How To Make A Football Wreath In 7 Easy Steps

A football wreath brings game-day spirit to a front door, covered porch, fan cave, or party space. And you don’t need advanced wreath-making skills to create one. Once you know how to build the mesh base, arrange ribbon, and attach the sign securely, you can adapt the same process to almost any team or football color palette.

This how to make a football wreath tutorial walks through seven steps, with measurements for a sample 24-inch finished deco mesh wreath. You’ll also see how to use a different sign placement, simplify the decorations, or make a general football wreath without any team logos.

Quick Answer: To make a football wreath, choose a frame and color palette, attach deco mesh to the frame ties, add coordinating wired-ribbon strips, and wire a football sign or attachment directly to the frame. Finish with a bow and a few ornaments or picks, then hang the wreath to fluff and test everything. For an illustrative 18-tie wreath, two 12-inch ribbon strips per tie require 12 yards for the ribbon accents, plus separate ribbon for the bow.

Before You Begin: Football Wreath Supplies

For a beginner-friendly door wreath, start with the following. This example uses a 14–15-inch wire frame or work form and aims for a finished wreath approximately 24 inches in diameter after the decorations are added. Finished dimensions will vary.

• Wreath frame or work form: A sturdy wire base with approximately 18 ties or other evenly distributed attachment points.
• Deco mesh: For the worked ruffle example, 10-inch-wide mesh; a 10-yard roll is enough for one layer of eighteen 15-inch pieces, with some length left over.
• Wired ribbon: Two or three coordinating designs. A mix of 2.5-inch and 1.5-inch ribbon creates dimension.
• Focal sign or attachment: A football or team-themed sign. Our example uses a 12-inch-wide by 6-inch-high rectangular sign.
• Fasteners: Chenille stems for an untied frame, plus floral wire and/or suitable zip ties for signs and accents.
• Optional decorations: A bow, football ornaments, picks, sprays, or other accents.
• Tools: Scissors, measuring tape, wire cutters, and optionally a cutting mat and rotary cutter.

Find coordinating options in our Football Wreath Supplies collection, or browse Wreath Frames, Deco Mesh, Ribbon, and Wreath Signs. For a wider materials overview, read What Do You Need to Make a Football Wreath?.

Step 1: Plan the Football Wreath Design

Lay the empty wreath frame on a table and position your focal sign and bow before attaching anything. Choose two or three main colors, then repeat them throughout the mesh, ribbon, and accents.

For a specific team, use its colors with coordinating solids, checks, or stripes. For a generic football wreath, green, brown, black, and white can give a field-inspired look. You don’t need a football print on every ribbon; a football ornament or sign can carry the theme.

Two easy layouts are:

• Center sign: A sign centered in the opening, with a bow at the top left, top, or bottom.
• Offset sign: A sign attached partly over one side of the frame, balanced with a large bow on the opposite side.

Size tip: On a 24-inch finished wreath, a 12-inch-wide rectangular sign takes up roughly half the finished diameter. That’s a useful starting ratio, but the ideal sign size depends on the shape and available space. Set the sign aside after choosing its position; attach it after the mesh and ribbon are in place.

Step 2: Prepare the Wreath Frame

If you’re using a work form with pre-attached ties, spread the ties open and check that none are loose. For a plain wire frame, twist chenille stems around the frame at evenly spaced locations. Secure the stems to sturdy frame wires so they don’t slide around.

Count your attachment points now. Our example uses 18 ties, but some forms have more or fewer. That number determines how many mesh pieces and ribbon strips you should cut.

Mark the top of the frame and note where the sign and bow will go. Keep those areas in mind as you build the wreath so you don’t bury the focal point under too much mesh.

Step 3: Add the Deco Mesh

Deco mesh builds the wreath’s shape and fullness. You can use poofs, ruffles, or curls; each creates a slightly different appearance. Choose one method for your main layer and repeat it consistently around the frame.

Option A: Mesh Poofs

Keep the mesh connected to its roll. Gather the leading edge into your first tie, pull out a soft loop of mesh, gather the next section into the following tie, and repeat. For a starting point, try 10–12 inches of mesh between ties and adjust for the look you want. Tuck the starting and ending raw edges deep into the wreath.

For 18 poofs at 10–12 inches each, the loops alone use approximately 5–6 yards of mesh, before allowing for starts, ends, and changes in fullness. A 10-yard roll provides some flexibility for a single pass.

Option B: Mesh Ruffles

Cut the mesh into equal strips. For our sample, cut 18 pieces, each 15 inches long. Gather each piece through its center to make a ruffle, then secure one ruffle in each frame tie.

The basic calculation is: 18 pieces × 15 inches = 270 inches = 7.5 yards. A 10-yard roll covers this single-layer example, but an extra ruffle layer or larger cut pieces will require more mesh.

Option C: Mesh Curls

Cut equal pieces, let the ends curl inward, and pinch each piece in the middle. Add the curls to the frame ties, alternating directions so they form an even, rounded border. Curl size and quantity depend on the mesh width and frame style, so prepare a few samples before cutting the entire roll.

Fraying tip: Make clean cuts, avoid repeatedly pulling on the raw edges, and tuck the cut ends into the design when possible. See our How to Keep Deco Mesh From Fraying guide for additional methods.

Once the mesh is attached, lift the wreath and check for uneven areas. Don’t worry about making it perfect yet; the ribbon and bow will add more dimension.

Step 4: Add the Wired Ribbon

Cut two coordinating ribbon designs into strips, then pinch one strip of each design together at the center. Secure the pair in a frame tie, spreading the ends apart so both ribbons remain visible.

For a simple beginning layout, cut each strip 12 inches long. A center pinch leaves two tails approximately 6 inches long on either side of that strip before any shaping or trimming.

How Much Ribbon for an 18-Tie Football Wreath?

Ribbon use	Calculation	Yardage
Ribbon A	18 strips × 12 inches	6 yards
Ribbon B	18 strips × 12 inches	6 yards
Ribbon accents total	36 strips × 12 inches	12 yards
Separate medium bow	Illustrative allowance	About 3 yards
Example combined allowance	Accents plus bow	About 15 yards

These are sample quantities, not a required shopping list. If you skip some attachment points, use shorter strips, or make a much larger bow, your ribbon needs will change. A dramatic layered bow may use more than 3 yards by itself. Our detailed How Much Ribbon Do You Need for a Wreath? guide explains additional calculations.

Arrange the ribbon tails in different directions, shape the wired edges so the tails rise above the mesh, and leave the planned sign area visible. One bold pattern and one or two solid or simple patterns often looks cleaner than several competing prints.

Step 5: Attach the Football Sign Securely

Place the sign in the planned position and check that its words and graphics remain visible. The sign should sit on or over the wreath structure—not appear to float unsupported.

Use the sign’s existing holes or manufacturer-provided attachment points when available. Pass floral wire or appropriate fasteners through at least two secure attachment points, then fasten the wires to the metal wreath frame behind the mesh. Depending on its size and weight, a sign may need additional support.

Avoid relying on glue alone for heavy or rigid signs. Do not drill or modify a finished sign without checking the material and its installation requirements. If you need guidance, read How to Add Holes to a Metal Wreath Sign before making alterations.

Lift the wreath upright and give the sign a gentle movement test. It should not swing, rotate, or sag. Tuck the wire ends safely behind the frame and rearrange any mesh or ribbon that covers the design.

Step 6: Add the Bow and Football Accents

A bow makes the wreath feel finished, but it doesn’t have to be enormous. Position it so it balances the sign instead of hiding it. If the sign sits to the right, try the bow on the left; if the sign is centered, a bow above or below it can work beautifully.

Wire the bow to the metal wreath frame and then fluff each loop. Separate the tails so the different ribbon designs can be seen. For bow loop sizes, ribbon combinations, and step-by-step instructions, use our How to Make a Bow for Your Sports Wreath guide.

Finish with one or two types of accents, such as:

• A football ornament or football-shaped attachment
• Coordinating picks or sprays
• Team-color ornaments or decorative stars
• A few metallic accents to add light and contrast

You can find options in Wreath Attachments and Picks & Sprays. For the most realistic and secure construction, support larger ornaments and picks with wire or ties connected to the frame. Use glue only where appropriate to stabilize smaller decorative pieces.

Step 7: Fluff, Balance, and Check the Wreath

Hang the wreath at eye level before deciding it is finished. A wreath that looks evenly arranged on a table may look different once gravity pulls on its bow, sign, and ribbon tails.

Check the wreath from the front and sides. Fluff flattened mesh, separate ribbon tails, adjust the bow, and fill only the gaps that really need attention. Trim loose strands or wire ends carefully and tuck fasteners behind the frame.

For a final safety and quality check:

• Confirm that the sign and heavier decorations are firmly attached to the frame.
• Check that the bow and ribbon do not cover the sign’s important lettering.
• Make sure the wreath hangs straight and the hanger supports its weight.
• Look for exposed wires, loose glue strings, and protruding zip ties.
• Gently test decorations so they will not fall during normal handling.

If the wreath will hang outdoors, use a sheltered location appropriate for the materials. Many paper, glitter, foam, and decorative ribbon finishes are not designed for direct rain or long-term sunlight.

Football Wreath Design Ideas: Team or Generic?

Team-color football wreath: Choose a favorite team’s primary colors, then select one sign and coordinating solid, striped, or checked ribbons. Repeat those colors around the wreath without needing licensed logos on every supply.

Generic game-day wreath: Use a football, field, or game-day sign with green, brown, white, and black accents. A football ornament provides an obvious football theme even if the ribbon itself contains no football print.

Simple football wreath: Skip the oversized bow and use fewer ribbon bundles, a smaller sign, and one football ornament. This can be a good option for a narrower door or an understated decorating style.

Grapevine or teardrop football wreath: You don’t have to use deco mesh at all. A grapevine wreath with a sign and bow, or a teardrop swag with football accents, can create a different silhouette. The wire-deco-mesh steps above apply to that style specifically, not to every type of football wreath.

Common Football Wreath Mistakes to Avoid

Starting without a color plan. Choose the sign and two or three colors first so the supplies coordinate naturally.

Using inconsistent mesh lengths. Test one poof, ruffle, or curl before cutting the rest. Consistent sizes make it easier to achieve an even finish.

Burying the ribbon. Arrange and curve the wired edges above the mesh so the ribbon adds color and texture instead of disappearing.

Making the bow too large for the sign. Aim for balance. Leave the focal lettering and team details readable.

Attaching the sign only to mesh. Run suitable fasteners back to the metal frame using at least two points whenever possible.

Adding too many embellishments. A strong football sign, coordinating ribbon, and a few accents may look better than filling every open space.

Skipping the hanging test. Always check the finished wreath upright before displaying or selling it.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to make a football wreath becomes much easier when you work in layers: plan, frame, mesh, ribbon, sign, accents, and final adjustments. Start with one method and a limited color palette, then experiment with fuller bows and different sign placements as your confidence grows.

Ready for another game-day project? Browse Football Wreath Supplies for ribbon, mesh, frames, signs, and accents, or explore the complete Wreath Supplies collection.

How to Make a Football Wreath: Frequently Asked Questions