christmas? Buy some red and green leaves! If it's Halloween, try orange and black ribbons. If you don't have a theme, pick a mood that you want to create and buy your decorations accordingly. For example, choose blue colors for a calming effect, yellows for something for energetic, and purple or orange for something a bit more exciting and dramatic.^{[10]
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- Visit a crafts store and buy some colored ribbons, artificial leaves, and any other decorations that you think match your theme.
2
Attach 6 to 7 inches (15 to 18 cm) of accent ribbons for some extra flair. Purchase a roll of accent ribbon to top off your wreath. Choose standard solid colors like red or green to keep it simple. If you like a bit of variety, try polka dot or chevron ribbon. Cut off 6 to 7 inches (15 to 18 cm) of your ribbon of choice and tie it onto the backside of one of the burlap wreath wires. Turn it to the front and push it through the burlap.^{[11]
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- Tie as many accent ribbons to the wreath as you like. Change up the colors to mix it up!
3
Decorate the wreath with plastic leaves to match your theme. Purchase plastic decorative leaves and attach them to your burlap with some pins or a glue gun. If you're using glue, a small dab should be enough.^{[12]
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- Add some gold floral leaves around the edges for a fall theme.
- Attach snowflake decorations during Christmas season.
4
Store your burlap away from sunlight to avoid fading. Direct sunlight can fade burlap, so keep it in a closet with your other decorations when not in use. Try placing it somewhere cool and moisture-free so that it doesn't absorb any odors.^{[13]
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- Let your burlap wreath sit in fresh air after removing it from storage. This will help remove any odors.
- Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda and water onto your wreath to combat smells.

Community Q&A

Question

I have a 16" wreath and 18x15 ft of burlap, where do I need to start wrapping the wreath - on the top or bottom?

Lois Wade

Community Answer

Anywhere you like. The wreath is a circle, so whatever point you start at will be the "right" one.
Question

How much burlap will I need to make a 16" wreath?

Community Answer

It depends on the width of the fabric you use. Without knowing that, it's not really possible to guesstimate.
Question

Where do I purchase white and blue burlap?

Community Answer

You should be able to find it at craft stores like Joann's, Michael's, or Hobby Lobby.

Warnings

Be careful not to poke or cut yourself with the wire and sharp-edged tools such as scissors.

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Things You'll Need

Burlap cloth or strips [6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) wide, 20 to 25 inch (51 to 64 cm) for each frame]
12 inch (30 cm) wire wreath frame
30 AWG copper wire
Decorations