Step-by-step directions for making a cute and super-easy yarn ball Valentine’s Day wreath with Styrofoam balls and yarn
With Valentine’s Day on the way and spring still a little slow to arrive, I felt like doing a cozy, crafty project. This yarn ball wreath is simple, charming, and perfect for adding a touch of Valentine’s warmth to your door or entryway. The mostly white yarn balls give a wintry, soft look while the single red-wrapped heart and a few red-accented balls make the wreath unmistakably Valentine’s Day.
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If you enjoyed the small no-sew winter/Valentine’s pillow I shared recently, you’ll like how this wreath blends winter coziness with a subtle Valentine’s accent. The yarn-wrapped Styrofoam balls add texture and softness, and the heart makes the design pop.
Supplies needed to make the Valentine’s Day wreath
Below are the materials I used to create this wreath. Read the tips after the list before buying or cutting anything — a few small choices make a big difference in the finished look.
- Styrofoam wreath form (I used a 13.8″ form)
- 4.7″ Styrofoam ball (cut into a heart)
- 2.8″ Styrofoam balls — several
- 2.3″ Styrofoam balls — several
- 1.1″ Styrofoam balls — several
- White yarn — at least one full skein (you’ll use more white than any other color)
- Fuzzy white yarn — for texture
- Gray yarn — a skein or less
- Red yarn — small skein for the heart and accents
- White or light-gray unwired ribbon — to wrap the wreath base
- Accent ribbon (about 3/8″ wide) — for hanging the wreath
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Sharp knife and scissors
Tips:
- Choose rough-textured Styrofoam balls rather than smooth ones — the texture helps the yarn grip and stay in place.
- The size of your wreath and how full you want it will determine how many balls you need. I chose a larger wreath so the balls create a full, rounded look.
- You’ll need more white yarn than other colors to achieve the soft, wintry base. If you have only a small skein, you may not get full coverage.
- For wrapping the base wreath form, use unwired ribbon and avoid satin ribbon because hot glue does not adhere well to slick satin. I used about 8 yards of 2.5″ ribbon for my 13.8″ form, but you may need a little more depending on spacing.
- Decide the hanging length before attaching balls so you can position the accent ribbon underneath them.
How to make the yarn ball Valentine’s Day wreath
Step 1:
Completely wrap the wreath form with your unwired ribbon. Keep the ribbon as taut and evenly spaced as possible to avoid large gaps or wrinkles. Don’t worry about perfection — most of the base will be covered by the yarn balls later.
Step 2:
Add the accent ribbon you’ll use to hang the wreath. Tuck or wrap this under the yarn ball placement so it’s securely hidden. You can use jute twine instead if you prefer a more rustic look. Position and secure the hanging ribbon now so it’s anchored under the balls later.
Step 3:
Using a large, sharp knife and working carefully, cut the 4.7″ Styrofoam ball in half to create a flat back. Then carve one half into a heart shape with a distinct “V” at the top so the heart reads clearly after you wrap it with yarn. Trim slowly and check symmetry as you go.
Wrap the shaped heart with red yarn. You don’t need to tie the beginning end — the overlapping loops hold it in place — but a tiny dot of hot glue at the starting point helps secure stray ends.
Step 4:
Wrap all the Styrofoam balls with yarn. Use white yarn for most of them, add some fuzzy white yarn for texture, and wrap a few with gray yarn for depth. Select two or three balls and add a touch of red yarn around or over them to create visual balance and echo the red heart.
It’s easier to wrap more balls than you think you’ll need and then adjust the placement later. The rough surface of the balls helps the yarn stay put as you wrap.
Step 5:
Attach each yarn-wrapped ball to the ribbon-wrapped wreath form using a generous amount of hot glue. Hold each ball in place a few seconds for the glue to set. Where balls touch, add a small dab of glue to the sides to help lock the arrangement together.
Build the wreath by mixing sizes and colors for a balanced look. Attach the balls first, then glue the red heart on top of a small cluster so it sits slightly raised and becomes a focal point. If you attach the heart too early you may need to remove it to add small filler balls behind it.
The raised heart makes the shape readable and adds dimension so it truly pops against the soft white balls.
Here’s the finished wreath, hanging on my front door — simple, cozy, and full of Valentine charm.
You might also enjoy these projects:
NO-SEW VALENTINE’S DAY / WINTER PILLOW COVER
DOLLAR STORE VALENTINE’S DAY ACCENT WREATH FOR UNDER $10
FREE VALENTINE’S DAY PRINTABLE
