How to Make an Easy DIY Leaf Garland for Fall
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One of my favorite things about fall is decorating my house. I almost prefer fall decor to Christmas decorations. It just feels so cozy, warm, and inviting after you decorate! I’ve spent a lot of time admiring fall leaf garlands in stores, but they’re usually more expensive than I want. Today I’m going to show you how to make your own leaf garland on a budget.
I made this really cute garland for less than $10. With my package of silk leaves, I was able to make more than 80 feet of garland! This is more than enough to string all around the house and make my home feel festive for fall.
It might not be fluffy and full like some of the fall garlands you see in stores, but I actually really like how it turned out. When hung vertically, the leaves twist and turn, looking like leaves falling in the wind.
Supplies for Making a Leaf Garland
This project is super budget-friendly and easy. All you need is:
- A regular sewing machine.
- Some orange or yellow thread (I use this brand all the time and love it).
- A package of individual silk leaves.
I used these leaves if you want to get the same ones as me. They worked really well and I was super happy with how the finished garland turned out. Make sure you use leaves made from smooth fabric. You’ll want to avoid the ones made with plastic on the back, as you won’t be able to sew through it.
How to Sew a Leaf Garland
This project couldn’t be easier. It’s great as a beginner sewing project but is also quite fun for experienced sewists too. For a quick overview, check out this video. Please like & subscribe to my YouTube channel!
Before starting, separate the leaves from one another if they are stuck together. These types of leaves tend to come in tight bundles that need to be peeled apart. Separating them before sewing will make the project much faster.
- Sew down the middle of a leaf and stop when you get to the bottom edge.
- Grab another leaf and position its top edge flush with the bottom of the first leaf.
- Continue sewing down the center of the new leaf.
- Repeat this process, grabbing a different color of leaf each time to make it look more random.
I recommend turning the leaves at different angles occasionally. For example, you may sew down the left side of one leaf or the right side of another. Turning a leaf at a 45 degree angle also creates a nice effect. This technique will make the leaves hang and rotate differently, looking just like falling leaves.
How long to make the garland?
The length of the garland is completely up to you. I made mine in one long strip because I wanted to be able to cut it to an exact length while decorating. However, it got a little tangled up in the end. If you want to make the project a little neater, you can sew multiple shorter garlands.
Storing and Using Your Leaf Garland
No matter how long you make them, these garlands like to get tangled. I highly recommend wrapping them around a piece of cardboard to store them. This will make decorating a lot more fun – trust me!
These garlands are super versatile and can be used all over your house. Try these decorating ideas:
- Hang a leaf garland over the tops of your bookcases.
- Drape a garland along your fireplace or mantle.
- Attach them vertically in a doorway to create a leaf curtain.
- Hang them from a tension curtain rod inside your window to create a falling leaf effect.
- Wrap them around banisters or railings.
- Arrange the garlands along a table runner for a festive table setting.
