3 Reasons Wreath Makers Should Sell Bows
Discover 3 reasons wreath makers should sell bows, including how to use up ribbon scraps, boost profits, and simplify shipping.
If you’re a wreath maker, chances are you’ve got a ribbon stash that could rival a small craft store. Rolls and scraps tucked into every nook and cranny… sound familiar? Selling bows isn’t just a side hustle—it’s smart business. It’s a brilliant way to turn that crafty clutter into cash—and it might just become your favorite part of the business. Let’s break down three reasons why adding bows to your shop makes total sense.
1. Clear That Ribbon Hoard (Yes, Even the Scraps!)
Ribbon hoarding is real, and no judgment here—we’ve all been there. But instead of letting that ribbon collect dust, why not turn it into something beautiful and profitable? Selling bows is a fantastic way to use those leftover pieces and scrap ribbon from past projects. Sometimes, the prettiest bows come from mixing patterns and textures you already have on hand. It’s a win-win: clean out your stash and create something your customers will love.
2. The Profit Margin Is Sweet
Let’s talk business: bows have an incredible return on investment. They require minimal materials, and most orders are made-to-order, which means you’re not stuck holding pre-made inventory. You’re already buying premium ribbon for your wreaths, so why not make that ribbon work double duty?
3. Easier (and Cheaper) to Ship Than Wreaths
While wreaths often need oversized boxes , bows are much easier to manage. Just to be clear—I never recommend putting a bow in a poly mailer. A good quality bow deserves a sturdy box to protect those loops and layers! But compared to wreaths, bows ship in smaller boxes, are lighter weight, and cost a whole lot less to send out. Your packaging costs go down, and your stress level does too.
Who’s Buying These Bows?
You might think fellow wreath makers wouldn’t need your bows, but you’d be surprised! Some crafters love making wreaths but just don’t enjoy (or struggle with) making bows. Others buy bows to keep on hand for last-minute projects or to speed up production. Then there are the folks who aren’t crafters at all—they just want a beautiful bow for their mailbox, lanterns, holiday decor, or gifts. There’s a wide audience out there looking for pretty bows without the hassle of making them!
This is an example of a partial order from a fellow wreath maker .
Need proof bows actually sell?
My black and white cabana stripe bow has sold 166 times, bringing in $2,862 in revenue as of 4/30/2025
A seasonal Valentine/Christmas bow brought in $355 from just 18 sales in a short window . It was a great Holiday Bow from 2024
These bow listings are proof that with the right product, bows can sell like hotcakes on Etsy.
Tools I Use to Make Bows
If you’re just getting started or want to make bow-making even easier, here are a few of my go-to tools (some of these links are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission—thank you for supporting my small business!):
Having the right tools on hand makes a big difference—especially when you’re making bows in batches or trying to stay consistent with size and shape.
This post on this website may contain affiliate links. This means the owner may receive compensation for recommending a product or service . I never recommend products that I do not use or like .
Final thoughts
Selling bows is more than a smart move—it’s a savvy way to grow your business, declutter your craft room, and serve a wider audience. Whether you’re using up scraps, shipping with ease, or adding a little extra profit to each order, bows just make sense.
Stay tuned—I’ll be sharing a follow-up post soon with all my tips and tricks on how to successfully sell bows, from pricing and photography to packaging and marketing!