Fabric Wedding Garland: Diy Guide For Your Special Day

Wedding decorations can be expensive, but there are plenty of ways to save money by making your own. One way to do this is to make a fabric wedding garland. This can be a fun and easy DIY project that you can adapt to any colour scheme and use to add a rustic touch to your wedding decor. You can make a fabric garland with or without sewing, depending on your crafting preferences.

Choosing fabric for your garland

The fabric you choose for your wedding garland will depend on a few factors, including the overall theme or style of your wedding, the colours you've selected, and the level of formality. Here are some tips to help you choose the right fabric for your special day:

Consider the Wedding Theme and Style

Think about the overall theme and style of your wedding. Are you going for a rustic, elegant, or bohemian look? Fabric garlands can be customized to fit any theme with the right choice of fabric. For example, if you're aiming for a rustic wedding, consider using burlap or linen fabric for a garland that will blend seamlessly with your decor.

Choose a Colour Scheme

Fabric garlands are a great way to incorporate your wedding colours and add a pop of colour to your venue. Choose fabrics in your selected colour palette to create a cohesive look throughout the ceremony and reception. You can mix and match different shades and textures to create visual interest.

Mix and Match Patterns

Don't be afraid to play with patterns! Your fabric garland can include a mix of solid colours, florals, stripes, or other patterns that complement each other. Just be sure to strike a balance so that the garland doesn't become too busy or overwhelming.

Think About Fabric Weight and Texture

The weight and texture of the fabric will impact the overall look and feel of your garland. Lightweight fabrics like chiffon or organza can create a soft, romantic effect, while heavier fabrics like satin or velvet will give a more luxurious and elegant feel. You can also mix and match different textures to add depth and visual appeal.

Keep It Simple or Go Bold

Depending on your wedding style, you may want to keep your fabric garland simple and understated or make it a bold statement piece. For a minimalist or rustic wedding, a simple garland made from strips of fabric in neutral tones can be perfect. On the other hand, if you're having a vibrant, colourful wedding, go bold with your garland by using bright, contrasting fabrics.

Sample and Test

Before finalizing your fabric choices, it's always a good idea to see and feel the fabric in person. Order some samples or visit a local fabric store to get a sense of the colours, textures, and how the fabrics drape. This will ensure that your garland turns out exactly as you envision it.

Cutting the fabric

To make a fabric wedding garland, you'll need to start by cutting your chosen fabric into the desired shape and size. Here are some detailed instructions on how to cut the fabric for this project:

First, decide on the type of fabric you want to use. You can choose from various materials such as linen, cotton, or even fabric scraps in different textures and colours. If you don't have any fabric on hand, you can buy a jelly roll, which offers a variety of fabric strip colours without purchasing a large quantity of each.

Once you have your fabric, cut or tear it into strips. The width of the strips can vary, but aim for something between 2" and 3" wide. The length of the strips should be around 24-28" long. You can create a combination of cut and torn edges, or go for a fully torn look by snipping into the fabric with scissors every 2 inches—this will give your flowers a more shabby, rustic appearance.

Now, take each strip, and cut them into oval shapes. This will serve as the base for your fabric flowers. If you want smaller flowers, you can opt for fabric squares instead, such as 3" x 4" pieces.

Next, cut the ovals into spirals. Start at any point on the oval and cut a finger's width away from the edge, working your way towards the centre in a spiral pattern. This will give you a coiled shape that you can now start wrapping and twisting to form the petals of your flowers.

At this point, you can decide if you want to add any additional cuts or slits to create a more intricate petal design. You can experiment with different cutting techniques to achieve varied results. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach, and you can always adjust as you go along.

By following these cutting instructions, you'll have the foundation for your fabric flowers, and you can then proceed to the next steps of wrapping, gluing, and assembling your fabric wedding garland.

Preparing the fabric for no-sew flowers

To make a no-sew fabric garland, you will need a hot glue gun, glue sticks, and some fabric. Linen is a good choice for a rustic look, but you can use any type of fabric you like. If you want to create a variety of flowers, use different textured fabrics and colours.

Start by cutting your chosen fabric into 2-inch strips that are around 24-28 inches long. You can cut the fabric with scissors or tear it for a more shabby, rustic look. To tear the fabric, simply snip with your scissors every 2 inches, and then tear—the fabric will tear in a straight line.

Now you have your strips, fold one in half and place it on a flat surface with the raw edge facing down. Starting at the end of the strip, roll the fabric into itself. As you roll, fold the strip away from you now and then, and secure the flower with a dab of hot glue from your glue gun. Keep rolling and folding until you have a 1-1.5-inch tail, then add some more glue to prevent the flower from unravelling. You can also put a dab of glue between the folded tail to hold it together. Repeat this process for each strip of fabric.

Attaching the flowers to twine

Now that you have your fabric flowers ready, it's time to attach them to the twine to create your wedding garland! Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the twine : Cut a length of twine based on where you want to hang your garland. Consider the space you'll be covering and allow for some extra length on both ends for hanging.

Step 2: Layout and spacing: Lay out your fabric flowers along the twine to plan your pattern and spacing. Play around with different arrangements until you find one that you like. You can go for a random arrangement or create a specific pattern.

Step 3: Attach the flowers: Using your glue gun, apply a generous amount of glue to the back of each flower. Place the twine onto the glue and secure it in place. If your flowers have a flap or tail, you can wrap it around the twine and glue it to the flower for added security.

Step 4: Adjust and secure: Make sure that the flowers are glued securely to the twine. You can adjust their placement along the twine if needed to achieve the desired spacing.

Step 5: Hanging your garland: Decide where you want to hang your fabric wedding garland. You can use command hooks, nails, or any other hanging method suitable for your chosen location. Simply tie loops at both ends of the garland and attach them to the hanging points.

Your fabric wedding garland is now ready to be displayed! This handmade decoration will surely add a unique and rustic touch to your wedding venue, whether you hang it on a wall, across a mantel, or anywhere else that needs a floral touch.

Hanging the garland

Planning the Placement

Before you start hanging, it is important to plan where you want your garland to be displayed. Fabric garlands are versatile and can be draped in many places, such as across a mantelpiece, along a shelf, or even above a bed. Consider the overall look you are trying to achieve and the length of your garland. You might want to drape it in a straight line or let it hang in a curve. Play around with different arrangements to find the most aesthetically pleasing setup.

Cutting the Garland

If your garland is too long for the intended space, cut it to the desired length. Be sure to leave some extra length on each end so you have enough fabric to tie the garland securely. It is better to have a little extra length than to cut it too short, so err on the side of caution.

Attaching the Flowers

Once you have cut your garland to size, it is time to attach the flowers. If you have not already done so, decide on a pattern or random arrangement for the flowers. Then, using the tail of each flower, wrap it around the twine and secure it with glue. This method allows for adjustments if you need to space out the flowers differently.

Now it is time to hang your fabric wedding garland. There are several ways to do this, depending on the surface you are hanging it from. If you are hanging it from a mantelpiece, use command hooks on each end to support the garland. Simply tie a couple of loops on each end of the garland and attach them to the hooks. For other surfaces, you can use nails, tacks, or even tape to secure the garland, depending on the weight of the fabric and the duration of the display. For a more rustic look, you can also drape the garland over objects like a shelf or a branch, letting the fabric hang naturally.

Frequently asked questions