Fall Rag Tie Garland
This simple fall rag tie garland is a cozy DIY project you can complete in just one afternoon. It’s an easy, no-sew way to bring rustic charm to your seasonal decor using leftover fabric and chunky wooden beads.
Yield: 1 garland
Cost: $10
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
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- Reuse materials: Scraps from other fall projects work beautifully for this DIY.
- Rip fabric instead of cutting: It saves time and gives a natural, frayed finish.
- Layer colors thoughtfully: Alternating tones creates depth and a cohesive fall palette.
- Use lightweight cotton: It ties easily and drapes nicely without weighing down the garland.
- Hang before trimming: This helps you shape the garland naturally before snipping ends.
