Christmas Bow DIY with Cricut | Free SVG Files!

Craft a Festive Season: Easy Cricut Christmas Bow DIY with Free SVG Files

The holiday season sparkles with opportunities for creativity, and what better way to enhance your festive decor than by creating your own beautiful Christmas bows using your Cricut machine? This guide will show you how to make easy Christmas DIY bows out of cardstock (or faux leather), complete with free SVG files to get you started. We are going to make some beautiful bows without any wired ribbon or cloth! 

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Materials Needed

To embark on your crafting adventure, you’ll need a few simple supplies:

• Cardstock in your choice of colors – as mentioned above you can also make these out of faux leather or even felt! 
• A Cricut cutting machine, Silhouette machine, or Juliet etc. 
• Hot glue, craft glue, or double-sided tape for assembly

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your First Bow

Step 1: Download and Prepare Your Christmas Bow SVG Files

Begin by downloading the free SVG files provided in the Community SVG Vault. (Design Numbers: #151, #152, #153) These include designs for a classic simple bow, a playful reindeer-themed bow, and a festive candy cane bow. To get the password simply sign up for my newsletter below! I will add more bows in 2025 to go with my bow of the month series (and check out my 2024 paper flower of the month series here). If you are new to my blog, welcome. Thank you, and please find the download instructions here. 

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Once downloaded, upload the SVG files into your Cricut Design Space (or whichever software you are using) and adjust the size of the bow according to your needs, whether you’re aiming for smaller loops perfect for gift wrapping or bigger bows ideal for outdoor Christmas decorations.

Step 2: Cutting Your Cardstock

Place your chosen cardstock on the Cricut cutting mat. Ensure the settings are adjusted to match the type of cardstock you’re using to achieve clean cuts. I personally almost always use the medium cardstock setting with my Cricut for all paper 80 lb or less (including glitter and foil). Start the cutting process and watch as your Cricut machine precisely cuts the intricate designs of your Christmas bows.

Step 3: Assembling Your Christmas Bow DIY

Once you’ve cut out all the pieces with your Cricut, it’s time to assemble your bows. Here’s how to put together each unique design:

Classic Christmas Bow Assembly

1. Create the Layers: I used some craft glue to layer the two offsets.
2. Form the Loops: Start by folding the cardstock strips into loops. Secure the ends with a dot of hot glue.
3. Secure the Center: Use the small layered rectangle piece of cardstock to wrap around the center of the bow. Attach it with glue to hold all the loops in place.
4. Attach the Ribbon Flaps: now you can add the two-layered flaps onto the back with some glue.

Candy Cane Bow Assembly

1. Prepare the Stripes: Align the red and white strips of cardstock according to the candy cane pattern.
2. Form the Loops: Bend each striped piece into a loop, securing the ends with glue into the center.
3. Secure the Center: Optionally, use the small rectangle piece of cardstock to wrap around the center of the bow. Attach it with glue to hold all the loops in place.
4. Attach the Ribbon Flaps: now you can add the flaps onto the back with some glue.
5. Attach the Candy Canes: Center the Candy Canes and attach to the middle with glue.

Reindeer Bow Assembly

1. Form the Bow Loops: Make loops from the brown cardstock, securing the ends with glue.
2. Attach Antlers: Assemble the antler pieces by gluing them to the back of the main bow structure so they protrude attractively at the top.
3. Attach the Ribbon Flaps: now you can add the flaps onto the back with some glue.
4. Glue the Center: Center the circle piece and attach it to the middle with glue.

Finalizing Your Christmas Bow DIY

Once assembled, you can add additional elements like glitter, small bells, or other decorations to give your bows extra holiday sparkle. Attach a small loop of cardstock on the back of each bow if you plan to hang them, or simply tape them to your desired surface for festive flair.

These steps will help ensure your bows not only look fabulous but are sturdy enough to last through the season. Perfect for adorning your Christmas tree, gifts, or any part of your home needing a touch of holiday cheer!

Decorating with Your New Bows

Your new bows are perfect for a variety of holiday decorations:

• Attach them to your Christmas tree as unique tree toppers. Simply add a pipe cleaner on the back and twist-tie them onto the branches! 
• Use them to embellish gift wrapping, pairing them with matching wrapping paper. I love this because you can customize your bows with names or initials easily using your cutting machine!
• Hang them on your front door or in windows as part of your holiday decor. Add them to wreaths or picture frames. A quick and easy craft to make beautiful decor. 

Easy Tips for Perfect Bows

• Use a pair of scissors to trim any excess or uneven parts after assembly – remember no one is perfect and although our cutting machines help it does not mean we are going to line everything up the first time!
• With a little practice, you can experiment with different sizes and colors to match your holiday theme.
• Consider using these bows as part of your festive table settings or even for your hair!

Wrapping Up

Crafting your Christmas bows with a Cricut machine is not only an easy Christmas DIY project but also a delightful way to add a personal touch to your holiday season. With simple steps and a little bit of creativity, you can transform simple cardstock into festive decorations that make your Christmas merry and bright.

Merry Crafting!