How to Make a DIY Rag Tie Garland: Easy and Fun Craft for Any Occasion
If you’re looking to add a personal, crafty touch to your home decor, a DIY rag tie garland is an inexpensive and easy way to do so. Whether you’re preparing for a party, decorating for a wedding, or simply sprucing up a room, rag tie garlands add a fun and whimsical vibe to any space. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through how to create a beautiful rag tie garland from scratch using simple materials that you probably already have at home!
I love decorating for every season: I think it’s a fun and simple way to brighten up your home and a way to mark the passing of the year. I don’t particularly feel passionate about St. Patrick’s day, but Hobby Lobby was having a killer deal on St. Patrick’s day fabric so I was inspired to make this garland! You could make a version of this for any season.
What is a Rag Tie Garland?
A rag tie garland is a decorative string of fabric strips tied together to create a festive, rustic look. These garlands are incredibly versatile and perfect for decorating birthday parties, baby showers, bridal showers, or even outdoor events. They’re easy to customize with different colors and patterns to match any theme or season. The best part? No sewing is required, making this a perfect DIY project for beginners!
Materials You Will Need:
- Fabric strips (old clothes, fabric remnants, or new fabric you love)
- Scissors or a rotary cutter
- String, twine, or yarn (you can choose any color or thickness you prefer)
- A measuring tape or ruler (optional for uniformity)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Your Rag Tie Garland:
Choose Your Fabric
Start by selecting the fabrics for your garland. You can mix and match different patterns, textures, and colors to create a unique look. Cotton, flannel, or jersey fabrics are all great options, and old t-shirts or sheets can be upcycled to create an eco-friendly project! I personally chose three different fabrics and used a bit of burlap I had.
Cut Fabric Strips
Cut the fabric into strips. Aim for a width of about 1-2 inches and a length of 6-10 inches, depending on how long you want your garland and how full you want the strips to be. If you want a fuller garland, cut your strips a little longer and thicker. I chose to cut them 1 inches wide and six inches long. This was super easy to do on my cutting mat, but if you don’t have one you can eyeball it. The great thing about this garland is it doesn’t need to be super percise.
Prepare Your String
Cut a length of string, twine, or yarn that will be long enough to hold all of your fabric strips. Leave some extra length at both ends for hanging purposes. Make sure the string is strong enough to support the weight of the fabric. I used jute string and I ran it the length of my mantle to make sure it was the correct length.
Tie the Fabric Strips
Start tying each fabric strip onto the string. To do this, fold the fabric in half over the string and tie a simple knot. Make sure the knot is tight enough to hold the fabric in place but not so tight that it distorts the fabric. You can space the fabric strips closely together for a fuller garland or further apart for a more airy, delicate look.
Finishing Touches
Once you have finished tying all the strips, give the garland a final look-over. Trim any uneven edges or excess fabric to create a uniform, neat appearance. If you want extra security, you can apply a bit of fabric glue to the knots to ensure the fabric stays put, though this is optional.
Where to Use Your Rag Tie Garland:
- Party Decorations: A DIY rag tie garland is perfect for birthdays, bridal showers, or baby showers. Hang it above a party table, around the cake, or across walls to create a festive atmosphere.
- Weddings: For a rustic or boho wedding, a rag tie garland can be used to decorate arches, tables, or even as a backdrop for photos.
- Home Decor: Drape your garland along shelves, windows, or mantels for a cozy, homey vibe. You can even use it to decorate a child’s room or nursery.
- Seasonal Themes: Change out the fabrics depending on the season or holiday. For example, create a fall-inspired garland using orange, brown, and yellow fabrics, or a winter garland with icy blues and whites.
Tips for Customizing Your Rag Tie Garland:
- Add Lights: String fairy lights through the garland for a soft, glowing effect.
- Use Different Textures: Mix in lace, burlap, or velvet for a unique, multi-dimensional look.
- Personalize with Letters: Add fabric letters or numbers for special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries.
Creating a DIY rag tie garland is a simple, fun, and budget-friendly project that allows you to unleash your creativity. Whether you’re planning a party, decorating your home, or crafting for an upcoming event, this versatile garland is a beautiful and easy way to add a personalized touch. The best part? You can completely customize the colors, patterns, and textures to match any theme. So grab your fabric, scissors, and string, and start crafting today!
Looking for more DIY ideas? Check these out!
DIY Rag Tie Garland
Equipment
- 1 Pair of Scissors or Rotary Cutter
- 4 scraps of fabric
- 1 string of choice I used jute
Materials
- for the fabric I used about 1/4 yard in four different materials for a six foot garland
Instructions
- Select your fabric and cut it into strips. I did 1 inch wide and 6 inches long.
- Measure where you want to hang the garland and make sure the string is the correct size.
- Start tying each fabric strip onto the string. To do this, fold the fabric in half over the string and tie a simple knot.
- Once you have finished tying all the strips, give the garland a final look-over. Trim any uneven edges or excess fabric to create a uniform, neat appearance. Hang it up and enjoy!
