5 Ways To Use Deco Mesh In A Wreath

There are several ways to use deco mesh in a wreath, and each technique creates a different amount of fullness, texture and movement. Poofs produce a rounded base, ruffles create waves, curls add rolled shapes, cruffles combine curls and ruffles, and layered methods mix techniques for additional dimension.

Choose the technique before cutting the mesh. The method will affect the mesh width, piece length, number of attachment points and total amount of material needed.

Quick Answer: Five popular ways to use deco mesh in a wreath are the poof method, ruffle method, curl method, cruffle method and layered combination method. Poofs work well for a continuous full base, while ruffles, curls and cruffles use cut pieces. A layered combination uses two or more methods when the wreath needs additional color, texture or fullness.

Five Deco Mesh Methods Compared

Method	General Appearance	Common Mesh Choice
Poof	Full, rounded and continuous	Often wider mesh left on the roll
Ruffle	Wavy with visible gathered edges	Commonly 10″ cut pieces
Curl	Rolled and playful	Commonly 10″ cut pieces
Cruffle	Curled edges with a ruffled center	Commonly 10″ cut pieces
Layered combination	Full with several textures	One or more widths or finishes

The measurements will vary according to the frame, mesh and desired finished size. Test one section before cutting the entire roll.

Browse deco mesh when selecting the colors, widths and finishes for your project.

Choose The Mesh Method Before You Begin

Before cutting anything, decide:

• The finished wreath size
• Frame size and attachment points
• Main mesh color
• Secondary color or finish
• Sign placement
• Bow placement
• Desired fullness
• Ribbon patterns
• Technique

Read what type of deco mesh to use in a wreath when choosing between basic, metallic, wide foil, fabric and poly burlap mesh.

1. The Poof Method

The poof method uses a continuous length of mesh gathered into rounded sections around the frame.

It creates:

• A full base
• Large areas of color
• A soft rounded shape
• Fewer exposed cut edges
• Space for ribbon, signs and accents

Wider mesh is commonly used for this technique, although the exact width and poof size depend on the project.

Basic Poof Process

1. Secure the end of the mesh to the frame.
2. Pull out enough mesh for the first poof.
3. Gather the mesh at the next attachment point.
4. Secure it with a built-in tie or chenille stem.
5. Continue around the frame.
6. Adjust the sections until the fullness looks even.
7. Secure and conceal the final end.

Keep the poofs reasonably consistent, but they do not have to be identical.

Choose The Poof Method When:

• You want a full rounded wreath.
• You prefer to leave the mesh on the roll.
• The base needs one dominant color.
• A large sign or bow will be added.
• You want fewer individual mesh pieces.

Poofs can be layered in two colors or placed on inner and outer attachment rows.

2. The Ruffle Method

The ruffle method uses cut mesh pieces gathered through the center.

It creates a wavy surface with the cut edges extending toward opposite sides.

Basic Ruffle Process

1. Cut the mesh into equal pieces.
2. Place one piece on the work surface.
3. Allow the cut edges to curl inward slightly.
4. Gather the mesh through the center.
5. Hold the gathered middle firmly.
6. Secure it at one frame attachment point.
7. Repeat until the frame is evenly filled.

Ruffles can be placed individually or layered with ribbon.

Choose The Ruffle Method When:

• You want visible waves and texture.
• You are using 10″ mesh.
• You want to alternate several colors.
• You prefer preparing the pieces before assembly.
• The wreath will have ribbon bundles at the same ties.

The cut length affects the final depth. Test one ruffle on the frame before cutting the remaining pieces.

3. The Curl Method

The curl method uses pieces of mesh rolled into tubes and attached in bundles.

It creates a playful, highly textured wreath with many visible curled ends.

Basic Curl Process

1. Cut the mesh into equal sections.
2. Roll each piece into a tube.
3. Hold the center to prevent it from unrolling.
4. Group two or three coordinating curls.
5. Pinch the bundle in the middle.
6. Secure it to the frame.
7. Separate the curls after attachment.

Use clips, weights or another temporary holder to keep the pieces from unrolling while preparing the bundle.

Choose The Curl Method When:

• You want several visible mesh colors.
• The design should look playful or energetic.
• You are using narrow mesh pieces.
• You want a strong area of texture.
• The frame has enough ties for repeated bundles.

Curl wreaths may use many individual pieces, so prepare and count the bundles before beginning.

4. The Cruffle Method

A cruffle combines characteristics of a curl and a ruffle.

The two cut edges are rolled inward several turns, while the remaining center is gathered into a ruffle. This produces curled ends with a wavy middle section.

Basic Cruffle Process

1. Cut the mesh into equal pieces.
2. Roll one cut edge inward several times.
3. Roll the opposite edge inward.
4. Turn or hold the piece so the rolls remain controlled.
5. Gather the unrolled center.
6. Pinch the middle securely.
7. Attach it to the frame.
8. Separate and shape the curled ends.

Cruffles can be placed individually or layered with ribbon tails.

Choose The Cruffle Method When:

• You want both rolled and gathered texture.
• A plain ruffle feels too simple.
• You want the cut edges more controlled.
• The design uses several mesh colors.
• You are creating a detailed or layered wreath.

The number of turns at each end changes the appearance. Use the same general process for every piece so the wreath remains balanced.

5. The Layered Combination Method

The layered method combines two or more techniques in one wreath.

Possible combinations include:

• A poof base with ruffles
• Poofs with curls
• Ruffles with cruffles
• Solid mesh with metallic accents
• One color on the inner frame and another on the outer frame
• Basic mesh with wide foil or patterned pieces

Basic Layered Process

1. Create the main base layer.
2. Check the wreath’s fullness.
3. Add the second mesh technique at selected ties.
4. Repeat the accent color around the wreath.
5. Add ribbon, sign and decorative pieces.
6. Fluff all layers after assembly.

The second method does not need to appear in every attachment point. Repeating it in several balanced areas may be enough.

Choose A Layered Method When:

• You want more than one mesh finish.
• The wreath needs extra fullness.
• The design uses several team or holiday colors.
• You want a simple base with detailed accents.
• A large wreath must remain visually interesting.

Layering uses more material and can create a deeper wreath. Consider the door, storm door, storage area and shipping box before adding too many layers.

What Size Deco Mesh Should You Use?

10″ Deco Mesh

A 10″ width is commonly used for:

• Ruffles
• Curls
• Cruffles
• Bundles
• Layered accent pieces

The manageable width makes it easier to cut and gather.

Wider Deco Mesh

Wider mesh is often used for:

• Large poofs
• Continuous base layers
• Full work-form wreaths
• Designs needing broad areas of color

These are general uses rather than strict requirements. Follow the needs of the frame and technique.

Which Deco Mesh Method Is Easiest?

The easiest technique depends on how you prefer to work.

The poof method requires fewer cuts because the mesh remains attached to the roll. However, maintaining consistent poof sizes may take practice.

The ruffle method requires more cutting, but each piece can be prepared and measured before it is attached.

Beginners may find either one manageable when they test the first section before preparing all the material.

Follow how to make a deco mesh wreath for beginners for the complete assembly process.

How Much Mesh Will You Need?

The amount depends on:

• Frame size
• Number of attachment points
• Mesh width
• Cut length
• Number of pieces per tie
• Poof size
• Number of colors
• Layering
• Desired fullness
• Sign and bow size

Read what supplies you need to make a 24-inch deco mesh wreath for a practical starting shopping list.

Do not cut an entire roll based on an estimate alone. Create one piece or section and test it on the frame first.

How To Reduce Fraying And Waste

Cut mesh may fray as it is handled.

To reduce unnecessary wear:

• Use sharp scissors or a rotary cutter.
• Handle the cut edges as little as possible.
• Keep the edges rolled inward when the technique allows.
• Test the cut length before preparing the roll.
• Store prepared pieces where they will not be crushed.
• Position cut edges toward the wreath interior when practical.

Some fraying is normal. Trim only the strands that noticeably extend beyond the design.

Save usable extra pieces for another project. Read uses for leftover deco mesh for wreath accents, bows, garlands, gifts and smaller decorations.

Adding Ribbon And A Sign

Mesh forms the main base, but ribbon and a focal piece establish much of the theme.

Use wreath ribbon to add:

• Patterns
• Contrasting colors
• Loops
• Tails
• Bows
• Metallic details

Add wreath signs after the mesh and ribbon base is complete. Attach the sign at two or more secure points so it does not rotate.

Keep mesh and ribbon away from important words or artwork.

Using Team Colors

For a team wreath, select:

1. One dominant mesh color
2. One secondary team color
3. One optional neutral
4. Coordinating ribbon
5. A team or sports sign

When decorating for a favorite team, repeat the primary colors throughout the mesh, ribbon and accents instead of placing each color in only one area.

Read deco mesh and ribbon for sports wreaths for more help coordinating team colors and patterns.

Common Deco Mesh Mistakes

Cutting Everything Before Testing

The first piece may reveal that the chosen length is too short, too long or too bulky.

Making The Sections Uneven

Use the first successful poof, ruffle, curl or cruffle as a guide for the rest.

Using Too Many Colors

Two main colors and an optional accent are enough for many designs.

Hiding The Ribbon

Shape wired ribbon above the mesh so the patterns remain visible.

Overfilling The Wreath

Leave enough space for the sign, bow and accents.

Attaching Heavy Decorations Only To Mesh

Connect signs and substantial attachments directly to the frame.

Judging The Wreath While It Is Flat

Hang the wreath before completing the final adjustments. The balance can look different when it is upright.

Final Thoughts

These five ways to use deco mesh in a wreath create noticeably different results.

Use poofs for a continuous rounded base, ruffles for gathered waves, curls for rolled texture, cruffles for a combination of curls and ruffles, and layered methods when the design needs additional color or fullness.

Choose the technique before cutting the mesh, test the first section and adjust the measurements to fit your frame and desired finished size.

Deco Mesh Technique FAQs