How to Make Affordable “No Sew” Rag Garland

I’m excited to share with you this easy D.I.Y. tutorial for a rag garland. This time & cost-friendly “no-sew” scrap fabric curtain will add that perfect simple touch to just about any decor, holiday, or party! It can be made for little to no cost using earth-friendly materials and adds a simple, soft look to any area it’s displayed.

Today, I’m going to show you a SIMPLE, easy, budget-friendly craft project. You can create and complete this project for FREE, by using items you may already have on hand. Using fabric scraps from leftover projects or finding the perfect fabric for this rag garland hiding in your closet that you have been holding on to.

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Making a DIY Rag Garland by Upcycling Fabric

An earth-friendly, reusable, no-cost option is upcycling fabrics from worn jeans, bed sheets, or other second-hand textiles. If you don’t have any on hand but want to try this earth-friendly option, I recommend checking thrift stores. They usually have jeans, tablecloths, or flat sheets in stock. You could also ask a friend if they have any they are ready to part with.

If shopping for new, I recommend using earth-friendly, compostable fabrics like organic cottons such as muslin (which is one of my favorite fabrics to craft from and used in this garland), bamboo, and burlap.

How Can I Use a Rag Garland Swag?

Add a special, simple touch to a holiday or special event you’re hosting such as a baby shower, graduation, anniversary party, fall gathering, Christmas, birthdays, retirement party, 4th of July, etc. (You can also make the fabric strip much longer and use as a photo backdrop or party doorway curtain).
These swags can be reused many times!
Decorate window frames and ledges, fireplace mantel, front door, windows, walkways, door frames, hang over a bed, on stairs, over a mirror, or wall shelf.

Other Creative Ways to Decorate with Rag Garland

Using different types of fabric can also add to the depth and texture of your garland. Longer floor-length strips may be used to create the perfect photo backdrop for your parties or events! Cut strips shorter and add more for a fuller, rounder looking garland. Perfect as a table centerpiece, tree garland, or on top of an armoire.

You can be as creative as you want with your color and fabric pattern selection.

Set your CREATIVITY free & design your own colors & patterns. Your options are ENDLESS!

Materials

FABRIC SCISSORS
JUTE TWINE – you may use ribbon, cord, or trim instead (I used 48 inches total)
Fabric (1 yard total) Click here to purchase my favorite MUSLIN NATURAL FABRIC

Tools

Iron and ironing board
Fabric chalk pencil
Ruler
PINKING SHEARS (scissors with teeth uses to prevent the fabric from fraying)

The following measurements are for the swag (shown in the photo above) which measures 36 inches across, 12 inches long, and 1 inch wide. You may adjust your measurements according to your decor needs. I chose 3 different colors in earth tone fabric that I had on hand from previous projects. I wanted a simple makeshift window treatment for a small room with white walls. This project only took me 40 minutes to complete (my fabric had been previously washed)

Time to create your rag garland

-Wash and iron your fabric, if you choose to have a clean “pressed” look

-Cut your ribbon or string to your desired length PLUS add 1 foot for hanging. I use jute because it’s compostable & I love the simple look with this style of decor (you can tie your ribbon to 2 chairs for stability as you’re tying on the fabric strips).

-Use your ruler or guide and mark out 34 strips of fabric, 1 inch in width, 24 inches long ( you will be folding the length in half)

-Then cut your strips of fabric with your pinking shears (or scissors or cutter for a “frayed” look) Then fold the 24-inch strips in half and iron the fold for an easy guide for tying

-Sort your strips into piles (if using multiple colors) and decide how you want to stagger them.

-Holding the fabric at the fold, tie your fabric strip on using a slip knot. Be sure each strip is added in the same direction to ensure a uniform look.

-You will have 6 inches of extra jute/ribbon on the side to knot and hang as you choose.

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Printable “How to” Card

Please share with us by commenting below if you have tried making a rag garland & what type of fabrics you liked best?
Blessings,
Kim