DIY Embroidered Garland

Content Overview

What do you need?

Cross Stitch or Embroidery Pattern Garland template Fabric (plain or patterned, for example from the thrift store) Hole template Embroidery thread Sharp needle Crochet cotton Digital patterns learn to embroider Hole template Step by step

This is how you make an embroidered garland yourself

Follow the steps carefully in order. This way your project remains clear and you get a better end result.

Making triangles

Use the garland template to cut out as many triangles as you need for your text or motif. You need one triangle for each letter or image.

Apply grid

Lay a triangle flat and use the hole template to create a grid (see back cover). This way you will soon embroider neatly and evenly.

Embroidery

Embroider the desired letter or image on each triangle. Work slowly and make sure the stitches are strong so that your garland lasts a long time.

Assemble the garland

When all the triangles are ready, string them together with a long thread of crochet cotton using a running stitch. Please note: do not use embroidery thread for this, as it frays faster.

To hang

Leave a few inches of crochet cotton at either end of the garland for easy hanging.

Make your garland more sturdy with a backing

If you want your embroidered bunting to be used more often, give each flag a back. Cut two triangles per flag: one for the front with embroidery and one for the back. Place them right sides together, stitch or sew the slanted sides in place and leave the top open. Then turn the flag over and careful…

Leave space between the flags

Place your flags on the table first before securing them. This way you can immediately see whether the text is easy to read and whether the colors alternate nicely. Leave a little space between the flags so that they can move freely on the cord. Too close together quickly looks busy and can cause th…

Which text or motifs work well?

For a birthday you can embroider individual letters, such as HOORA or the name of the birthday boy/girl. Small figures are also nice for a children's room: stars, hearts, flowers, animals or initials. For Christmas or autumn you can opt for small seasonal motifs. Keep the motifs simple, because a fl…

Common mistake: using fabric that is too thin

A supple cotton can be beautiful, but if the fabric is too thin, your embroidery will pull faster. Then use a second layer of fabric, a light reinforcement or choose a slightly firmer cotton or linen. Also test how your yarn behaves: with large stitches or many threads, a flag can become heavier tha…

This is how you store your garland

Roll the garland loosely around a piece of cardboard or hang it on a coat hanger. Do not fold it tightly, because then you will get creases in the flags. Store it dry and out of direct sunlight, especially if you want to use it for several years.

Additional tips

Use different fabrics for a playful effect, for example leftover fabric from old projects or second-hand finds. In addition to letters, also embroider small symbols or figures to make the garland extra special. Make several short garlands with different words and hang them together for a colorful wh…

This way your garland will hang more straight

Use approximately the same size for each flag and reinforce thin fabric before embroidering. Then the stitches will pull less and the triangles will retain their shape better. Carefully iron the flags before putting them together; You will see small folds later faster than you think. Make an order o…