Simple Fall Rag Tie Garland || To Make In An Afternoon
Creating a simple fall rag tie garland is a great way to celebrate the turn of the calendar to the coming fall season.

Not to mention that it is silly simple to do. And with a little imagination you can customize the fabric and/or beads you use for your garland so that they pair well with your other seasonal decor.
I highly recommend brewing yourself a hot cuppa tea, gathering the supplies you need to make this great DIY home project, putting on one of your favorite movies, and getting a fall garland made for your home.
Mine makes me smile every time I look at it, and I expect it to continue to do just that for years to come!
Supplies Needed For This Project
If you are a crafter you may have all of the supplies needed to make a fall rag tie garland on hand already. The supplies are pretty basic.
Here’s a list of what you’ll need …
- Cotton Fabric – You’ll need inexpensive cotton fabric in a variety of fall colors.
- Wooden Beads – Any beads with a hole large enough to be strung onto jute twine will work. I used some leftover wooden beads that I had in one of my craft totes. They are a pretty common craft supply and should be readily available.
- Jute Twine – Jute twine is the base for this fall rag tie garland. It works well and is inexpensive.
- Measuring Tape – I prefer to use a soft measuring tape, that is made for sewing, when working with fabric. You can use any measuring tape you have. Or you can use a basic ruler.
- Scissors
- Pencil
- Scotch Tape
The amount of each fabric, beads, and twine that you will need to complete this project will vary depending on how long you want to make your garland.
When getting your supplies together, bear in mind that 2 1/2 yards of fabric (1/2 yard of 5 different prints) and approximately 63 large beads will make a 12′ garland.
Choosing Fabric For This Project
Choosing the fabric for your fall rag tie garland is guaranteed to be a lot of fun. You can mix and match solid colors and fall patterns any way you like.

I chose to use 3 patterned fabrics in fall colors and 1 solid brown fabric.
The instructions for this garland call for 5 different fabrics. But I wanted to double up on the solid brown, because I like the way it looked when placed between the other fabrics. So I used just 4 different fabrics for my garland, and I’m thrilled with the results.
You, of course, can use any combination of fabric that appeals to you. There are no rules.
You can also use any type of fabric that you like for this project. However, please note that the flexibility and weight of the fabric will effect the appearance of the garland a great deal.
I used a lightweight cotton fabric to make the garland for this post. This type of material will lay flatter than most other materials out there, and that appealed to me.
It is inexpensive, which is a big plus. It comes in an endless variety of patterns and colors. And it rips very easily, leaving a nicely frayed edge, which gives the garland a scrappy look.
How Long Does It Take To Make A Fall Rag Tie Garland?
The amount of time that you will need to make a fall rag tie garland will vary according to how long you decide you are going to make it.

The garland that I created for this post is 6′ long, and it took me approximately 2 hours to put together.
I did work my way through this project at a leisurely pace. I tend to take my time when working on projects like this, because I enjoy the process as much as the end result.
If you want to complete this project quickly, you could easily shave between 30 and 45 minutes from the time needed to get it done.
How To Make A Fall Rag Tie Garland
I have included full instructions on how to make a fall rag tie garland at the bottom of this post for your convenience.
But let’s touch on the basics here …
Cut the fabric for your garland into a 12″ wide strip.
Mark the bottom, back side of the fabric in 1 1/2″ segments.

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Make a 1″ cut at each mark with a pair of scissors.

Rip the fabric into strips using the cut marks as a starting point for the tear.

Cut a piece of jute twine 12″ longer than the desired length for your garland.
Tie a loop in one end of the twine.

Fold the fabric strips in half and attach them to the jute twine in the order you prefer for your finished piece.




Tightly wrap a piece of scotch tape around the opposite end of the jute twine to prevent it from fraying. Use this end to place beads onto the garland as you go.

When you have filled all but 6″ of the jute twine length with fabric and beads, in a way that pleases you, tie a loop in the other end.
Where To Display A Fall Rag Tie Garland
Probably the greatest thing about a fall rag tie garland is how versatile it is for decorating your home. This simple fabric garland can bring a festive feel to any room in the house.

You can hang it absolutely anywhere that pleases you. It can be stretched straight out or it can be draped, depending on the look you’re going for. And it can be displayed alone or along with other fall decorations.
Here are just a few of the places that this garland will look great in your home …
- On a fireplace mantel
- Above a headboard
- Over a window
- Along a shelf
- On the edge of a table
- Over a mirror
- Above a cork board
- Draped along wainscoting
- Hanging from a chandelier
The sky is the limit. So let your imagination go wild!
Special Occasion Garlands
I know that this post is about making a fall rag tie garland. But I would like to put a bug in your ear, as they say, about making fabric garlands for special occasions before I close.

Fabric garlands are really a nice addition to the decor of just about any special event. They can be made in any theme. So once again, let your imagination go wild.
Make them for birthday parties, baby showers, bridal showers, holidays, other seasons, garden parties, or any time you want to have something a little more than paper streamers for party decorations.
The great thing about these garlands is that they can be sent home at the end of your celebration with the guest of honor. This is particularly nice when they are made for a baby shower, as the new mom can then use them in her babies nursery if she chooses.
Recommended For You
If you try this project and love it, please give it 5 stars! It supports my work more than you may realize, and I appreciate that a great deal!
You can also show your support by tagging me on Facebook @sustainableslowliving and/or Instagram @slowlivingbydianegail when you post a pic of your finished project.
Fall Rag Tie Garland
Equipment
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
Materials
- 5 half yard pieces of fall themed lightweight cotton material
- 63 chunky wooden beads
- 13 foot piece of jute twine
- scotch tape
Instructions
- Cut fabric into strips: Trim each fabric piece into a 12" wide strip.
- Mark increments: On the back lower edge, mark 1 1/2" intervals with a pencil.
- Snip fabric: Use scissors to cut 1/2"–3/4" slices at each pencil mark.
- Tear fabric strips: Tear 20 strips from each color using the cut marks as guides.
- Arrange materials: Sort fabric and beads in the order you want to use them.
- Prep the twine: Cut a 13' piece of jute twine and tie a 6" loop at one end.
- Fold first fabric strip: Fold it lengthwise, crease lightly with your finger.
- Position strip on twine: Fold it widthwise and place over the twine, loop side up.
- Attach strip: Bring the two tails up behind the twine and through the loop, then pull gently to secure without tightening.
- Slide and tighten: Move the strip to the looped end and then pull to tighten securely.
- Add more strips: Repeat steps 7–10 for the first 5 fabric strips.
- Stiffen twine end: Wrap scotch tape tightly around the opposite twine end.
- Thread beads: Add 3 beads and slide them down next to the fabric strips.
- Continue alternating: Repeat the 5 strips + 3 beads pattern to the end.
- Finish the twine: Remove scotch tape and tie a loop at the end.
- Trim and style: Hang the garland, then trim overly long strings while keeping the shaggy look.
Video
Notes
- Use lightweight cotton: Heavier fabrics won’t tie or hang as nicely.
- Choose fall colors: Stick to oranges, browns, deep reds, and muted greens for the season.
- Make ends stiff: Tightly wrapped scotch tape makes bead threading much easier.
- Don’t over-trim: The ragged ends give the garland its cozy, rustic charm.
- Reuse materials: Scraps from other fall projects work beautifully for this DIY.
My sister in law is very much into banners and gave us one for birthdays. My wife on the other hand is all about ‘urban homesteading’ and this sounds very much her style
You’ll have to share the post with your wife so she can make a fall themed banner for your home 😉
This is a lovely doable project with craft materials I already have on hand. Looking forward to adding this great idea to my list of DIY fall projects.
Hope you have fun with it! It’s a great way to spend a few hours 😉
This is so simple and fun! I love your style.
Thanks Julie! I think it’s simplicity is what makes it so lovely 😉
This simple fall rag tie garland is a cozy and rustic way to bring the spirit of autumn into your home. It’s easy to make and adds a warm touch to any space. If you make one, I’d love to hear how it turns out in the comments. Happy crafting!