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.
Giulia
February 18, 2013 at 9:47 amthese are adorable:) i kind of want to buy a sewing machine just for that!
Amorette
February 18, 2013 at 1:13 pmI 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!
amy c
February 20, 2013 at 9:03 pmI 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!
DIY: Paper Ribbon Garland
February 18, 2013 at 1:40 pm[…] Source: http://designmom.wpengine.com/2013/02/diy-paper-ribbon-garland/ […]
Mary-My Life in Scotland
February 18, 2013 at 1:45 pmI 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!
mel mccarthy
February 18, 2013 at 2:51 pmOff the charts brilliant. I’ve always wanted to sew a garland & your washi tape tip makes me think I actually can. Thanks, Gabrielle! :-D
Geevz
February 18, 2013 at 3:02 pmI’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.
Lynet Witty
February 18, 2013 at 3:16 pmOMG 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.
This girl loves to talk
February 18, 2013 at 4:47 pmI 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
Dana
February 18, 2013 at 7:07 pmWe just made heart garland for Valentine’s day! My 3 year old punched and I sewed…it was a fun project to do together!
Amy Hackworth
February 18, 2013 at 9:20 pmAdorable! 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!
amy c
February 20, 2013 at 9:05 pmThank you!!
Sisustus-Inredning.blogspot.fi
February 19, 2013 at 1:34 amOhhh, gorgeous! Thanks Gabrielle for the great tip for decorating cakes and presents. I have to try this :) Riikka from Finland
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February 19, 2013 at 9:20 amOMGosh the cake! LOVE IT!
Tasha
February 19, 2013 at 9:22 am– But the paper touching the cupcake ones, not so into it…
Tan
February 19, 2013 at 6:09 pmI am in love with those teensy critters! I feel some garland making in the works
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February 20, 2013 at 4:02 am[…] sweet little garlands made with paper and a simple straight stitch look like a fun & easy craft to tackle. (@ Design […]
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February 20, 2013 at 2:23 pmI swear. I’m obsessed with this post! Makes me homesick for my sewing machine.
Megan W
February 20, 2013 at 2:56 pmWhere can I find the little animal shapes? I love them!
amy c
February 20, 2013 at 9:06 pmThe little critters are a Cricut cartridge called Folk Art. It is just the most darling set. The hedgehog is my favorite. :)
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February 22, 2013 at 7:53 am[…] I do love sewing paper. […]
Michelle
February 22, 2013 at 2:56 pmI love these and all the ways you styled them! The cupcakes are adorable.
Deanna Kuroda
February 28, 2013 at 4:02 pmThank 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.
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March 30, 2013 at 4:05 pm[…] Paper Ribbon Garland that just requires cutting out some shapes and being able to sew a straight line. I’ve done […]
spearmintbaby
April 4, 2013 at 9:42 pmOMIGOSH, 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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April 15, 2013 at 9:47 am[…] found a great paper garland / sewing hack using washi tape at DesignMom.com back in February. Amy Christie had other tips to add, so I […]
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Korrie
June 3, 2013 at 1:06 amOh wow, the possibilities are endless!
Rachel | 52 Weeks Project
July 21, 2013 at 1:25 amWhat a perfect tip, I never would have thought of that! Lovely photos too.
Erica
July 25, 2013 at 7:53 amI have been making paper garland for years this way, but would not have thought to use washi tape to hold together little pieces! Thank you SOOOO much!! Great pictures, awesome creations, and a super cute blog! Thanks for the inspiration today! :-)
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December 5, 2013 at 7:06 pmThere is definately a lot to learn about this topic. I love all the points you’ve made.
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Jerry M. Hayes
December 8, 2014 at 1:06 amOff the charts brilliant. I’ve always wanted to sew a garland & your post made me love more and more about my work and passion .. I seriously loves this post
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