Loopy-Loo Garland Tutorial

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A few of you asked if I would share my methods on the garland I made for Penelope’s birthday party last month and I think it’s time I share. This garland is quick and easy and has a slightly different look from the ones you’ll see around the web. I love how fast this method is: from start to finish it’ll take less than 20 minutes for an 8ft. garland. You’ll be amazed. I sure do hope you give it a go!

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Materials:
Sewing Machine
Coordinating thread
Ribbon: desired length + 16-20 in.
Quality Paper: cut to 1 x 6 in. strips

Set up your paper strips next to your machine, decorative side down. Insert your ribbon into the machine  with am 8-10 in. tail and place your first strip under the presser foot. Sew a straight, long stitch across the paper & ribbon.

Once you’re finished with the first end of the paper strip, curl (no creases) the paper up to show the decorative side and slip the edge in front of presser foot & sew to ribbon.

Repeat steps 2 & 3.
If you’re uncomfortable with adding paper as you sew, you can pin paper to the ribbon prior to sewing.

Keep adding loops until you’ve reached your desired length, making sure that you have at least 8 inches of extra ribbon at each end. Use ends to affix garland to walls, ceilings, window treatments, trees, etc. Hang garland ribbon-side out. Enjoy! Click the button below to download the printer-friendly PDF version.

This tutorial is free for personal use and should not be distributed without my consent. If you would like to use this commercially, please email me. Thanks!

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    1. hi melissa! thanks for the comment on my blog. i’ve been a blurker of your blog for a while now, so i guess now i’m free to comment :) love your blog/photography/style/everything! nice to “meet” you!

    2. oh, and i just noticed your donation-thank you SO MUCH! i’m having to raise my entire team’s funds (lazy, lazy teammates) so that helps a bunch!

    3. alexismaia says:

      this is an awesome alternative to the traditional, triangle bunting look. so easy. i love sewing paper too, for some reason it’s more satisfying to me than sewing fabric.

    4. britt says:

      simple. sweet. cute. decorative. = wonderful idea

    5. Heather says:

      I will definately try this! I’m in the process of making decorations for the luncheon that I’m having after Cadence’s baby blessing. This garland will be perfect! Thanks!

    6. Jenn says:

      Very cute! Thanks for the tutorial :)

    7. i love this sweet little garland. it reminds me of a cuter version of when i made chain-links in elementary school (back in the day). love sweet childhood memories.

    8. Ann says:

      Great idea Melissa – thanks for the instructions.

    9. courtlynn says:

      Your blog is so cute!

    10. Rachel says:

      I just love the way this looks, it’s gorgeous! How perfect for a wedding too. Thanks so much for the how-to, I’ll be linking.

    11. Great summer project for the kids! I think I’ll make it longer than 8 feet to keep them busy!

    12. […] simple is this Paper Garland from ISLY? Melissa shares how to loopy-loo strips of paper into a new and fun […]

    13. […] busy trying to figure out where I could put this adorable Loopy-Loo Garland from ISLY.  It’s going in my house […]

    14. […] UPDATE 07.02.10: tutorial here […]

    15. […] nice enough to create a printable pdf to instruct you through the whole process. Go check it out here. Posted under […]

    16. Moe says:

      I am so in love with garland now and this is the most unique I’ve seen. Great idea & its now added to my to do list!

    17. […] I used my loopy-loo garland tutorial for the window garlands […]

    18. it is advisable to instal only cordless window treatments in homes where small children are present *

    19. Monica says:

      I just wanted to let you know that I linked you. =] Here is the link:
      http://craftie-girl.tumblr.com/post/3704532746/check-out-this-cool-tutorial

      And this is my site: craftie-girl.tumblr.com

      If you want me to delete it, let me know. =]

      Monica

    20. Bmerry says:

      I am in the process of making a fabric version of this garland for my daughter’s room. I’m hoping to finish it tonight.

    21. […] didn’t have to do too much for the decor. I already had the orange table cloth & the garlands (from decorating Penelope’s old room), so that was simple & easy! I had found the yellow […]

    22. […] Garland from I Still Love You.   Cute decorations for a sleep over…DIY Bed Curtains from Family Fun. […]

    23. Oh my word! This is so cute. Thank you for the fun idea!

    24. Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to say that Ive truly enjoyed browsing your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you write again very soon!

    25. Gabrielle says:

      you have too many good ideas!!!

    26. […] Dica para fazer a guirlanda: http://melissaesplin.com/2010/06/loopy-loo-garland-tutorial/ […]

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