Festive Garlands for Every Room
- 14 Easy Christmas DIYs
Few things transform a space for Christmas quite like a beautiful garland. Whether it's draped across your mantel, woven through your staircase, or adding festive charm to an unexpected corner, garlands bring that cozy holiday feeling wherever they go.
I've gathered 15 of my favorite Christmas garland DIYs that are surprisingly easy to make – most are beginner-friendly and can be completed in one afternoon. The best part? Many of these cost under $20 and use materials you might already have at home.
Ready to string up some holiday magic? Let's dive in!
What I love about this:
"This tutorial is beautifully simple – just a few materials and you've got a statement piece that completely transforms your space! I also love how customizable it is: change the felt colors, switch up the shapes - endless possibilities. It's the kind of project where you can really make it your own."Perfect for: Beginner | 1-2 hours | Bold & colorful
Supplies you'll need
You'll need to get:
- Fell sheets (various colors)
- Hot glue gun + glue sticks
Nice to have:
- Transparent ties (for bow version)
Probably already at home:
- Scissors
- Yarn (for heart version)
- Ruler or template (for consistent shapes)
Estimated Cost: $2-12
What I love about this:
"This velvet bow garland creates such a big visual impact with minimal effort! The soft, luxurious texture of velvet ribbon gives it that romantic vintage feel – perfect draped across a mantel, along a staircase, or woven through your tree. Choose classic deep reds and greens, or go with softer dusty pinks and creams for a more subtle vintage look."Perfect for: Beginner | 1-2 hours | Mantel, staircase, or tree garland
Supplies you'll need
You'll need to get:
- Velvet Ribbon (1.5-2 inch width)
- Jute twine (for stringing bows)
Nice to have:
- Hot glue gun + glue sticks (alternative to tying onto twine)
Probably already at home:
- Scissors
- Ruler or measuring tape
Estimated Cost: $15-25 (depending on garland length)
What I love about this:
"Sometimes the simplest projects make the biggest impact! Just punch out stars and sew them together with your machine (or glue two stars around twine if you don't sew). So charming draped across a mantel, window, or woven through greenery – the perfect mindless project while watching a cozy movie."_Perfect for: Beginner | 1-2 hours | The kind of project you can do with a baby on your lap
Supplies you'll need
You'll need to get:
- Cards stock (cream, kraft, or your choice of colors)
- Star punch (2-3 inch size works well)
Nice to have:
- Sewing machine (for stitched version)
- Glue stick (for now-sew version)
- Jute twine (if using glue method)
Probably already at home:
- Scissors
- Thread (for stitched version)
- Scrap paper or card stock
Estimated Cost: $8-15
What I love about this:
"Dried apple garlands feel so nostalgic and traditional – they bring that cozy, old-fashioned Christmas warmth to any space. What I love is the natural texture and subtle color they add, making them perfect for layering with other garlands or using on their own for a simple, organic look."Perfect for: Beginner | A few hours (mostly passive oven time) | Natural & vintage
Supplies you'll need
You'll need to get:
- Apples (larger ones work best)
- Jute twine
- Large needle (for stringing apples)
Nice to have:
- Citrus juice (to prevent browning)
- Salt (helps with drying)
Probably already at home:
- Sharp knife (for slicing)
- Oven, Baking trays & Parchment paper
Estimated Cost: $5-8
What I love about this:
"This garland is so beautifully simple yet makes such an impact! The star anise adds a gorgeous natural shimmer when paired with twinkling lights, and the best part? Your entire house will smell like Christmas – that warm, spicy scent is absolutely magical."Perfect for: Beginner | 30-45 minutes | Soft & romantic
Supplies you'll need
You'll need to get:
- Star anise (whole stars)
- Battery-operated string lights (with wire work best)
Nice to have:
- Hot glue gun + glue sticks (to secure anise if no wire)
Estimated Cost: $10-15
Little Twig Garland
By: Me - Sunday Sofa Inspiration image (source unknown – please let me know if you know the creator!)
What I love about this:
"This garland brings the beauty of nature right into your home – it's cute, pretty, and wonderfully affordable! What makes it extra special is that it's perfect for making with kids: take a walk in the woods together, forage for interesting twigs and leaves, then come home and create something beautiful."Perfect for: Beginner | Hanging takes only minutes | Natural & rustic
Supplies you'll need
You'll need to get:
- Twigs (foraged from nature)
- Jute twine
- Wooden clothespins (mini size works best)
Nice to have:
- Dried leaves (for added texture and color)
Estimated Cost: $3-8
What I love about this:
"This clever upcycling project transforms tomato paste tubes (yes, really!) into a stunning vintage gold garland that looks like precious heirloom ornaments. I love that it gives new life to something that would otherwise be trash, and the metallic gold finish has such an authentic vintage vibe. You can cut any shapes you like – stars, hearts, circles, wreaths – and keep adding to your collection year after year."Perfect for: Beginner | 2-3 hours | Vintage gold garland or ornaments
Supplies you'll need
You'll need to get:
- Tomato paste tubes (Save from cooking!)
- Jute twine (for stringing)
Nice to have:
- Metallic wax (if you want extra shine)
Probably already at home:
- Scissors (sharp, for cutting metal)
- Smooth-edged kitchen utensil (spoon handle works!)
- Pen or pencil (for tracing shapes)
- Needle or awl (for poking hanging holes)
Estimated Cost: $0-5 (essentially free!)
What I love about this:
"These finger-knitted bows are absolutely adorable and create such a pretty, textured garland! You can use up yarn scraps to make a charming patchwork-style garland in whatever colors you want. Once you get the hang of the finger knitting technique, you can settle in with a Christmas movie and produce loads of bows in one cozy evening."Perfect for: Beginner | 10 mins to learn, make a garland in an evening | Cute & colorful
Supplies you'll need
You'll need to get:
- Chunky yarn (colors of your choice)
Probably already at home:
- Yarn scraps (to use up)
- Scissors
- Your fingers (no needles needed!)
Estimated Cost: $8-15 (or free if you use scraps)
What I love about this:
"This garland gives you that charming popcorn look without actual popcorn – which means it lasts forever and won't attract any curious pets or pests! The chunky texture adds such cozy warmth whether you're wrapping it around your tree or weaving it through a greenery garland."Perfect for: Beginner-Intermediate | Depends on length & your speed | Cozy & textured
Supplies you'll need
You'll need to get:
- Super bulky yarn (cream or white for popcorn look, 2 skeins for 7ft tree)
- Crochet hook K (size K / 6.5mm)
Probably already at home:
- Scissors
Estimated Cost: $10-20
What I love about this:
"This loopy garland has such a whimsical, dimensional quality – all those soft loops create amazing texture and movement! What makes it extra versatile is that it works beautifully beyond just Christmas: keep it up through fall and winter for cozy, year-round warmth."Perfect for: Intermediate | Depends on length & your knitting speed | Whimsical & wooly
Supplies you'll need
You'll need to get:
- Chunky yarn (color of your choice)
- Knitting needles (large size for chunky yarn)
Probably already at home:
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle (for weaving in ends)
Estimated Cost: $10-20
What I love about this:
"This ribbon garland is wonderfully individual and customizable! Mix patterns, textures, and colors to make it uniquely yours, whether you want classic Christmas plaids or soft vintage florals. It's such an easy, quick project that creates a big visual impact."Perfect for: Beginner | Quick, but depends on length | Colorful & fun
Supplies you'll need
You'll need to get:
- Ribbon Set (variety of patterns)
- Hot glue gun + glue sticks
Probably already at home:
- Scissors
Estimated Cost: $15-25
What I love about this:
"This fabric chain has such a beautiful vintage, nostalgic vibe – it feels like something you'd find carefully stored in your grandmother's Christmas box! It's completely reusable year after year, and you can switch up the order of the chains or add new ones to keep it fresh - pure sustainable holiday decorating."Perfect for: Intermediate (basic sewing skills) | A few hours depending on length | Vintage vibes
Supplies you'll need
You'll need to get:
- (Christmas) Fabric
- Velcro strips
- Sewing machine
- Fusible interfacing (for stability)
- Thread
Nice to have:
- Sewing snaps (instead of velcro)
Probably already at home:
- Scissors or rotary cutter
- Iron (for interfacing)
- Pins
Estimated Cost: $15-25
What I love about this:
"This is the perfect solution if you love the idea of fabric chains but don't sew! It's a wonderful way to make the nostalgic paper chain concept sustainable and reusable year after year."Perfect for: Beginner | 2-3 hours plus drying time | Easy & impactful
Supplies you'll need
You'll need to get:
- (Christmas) Fabric
- Fabric glue (strong, washable formula)
Nice to have:
- Fusible interfacing (for extra stability)
- Fusible tape (alternative to glue)
Probably already at home:
- Scissors
- Pins (to hold while drying)
- Iron (if using fusible products)
Estimated Cost: $12-20
What I love about this:
"Beads in all colors and sizes mean you can make this garland completely your own! It's so cute hung in a child's bedroom or draped over a doorway, and the simple stringing technique means even kids can help make their own garland. Pure whimsical fun!"Perfect for: Beginner | Make a full garland in 2 hours or less | Cute & whimsical
Supplies you'll need
You'll need to get:
- Beads (glass beads in various colors)
- Craft wire
Nice to have:
- Pearls (for a more vintage, traditional look)
Probably already at home:
- Scissors
Estimated Cost: $10-18
Where to Hang Garlands (Beyond the Mantel!)
Classic spots: Mantels, staircases, doorways, and windows are festive favorites for a reason.
Unexpected places: Hang garlands above your bed for cozy bedroom vibes, high along kids' room walls (out of reach but still festive!), woven through open kitchen shelving, or even above your bathroom mirror for holiday cheer in every room.
Layering tip: Mix textures and lengths for more impact – try a greenery base with a ribbon garland and dried oranges draped over top, more layers give more dimension to your decor.
Hanging Without Damage
No nails, no problem! Use Command Hooks for walls and above beds, or Adhesive Garland Clips for mantels and shelves. Both remove cleanly when the season ends. You can also anchor garland ends with heavy books on mantels, wrap around staircase balusters with ribbon, or use tension rods in doorways for lightweight garlands.
- Command hooks
- Garland clips
Garlands bring instant festive magic to any space – and when they're handmade, they feel even more special. The best part? You can customize them to your exact style, make them any length, and many will last for years.
Which garland will you make first? Save this collection to Pinterest and tag me if you create any of these – I'd love to see them in your home!
All Creators Featured
This collection features amazing work from:
- bonesandbuilds
- bymichellelei
- woodlark
- The Merrythought
- tylynnm_
- kyliesversion1
- deliacreates
- MADISON MARIE
- stitchberry.crochet
- fromabolivian
- almostmakesperfect
- genevavanderzeil
- Emily Welch Style
- The Kwendyhome
Go show them some love!
Shop Most-used Supplies
Essential Craft Supplies:
- Fell sheets
- Hot glue gun + glue sticks
- Jute twine
- Chunky yarn
- Ribbon
- (Christmas) Fabric
For Special Projects:
- Star anise
- Battery-operated string lights
- Crochet hook K
- Fabric glue
- Velcro strips
- Fusible interfacing
- Command hooks
- Garland clips
Tools & Basics:
- Scissors
- Large needle
Note: Many of these supplies you might already have at home! Check your craft stash before purchasing.
Disclaimers
Affiliate Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my links at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I believe in! Thank you for supporting Sunday Sofa. 💛
Content Credit: Many projects featured in this collection are created by the talented individuals linked above. I do not claim ownership of their work – I'm simply sharing what inspires me! Please visit the original creators for full tutorials and support their amazing content.
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