Deck the halls with DIY joy. Learn how to create a whimsical Christmas rag garland to hang on your mantle that will add a sprinkle of festive magic to your home.

red, green, and white fabric garland hanging on shelf by fake deer and lantern

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Christmas Rag Garland Tutorial
Supplies Needed
How to Make a Scrap Fabric Christmas Garland
How Long Should I Cut the Fabric for Making a Rag Garland?
How Much Fabric Will I Need for a Rag Garland?
Where Should I Display a Fabric Garland?
Ways to Customize a DIY Christmas Garland
Tips for Storing Homemade Christmas Decor
More Christmas Crafts
Materials
Tools
Instructions
Notes
Recommended Products

Christmas Rag Garland Tutorial

Video Tutorial:

No holiday stress here – crafting Christmas rag garlands is as easy as enjoying a cup of cocoa. With this step-by-step tutorial, you'll be amazed at how quickly these adorable garlands come together.

Simply cut, tie, and fluff your way to festive perfection. The end result? Oh-so-cute and charming garlands that will fill your space with the warm glow of the season. Your friends and family won't believe you made them yourself.

If you need more garlands to hang around your home, try making this dried orange peel star garland. It's so pretty and rustic!

Supplies Needed

Grab your scrap fabric and ribbons to make this cute garland. You likely have everything on hand but if you want to make it unique or customized, check the scrap bins at your local craft or fabric store for pre-cut strips of fabric.

holiday colored fabric on table with twine and scissors

How to Make a Scrap Fabric Christmas Garland

Begin this project by measuring and cutting ribbon and fabric into strips. Make them around 1" wide and at least 8" long.

Continue cutting until you have between 50 to 80 strips. You may need more or less depending on how long you want the garland to be.

strips of red, green, white, and maroon fabric on marble table

Now, cut the twine to the length you want your garland. Tie a loop into both ends for easy hanging.

hand holding roll of twine and cutting length with scissors

Now, alternate colors and textures of ribbon and fabric and tie the strips onto the twine. Continue this until your garland is long enough and looks as you desire.

ribbon and fabric strips being tied onto length of twine

You can add ornaments or other holiday miniature decorations if desired, or hang them as is for a rustic look.

How Long Should I Cut the Fabric for Making a Rag Garland?

You can customize this to your own preferences. However, I recommend that each strip of fabric be at least 8" long. A slimmer width will require more fabric, but can add more variety. I usually stick to 1" or 2" width.

For a more uniform look, you can use a ruler or a cutting mat to ensure consistent strip sizes. If you prefer a more rustic and eclectic appearance, you can vary the lengths slightly for a charming, ragged effect.

Ultimately, the beauty of creating a rag garland lies in its handmade and whimsical nature, so don't worry too much about precise measurements.

How Much Fabric Will I Need for a Rag Garland?

The amount of fabric you will need for a rag garland depends on the length of the garland, the size of the fabric strips, and how closely you plan to space the fabric pieces.

Here's a general guideline to help you estimate the fabric needed:

Determine the length of the garland: Measure the area where you want to hang the garland and decide on the desired length. For example, if you want a garland that spans 6 feet (72 inches), use that as your starting point.
Calculate the number of fabric strips: Decide on the width and length of the fabric strips you'll use. For example, if you cut fabric strips that are 1 inch wide and 6 inches long, you'll need more strips to cover the same length compared to strips that are 1 inch wide and 8 inches long.
Calculate the total fabric length: Once you have the number of fabric strips needed to achieve your desired length, calculate the total fabric length required.
Add extra for tying and spacing: Consider adding some extra fabric to account for tying the fabric pieces onto the garland string or rope and any spacing you want between the fabric pieces. Depending on how you plan to tie the fabric, an additional 1 to 2 feet should be sufficient.

Remember that most fabric comes in 45" to 50" widths and is measured by the yard. If you expected to need 100 strips of fabric 1" wide and 8" long, you would be able to make all that you need with around 2 yards of fabric total.

woman in purple sweater holding a Christmas rag garland

Where Should I Display a Fabric Garland?

Fabric garlands are versatile and can add a touch of festive charm to various spaces in your home. Here are some wonderful places to display a fabric garland:

Christmas tree
Mantle
Staircase railings
Windows
Wall Decor
Entryway
Holiday tables
Wrap around the holiday tree
Attach to a party buffet table

It is versatile and could even be wrapped around the tree as a rustic garland there!

colorful holiday garland on shelf in front of gift and lanterns

Ways to Customize a DIY Christmas Garland

I love being able to customize a craft to fit my space and my design. I want it to fit my other decor or to match the decor of whoever I am giving it to. Below are some ideas that can make this unique and fitting for your home.

Match the colors and style of your existing Christmas decor
Use a variety of fabric textures for a unique look
Mix and match solid colors with patterns
Add embellishments like bells, ornaments, or bows
Include fake greenery such as holly or pine branches or picks
Add a monogram or message with paper or wooden letters

Let your imagination lead you and make your garland truly match your personality.

Tips for Storing Homemade Christmas Decor

To ensure your homemade Christmas decor remains in excellent condition for years to come, follow these storage tips.

Clean and gently pack delicate items like fabric garlands and ornaments in tissue paper or bubble wrap.
Use an appropriate container that will not squish or mangle the decoration. Boxes, totes, or even bags can be used.
Label each box clearly to easily find specific decor next year.
Store decorations in a dry and temperature-controlled area, protecting them from moisture and extreme temperatures.

Fake deer and lantern on shelf with colorful Christmas rag garland in front

More Christmas Crafts

If you want to add even more homemade items to your holiday decor, check out the ideas below. There are some great ways to give your holiday decor an uplift by following one of these craft tutorials for inspiration!

Yield: 1

Rustic Christmas Rag Garland Tutorial

Make a simple rustic Christmas rag garland in minutes! A perfect way to upcycled scrap fabric.

Active Time 30 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Difficulty Easy

Estimated Cost $5

Materials

Tools

Instructions

Measure and cut ribbon and fabric into strips, approximately 1" wide and at least 8" long. Prepare between 50 to 80 strips, adjusting the quantity based on your desired garland length.
Cut the twine to your preferred garland size and tie a loop on both ends for easy hanging.
Alternate colors and texture as you tie the ribbon and fabric onto the twine. Continue this process until your garland reaches the desired length and looks appealing.
Optional: If desired, add ornaments or holiday miniatures for extra festive flair, or leave it as is for a charming rustic look.