DIY St. Patrick’s Day Wreath with Burlap & Ribbon
Ruffled green burlap, plaid ribbon and a simple shamrock sign come together in a full, front-door-ready wreath you can reuse every March.
By the HotsBuzz team ·
- Skill levelModerate
- Time2 to 2.5 hours
- Budget$20-$35
- Steps7
A full, ruffled St. Patrick’s Day wreath on the front door sets a festive tone before anyone even steps inside. This version uses green burlap mesh poofed onto a wire frame, plaid and gold ribbon accents, and a simple wooden shamrock sign in the center.
Burlap is forgiving to work with, holds its shape well, and gives a cozy, rustic texture that fits both farmhouse and cottage style. Because the wreath is built on a sturdy wire base, you can store it and swap the accents for other seasons later.
Expect to spend about two hours, most of it on the twisting technique that creates those full loops.
Materials & tools
Tick things off as you gather them. We’ll remember your list on this device.
You’ll need
Tools
Step-by-step instructions
Prep the frame
If your frame lacks twist ties, attach pipe cleaners at even intervals: about 8 on the inner ring, 8 on the middle ring and 8 to 12 on the outer ring. Twist each one around the wire so the two ends stick straight up. Bend the ends of any exposed wire inward with pliers so they don’t snag the burlap or your fingers.
Attach and poof the burlap
Don’t cut the burlap yet. Secure the loose end in an inner-ring tie, then gather a section about 8 in. long, scrunch it into a loop roughly 4 in. tall and twist it into the next tie. Keep working around the inner ring, then the middle and outer rings, twisting each tie tightly to lock the loops in place.
Fluff and fill gaps
Once all three rings are covered, cut the burlap and tuck the end under a neighboring loop. Spread each loop with your fingers to open it up and hide the frame. Hold the wreath at arm’s length to spot thin areas, then add extra short loops there with leftover ties.
Paint the shamrock sign
Paint the wood shamrock in two coats of green, letting each coat dry about 20 minutes. Add white dots, a hand-lettered word like “Lucky,” or a thin white outline with a small brush. Seal it with a clear matte spray if the wreath will hang on an exposed door, using it outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
Make the ribbon accents
Cut the plaid ribbon into 10 in. lengths and the gold ribbon into 8 in. lengths, about 8 of each. Fold each piece into a loop or a simple V-cut tail and gather it at the center with floral wire. Leave 3 in. of wire tails so you can attach the accents to the frame ties.
Attach the ribbons
Space the plaid ribbon pieces evenly around the wreath, twisting their wire tails onto frame ties beneath the burlap. Tuck the gold accents in between, pulling ribbon ends outward so they peek through the loops. Step back often to check the balance.
Add the sign and hanger
Run floral wire through the back of the burlap and around the frame to make a cradle for the shamrock, then hot glue the sign onto it and onto the surrounding burlap. Let the glue cool fully before moving the wreath. Attach a hanging ribbon loop at the top or use an over-the-door hanger.
Tips for success
- Use a low-temperature glue gun and keep a bowl of cool water nearby; hot glue soaks through burlap mesh and can burn fingertips.
- Wear gloves while twisting ties if your hands are sensitive; burlap fibers can be scratchy and wire ends are sharp.
- Burlap sheds, so cover your work surface and shake the wreath outdoors before hanging.
- If your door gets direct afternoon sun, expect the green burlap to fade over a season; storing it in a box away from light helps it last.
Make it your own
Ribbon-only wreath
Skip the burlap and tie 6 in. strips of green, white and gold fabric or ribbon densely around a wire frame for a soft, fluttery look.
Rainbow accent
Replace the shamrock sign with a small rainbow made from six colors of felt, plus a tiny pot of gold made from a black felt pocket and gold sequins.
Year-round base
Build the burlap base in a neutral natural shade and swap only the ribbons and center sign each season, from shamrocks to pumpkins to snowflakes.
Frequently asked questions
How much burlap mesh do I need for a 14 in. wreath?
About 10 yards of 10 in. wide mesh gives a full look on a 14 in. frame. For a larger 18 to 24 in. form, plan on 15 to 20 yards.
Can this wreath hang outside?
Yes, on a covered porch. Burlap can sag or fade with heavy rain and sun, so seal the wood sign and bring the wreath in during storms.
How do I store it after March?
Remove the sign if you want to reuse the base, then store the wreath flat in a large box or a wreath storage bag so the loops keep their shape.
