How to Add Ribbon Loops to a Christmas Tree – Full Decorating Tutorial

How to add ribbon loops to a Christmas tree for a decorative look! This is my easy method to fill unsightly gaps in the branches and add a pop of color. It’s easier than you might think!

Each year, I start thinking about what theme I want for my Christmas tree around September. Yes, I know that’s early but a girl needs time to shop! I love coming up with a color scheme and a decorating plan for the “pretty” tree I put up in our living room. (As opposed to our family tree which includes a hodge-podge of sentimental ornaments collected over the years.)

I try to reuse as many elements as I can year to year to 1) cut down on cost and 2) reduce storage needs! So this year, I decided to use my traditional gold, white, and silver ornaments and change up the look with ribbon loops!

If you’ve considered adding ribbon to your tree but haven’t actually taken the plunge because it seems difficult, let me assure you that my method is super easy.

So here are my step-by-step instructions for how to decorate this tree! I’ve included everything from set-up, to ribbon, and even the decor I stash underneath! You don’t have to use this color scheme to follow along. Simply pick your colors, pick your filler elements, and you’ll be off and running.

Step 1: Fluff Your Tree

If you have an artificial tree, don’t underestimate the importance of fluffing! Fluffing your tree simply means separating the branches and bending them into natural shapes. Believe it or not, I spend about an hour fluffing each of my artificial trees, going branch by branch.

Tip: The inside branches can be bent upward to make the tree appear fuller and cover the trunk.

I took the below photos before I flocked the tree because the tree has to be fluffed before flocking. Of course, flocking is optional but if you want to get the look, here’s my guide for How to Flock a Tree the Easy Way!

Step 2: Add Ribbon

I love adding ribbon to my tree because it allows me to include a pop of color, even if my ornaments are the same year to year. Plus, ribbon gives a tree a very elegant look.

Last year my tree included criss-cross ribbon, but this year, I added ribbon loops. My tree has a lot of gaps, so my goal was to fill the gaps with ribbon!

Best Ribbon for Christmas Trees

My widest ribbon was 2.5″ because that’s the widest I could find in the color I wanted; however, for your main ribbon, I suggest at least 3″ if not 4″ so that it really stands out. The other ribbons can range from 2″ – 3″.

The best ribbon to use is wired-edge ribbon so that it holds the shape you want to use.

How Much Ribbon to Use

For this tree, I used three different types of ribbon:

• 2.5″ Smokey Blue Velvet – 30 yards (you will need 10 rolls)
• 2.5″ Ice Blue Swirl Sheer – 25 yards (purchased on a 50 yard roll)
• 1.5″ Sheer Silver – 15 yards (similar to this)

How to Create Ribbon Loops

The easiest method for adding loops of ribbon to your tree is to simply cut the ribbon into individual lengths to fill each gap. This is the trick that makes this so easy! No more weaving your ribbon in and out of the tree – just use individual pieces! Start with your biggest, main ribbon, and work your way down to the smallest one.

Simply tuck the free end of the ribbon into the tree where you want to start your loop. If it doesn’t stay, you can wrap it around a branch using the wired edge to hold it in place.

Next, pull the ribbon out to create a loop and then tuck it back into the tree. I only make 1 loop per cut section so that I have full control as to where to place them and can easily move them around later if need be.

My ribbon sections range from 6″ to 15″ each but the lengths will depend on the size of the areas you want to fill on your tree.

Tip: Don’t worry about making them vertical…using them at angles creates more interest!

Step 3: Add Ornaments

Always start with your largest ornaments and work your way down to the smallest. Make sure that you evenly space the various types of ornaments throughout the tree. And if there isn’t quite enough room to hang one, consider tucking it into the tree and allowing it to sit on branches!