How to Make a Garland With Scrap Fabrics

Preparing the Scrap Fabric

Sort through your fabric stash. Coordinate the scraps by their color. Determine how much yardage you have. You will be able to make approximately 30 inches (76cm) of garland per yard (91cm) of fabric you have on hand. Choose 2 to 4 coordinating fabrics to use for your garland.

Prepare the fabric. If needed, wash the fabric. This step may only be needed if the intended fabric is dirty or smelly--such as those that are musty or reek of mothballs. Stained fabric usually can be used as the stained parts are usually simply not included. If needed, press the fabric smooth. This project will work with fabric that is not perfectly smooth, but creates a different look.

Cut the fabric into strips. The strips should measure five inches long by one inch wide (12.5cm x 2.5cm). You can cut them longer if you wish, but you will need to cut them all the same length for best results. A rotary cutter and mat make this part of the project a breeze. You will need approximately 24 strips per linear feet of finished garland.

Making the Garland

Find the end of the twine. Tie a knot around 10 inches (25cm) from the end.

Select a fabric strip. Place it under the twine, ready for tying.

Tie the fabric strip to the twine on the side of the knot (described above) that is away from the end. Use a simple overhand knot for best results.

Slide the tied fabric gently against the knot in the twine. Then reach for your next piece of fabric and repeat.

Continue to tie strips down the length of the twine. Tie until you have reached the length you like or until you run out of fabric.

When you're satisfied with the length, simply tie a knot in the twine at the end of your fabric strips. Finish by cutting the end of the twine long enough to facilitate hanging.