Craft Vibrant Watermelon Bows for Summer Wreaths and Decor

The Appeal of Watermelon Bows

Watermelon bows have become an extremely popular bow style for wreath and other decorative craft making. Their vibrant colors and playful, fruit-inspired design make themideal for summer crafts or adding a fresh pop of color to any decoration.

Where Did Watermelon Bows Originate?

The origin of the first watermelon bow is unclear, but their increasing visibility on platforms like Pinterest and YouTube tutorials have really allowed them to take off. Creative crafters realized that utilizing strips of fabrics in red, green, and sometimes pink shades could mimic the colors and look of everyone's favorite summer fruit.

The style also lends itself well to beginner bow makers since rectangle strips of fabric are very easy to gather and assemble. As watermelon bow tutorials have spread, more makers have started trying out the style and putting their own spin on the design.

Basic Techniques for Crafting Watermelon Bows

While advanced bow makers may use specialized equipment, creating watermelon bows is possible with just fabric, floral wire, floral tape and scissors or clippers. Here are the basic steps:

1. Cut fabric strips in red, green and optionally pink colors to your desired widths and lengths
2. Fold the strips in half lengthwise with wrong sides facing out
3. Use floral stem wire or pipe cleaners to gather the folded strips at the center
4. In a crisscross pattern, wrap floral tape around the gathered center of the folds
5. Fluff and adjust the strips to form full loops
6. Trim ends of the strips at an angle for the finished "rind" look

The width of the strips and number of strips per bundle impact the overall size and fullness of the bows. For giant showstopping bows, use more and wider strips!

Incorporating Watermelon Bows Into Summer Crafts

The bright, fruit-inspired look of watermelon bows means they are perfectly suited for all sorts of warm weather DIY projects. Here are some ways to use these playful bows:

Wreaths

Watermelon bows make eye-catching focal points on summer wreaths made from grapevine, straw, fabric or other bases. Their bright colors pop against natural textures.

Garlands and Wall Hangings

Trying stringing watermelon bows together to create fruity garlands to display on mantles, stair railings, galleries and more. These summery strings add pops of color and whimsy.

Basket and Container Filler

Drop brightly colored watermelon bows into planter pots and baskets mixed with flowers and greens for added seasonal interest in your summer planting displays.

Unique Watermelon Bow Variations to Try

While the classic red, green and pink colors channels watermelon appeal, don't be afraid to get creative with unique color combinations and fabric patterns!

Patriotic

Around Independence Day in the United States, try making red, white and blue watermelon bows for patriotic wreaths, garlands and home decor.

Tropical

Pull out your tropical or Hawaiian fabircs like lemon and lime green prints, bright pineapple yellows or deep fuchsia pinks for watermelon bows that evoke a tropical vibe.

Metallic

Metallic woven fabrics provide a festive and glam twist on the style. Try pairing metallics with solid red and green fabrics for dazzling watermelon bows with shine.

Tips for Perfecting Your Watermelon Bow Making

Like any crafting skill, creating gorgeous, full watermelon bows takes practice through repetition. Use these helpful tips for improving your bow DIYs.

Choose High-Quality Fabrics

Look for tightly woven cottons or decorator weight fabrics that gather and hold their shape well. Avoid fabrics that are too lightweight or have loose knits and weaves.

Cut Wide Strips

Wider fabric strips result in lusher, fuller bows. A good rule of thumb is to cut strips between 3 to 5 inches wide before folding them in half lengthwise.

Play With Proportions

Do some experimenting to find your perfect ratio of red to green to pink strips per bow. Equal parts red and green make a classic watermelon look.

Customize Wire Wraps

Wrap wires tightly enough to gather strips securely, but not so tightly that loops flatten. Loose wraps also allow more adjustments and fluffing.

FAQs

What type of fabric is best for watermelon bows?

The best fabric for watermelon bows is a tightly woven cotton or decorator weight fabric that holds its shape well when gathered. Avoid fabrics that are too lightweight or have a loose knit.

Can I make watermelon bows without floral wire or pipe cleaners?

It is challenging to gather and secure fabric strips together without a wire or pipe cleaner to hold the shape. Basic craft wire or jute string could work in a pinch but won't produce as crisp and sturdy of a bow.

How do I get my watermelon bow loops to be very full?

Cut wider fabric strips, use more strips per bow, and loosely wrap wires when gathering. Make sure to generously fluff and adjust the loops of the bow once secured.

What can I use watermelon bows for besides wreaths?

Watermelon bows make cheerful additions to summer garlands, gift baskets, wall hangings, table runners, mailbox swags, floral arrangements and more!