Who says you need to buy new when you’ve already got a treasure trove hiding in your cupboard? Those old clothes, faded sheets, and leftover curtains can have a second life—and a fabulously festive one too! Recently, I raided my wardrobe (and linen cupboard) to make a recycled fabric garland, and let me tell you—it’s scrappy, colourful, and surprisingly chic.
What You’ll Need
- Old clothes, sheets, or curtains (linen or other non-stretch fabric works best, but use whatever you have)
- Scissors (or just rip with your hands—it’s very satisfying!)
- A small pile of “messy” fabric scraps to use as your base/string
- Time to knot and loop your strips
- Optional: Evergarland balloon garlands to add at the ends for extra flair
Step 1: The Great Rip & Sort
Grab those old fabrics you don’t mind parting with. Think old t-shirts, dresses that no longer spark joy, pillowcases with mystery stains, or even that curtain you swore you’d repurpose someday.
I used linen, which worked beautifully, but really any non-stretch fabric is best—it tears neatly, knots well, and holds its shape. That said, don’t stress too much; if all you’ve got is stretchy cotton, jersey, or random scraps, use them. Part of the charm of this project is that it works with whatever you’ve got.
Rip your fabric into strips—don’t worry about making them perfect. The uneven edges add to the charm. Once you’ve got a pile of strips, sort them by colour. I made little rainbow stacks, which made it so much easier (and more satisfying) later on.
Step 2: Messy Pieces = Magic Base
You know those awkward, stringy, “what even is this shape” fabric bits? Don’t throw them out! These become your base. I tied them end to end to create a long fabric string. This became the backbone of my garland. Rustic, scrappy, and best of all—it cost nothing.
Step 3: The Colour Shuffle
I chose three colours to alternate through my garland (kind of like a party playlist—you don’t want the same vibe on repeat). Pick a trio that works for you:
- Soft pastels for a baby shower,
- Bold brights for a birthday,
- Earthy tones for a boho vibe,
- Or a full rainbow if you want maximum cheer!
Step 4: Hook, Knot, Repeat
Here’s where it gets fun. Using a latch-hook style knot (basically folding the strip in half, looping the ends through the middle, and pulling tight), I attached each fabric strip to my scrappy base string.
It’s rhythmic, kind of meditative, and before you know it, your garland starts taking shape. Pro tip: The messier the fabric, the fluffier the garland looks. Embrace the fray!
Step 5: Add Balloons for Extra Pop
To finish the look, I added two reusable Evergarland 3-balloon clusters in Ivory—one at each end of my recycled fabric garland. The contrast of soft, flowy fabric with the clean, glossy balloons instantly elevated the whole set-up. It’s the perfect mix of DIY charm and polished party décor.
Step 6: Hang & Admire
Once your garland is complete, step back and admire your masterpiece. Hang it over a party table, across a window, above a bed, or outdoors on a fence for instant cheer.
The best part? You’ve taken old, unwanted fabric and turned it into something completely new—an eco-friendly decoration that’s one-of-a-kind.
Why You’ll Love It
- Eco-friendly – Goodbye fast décor, hello slow craft.
- Budget-friendly – Zero dollars spent, 100% style gained.
- Customisable – Match your colours to the party theme, the season, or your favourite outfit.
- Party-ready – Pair with Evergarland balloons for a professional finish that lasts.
Next time you’re tempted to buy disposable party décor, take a peek at your cupboard instead. That tired t-shirt might just be the life of the party—especially when teamed up with reusable balloons.
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