Images and text by Amy Christie for Design Mom
Sewn paper garlands have become one of my favorite items to make as of late. And a mini version? Well, the cuteness factor is off the charts! These little ditties aren’t just for hanging either. From wrapping gifts to wrapping around desserts, paper ribbon garlands are the extra wonderful bit you need. Don’t you just love them?
If you are able to cut paper (or punch or direct a paper cutting machine) and sew a straight line, you are well on your way to making an endless amount of adorable paper ribbons. Even after my old well-seasoned sewing machine stopped working, I soldiered on with the help of a friend’s machine because I just couldn’t help myself.
Best of all, I have an easy tip to share which will make even the tiniest garlands easily doable.
So find yourself a fun, punchy color scheme and let’s get making.
Supplies:
-paper
-sewing machine
-thread
-paper punch, paper cutting machine
-scissors
-cutting blade
-washi tape or painters tape
First, cut the paper however you would like, using paper punches, scissors or paper cutting machine. All sizes of circles, squares, triangles, or little critters. Anything you like! Of course, I like the mini sizes. (The little critters are from a Cricut Folk Art cartridge — the same one I used here.)
Then it’s simply about sewing them together.
For the larger pieces, feed the paper pieces through the machine continuously until the ribbon is complete.
For itty bitty pieces, I found washi tape helped to keep things organized.
Instead of fumbling over the little pieces and fretting over sewing my fingers to the paper, the washi tape held the paper in place as they were sewn and was easily removed afterward without ruining the paper.
Mini pendants, little squares, itty bitty critters and teensy weensy dots!! Make up a whole lot of them to give as a gift or keep and use them for you. They make any gift wrap pop and are perfect mini decorations for a birthday party or a baby shower. Happy making!
P.S. — We love making things! Find more of our tutorials here.
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these are adorable:) i kind of want to buy a sewing machine just for that!
I LOVE THESE!! I have tried to sew paper before and have trouble sometimes. Do you have recommended sewing machine settings you could share?
thank you!
I used a basic straight stitch, nothing fancy or special. If you have needle trouble, you might try a stronger one, like one made for denim. Good luck!
I love this!! I’ve been wanting to make a little bunting garland in my son’s room but I just had no idea how to do it. This will be perfect!! Just what I was thinking of! Thank you!
Off the charts brilliant. I’ve always wanted to sew a garland & your washi tape tip makes me think I actually can. Thanks, Gabrielle! :-D
I’ve sewn together bunting for several parties and at the end I just can’t seem to throw it away. It has come in handy for friends’ birthdays because I cut off a length of it and tape or thumb tack it across their front door. I love getting more use out of the bunting and it makes a simple candy bar on the door step that much more fun for my adult friends.
OMG those are such mini garlands! And the colors! Oh so cute! I always have such a hard time photographing garlands!!! These give me such great ideas. Thanks for this post! Love it.
I love sewing paper! it is so theraputic! dont know why but it just is. I mainly do circles. Four different colours and feed them through the machine.. it is so fun.
These are just gorgeous
We just made heart garland for Valentine’s day! My 3 year old punched and I sewed…it was a fun project to do together!
Adorable! I also just made a heart garland for Valentine’s and now your tutorial makes me want to sew all sorts of things together. I love this!
Thank you!!
Ohhh, gorgeous! Thanks Gabrielle for the great tip for decorating cakes and presents. I have to try this :) Riikka from Finland
OMGosh the cake! LOVE IT!
- But the paper touching the cupcake ones, not so into it…
I am in love with those teensy critters! I feel some garland making in the works
I swear. I’m obsessed with this post! Makes me homesick for my sewing machine.
Where can I find the little animal shapes? I love them!
The little critters are a Cricut cartridge called Folk Art. It is just the most darling set. The hedgehog is my favorite. :)
I love these and all the ways you styled them! The cupcakes are adorable.
Thank you so much. I just bought some of these from Basic Grey and had no idea how easy they would be to make myself. You are very clever and your paper crafting is beautiful. Thanks for sharing your method.
OMIGOSH, Amy! this is so brilliant- the washi tape to hold them. I love this so much! & now i just need a cricut machine and then a folk art cartridge ;) shari
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