Wreaths can be made of any shape or size, and out of various materials. Adding a hand sewn ornament out of fabric scraps, or loops of burlap ribbon or torn fabric scraps to an embroidery hoop, twig-type, or wire wreath form is an easy to do project and perfect for any holiday.

Consider the following, non-evergreen type wreaths, easy to decorate with just a few fabric scraps or ribbon:

Embroidery Hoop Wreath
Any size embroidery hoop wreath made of wood or rigid plastic can be made into a quick wreath. Since the economical hoops (great thrift store finds) come in a variety of sizes, the possibilities are many for customizing this type of quick-to-make wreath. Cut any festive holiday fabric large enough to fit the wreath with about two-inches left hanging outside the hoop perimeter. Lay the fabric over the inner hoop and place the outer hoop on top. Tighten the hoop screw somewhat, then stretch the fabric evenly between the two hoops. Tighten the screw further when the fabric appears taut. Cut the excess fabric that remains outside the hoops but leave a small amount in order to run a bead of hot glue on the hoop’s outer edge and under the fabric. Hot glue a cheerful bow or other seasonal embellishment to cover the screw mechanism if desired.

Hand-stitched felt ornaments on a twig-type wreath
Large cookie cutter shapes can be useful as templates for mitten, snowmen or other shapes. Cut out two pieces of your choice of colored felt for each ornament, hand sew a blanket stitch around the edges with contrasting color embroidery floss, lightly stuff with fiberfill and glue to a straw, willow, natural twig, sunburst birch or grapevine wreath. Add some pinecones to intersperse among the felt ornaments or just add a large burlap or wide ribbon bow. Add some dried red pip berries from a craft supply store for an added burst of color.

Burlap ribbon wreath
Popular now are wire wreath frames woven with a continuous strip of natural burlap ribbon, non-wired on the edges. The burlap ribbon comes in a variety of widths on a spool. Choose a width that will allow for the ribbon to be folded over, then pushed into the wire frame sections from the back several times. Twist ribbon at the underside behind the wire frame to secure and continue pushing and twisting the burlap ribbon into the wire frame until the wreath is full. Add any scrappy fabric ornaments. Those with add bits of lace are especially charming. An alternative design choice is to alternate the burlap ribbon with any seasonal fabric cut into the same width as the burlap ribbon for added color.

Torn fabric wreath
A great way to use up fabric scraps is to tear (or scissor cut) fabric scraps into uniform strips about 1-inch by 6-inches (or longer) and tie in a simple knot around a purchased wire wreath form or make a form using a wooden embroidery hoop. Both the inner and outer part of the hoop can be used as is together or separated to make two wreaths. Small 4-inch hoops tied with fabric strips make festive tree ornaments too. Cutting the fabric scraps into strips (the more strips used the fuller the wreath will be) using pinking shears adds fluffy dimension if desired. Alternate the fabric strips occasionally with coordinating strips cut from a 6-inch roll of tulle for an added ethereal effect.

The custom of hanging a front door wreath is found in many cultures, whether secular in meanings or not, and the tradition endures.

Sew happy, sew inspired!