Looking for ideas to make your holiday dinner table elegant yet unforgettable? Need fresh ideas to decorate for Christmas? Looking for innovative gift-wrapping inspiration? Make monogrammed velvet ribbon bows and use them for your holiday decor!

According to The Spruce, “Velvet bows are the Christmas tree decoration of the year,” so why not DIY them and make them even better—with hand-embroidered monograms!

Velvet ribbons are a trendy yet elegant holiday decor element. They are simple and rather fast to make and will last many years.

Monogrammed velvet ribbon bow on a Christmas tree — Monogrammed velvet ribbon bow for Christmas tree decor

Where to use monogrammed velvet ribbons and bows

Velvet ribbons and bows have a long and rich history. For centuries, they served as royal symbols of luxury and elegance. Velvet ribbons with monograms add a bespoke element, making them ideal for:

Holiday home decor

Velvet bows are a timeless addition to holiday adornments, such as Christmas trees and wreaths. They can range from tiny bows made from narrow velvet ribbons to extra-large velvet bows that decorate the tops of Christmas trees.

Christmas Wreath bow ribbon with bells on Etsy

Wedding decor

Monogrammed velvet ribbons and bows are used in bridal bouquets, table settings, and favors, infusing elegant details and personal touch into the décor.

For wedding decor, velvet ribbons of pastel colors like pink, cream, champagne, or natural white are used.

Wedding table decor with pink velvet ribbon

Fashion accessories

In the 1960s, fashion icons like Brigitte Bardot and Catherine Deneuve popularized hair bows, adding a coquettish charm to their looks. Nowadays, monogrammed velvet hair bows serve as personalized style statements, blending classic elegance with individual identity and coquet aesthetics. According to Who What Wear, ribbons and bows are 2024’s biggest hair trends.

Table decor

Monogrammed velvet ribbons and bows will make any festive table setup memorable. Use them to tie the napkin, add an embroidered bow as a place setting, or tie the ribbon around the stem of a class or menu.

Gift wrapping

Adding velvet ribbon to a gift wrap will make the package exceptional and luxurious. But you can make it even more unique by embroidering the monograms of the gift receiver on the ribbon and tying a bow. The ribbon will serve as a gift tag, and later, the bow can become a Christmas tree decoration or a hair accessory—you will decide!

Monogrammed velvet ribbon for table decor

DIY monogrammed velvet ribbons and bows: Tutorial

Tolls and materials

Velvet ribbon. I used a ribbon that was 2.5 cm in width.
Scissors.
Embroidery floss – I used metallic DMC Diamant Grande embroidery thread.
Embroidery needles.

Step-by-step instructions

Gather tools and materials
Also, download and print the Alphabet or handwrite the monograms you want to embroider.
Measure and cut velvet ribbon
I’ve cut my ribbon into 45 cm (18 inches) pieces.
Seal the edges
Use a lighter or a candle to seal the cut edges of the ribbon. This will prevent the ribbon from fraying.
Transfer the letters to the ribbon
I used a friction pen and a lightbox method for pattern transfer.
Embroider the Backstitch
First, embroider the letter with a Backstitch. Make small stitches and try to keep a steady tension.
Add whipping
Now, make a Whipped backstitch. Pass the needle under each backstitch to create an even raised line. When done, secure the thread on the back. Try to keep the reverse side of the embroidery as neat as possible.
Tie the napkin
You can tie the ribbon around the napkin to decorate the table setup.
Tie the bow
A monogrammed velvet ribbon bow will look great on the Christmas tree, as a gift tag, or as a hair accessory.

Video Tutorial

Monogrammed Velvet Ribbon Bow DIY Tutorial

Recommended Products

Disclaimer. To cover the cost of creating free embroidery patterns and video tutorials for this blog, I do sometimes link to products. Please assume these links are affiliate links. If you choose to buy through my links then THANK YOU! – it will make it possible for me to keep doing this.

Where to get a printable alphabet for monogram embroidery

One key element to making a good-looking monogrammed velvet ribbon bow is the letters you choose to embroider. You can use your handwriting and simply write the letters you will embroider later. Another option is to select the decorative font you like on Canva or Creative Fabrica, resize them properly, and print. Also, you can download the Alphabet I prepared for this tutorial. This printable alphabet is sized for ribbons of two sizes and is ready to use immediately.

When you choose the font of the alphabet for embroidering, pay attention to these details:

The shape of the letters. Some alphabets are more suitable for hand embroidery than others. Pay attention to narrow curves and angles that might be difficult to embroider.
The stroke of the letters. Some decorative fonts have a bold stroke on one side and a thin line on the other side of the character. This font would be too complex to embroider on a velvet ribbon.
The size. Resize your letters to fit the ribbon best. Leave some space near the edges, but do not make the letters too small either.

Over to you

Monogrammed velvet ribbons are more than just a trendy decor element—they’re a timeless and versatile addition to any special occasion. They will be an exceptional addition to your Christmas tree decor, add a bespoke touch to a wedding, or elevate your holiday table settings. Combining luxurious velvet ribbons and personalized hand embroidery creates a unique and unforgettable piece.

Follow this tutorial, and you will craft not just seasonal decor but a keepsake that can be adapted for countless uses. From fashion accessories to gift wrapping, monogrammed velvet ribbons bring charm and elegance wherever they are used.

So, gather your materials, download the alphabet pattern, and start stitching!