*Reader Request* ~ Vintage Crepe Paper Garland

I've had a few requests from readers to share how to make vintage-look crepe paper garland.   Betty mentioned that she saw some on Etsy but with shipping it was going to be over 6.00 a yard! Since you can buy an entire roll of crepe paper for $.99 she was pretty sure it could be made cheaper.  Well she was right...we sure can!

So here goes...

How to Make

Vintage Crepe Paper Garland

Supplies:

Crepe Paper
Sewing Machine or Thread/Needle
Deco Scissors (optional)
Glitter (optional)

Instructions:

1.  Pull of a long section of crepe paper from the roll.  I used approx. 5 yards. 



2. (Optional) if you would like your garland to have a decorative edge follow steps 2 & 3.  If not, skip to step #4. 

Fold the crepe paper over and over until it makes a nice bundle.  This is just to help speed up trimming the edge.

3. Cut one edge of the crepe paper with decorative shears.

4. O.k...now I'm going to tell you how I gather the crepe paper.  It's not the only way you can do this but it works for me.  I'll share a couple other techniques at the end.

Place one edge (straight end if you trimmed one edge with deco shears) of the crepe paper under the foot of the machine.  Pinch and push the crepe paper to create random gathers in front of the foot.  Begin sewing slowly while you continue to gather the crepe paper in front of the foot. 

Continue slowly sewing and gathering the crepe paper until all of the paper has been sewn.

This method will create random gathers in the finished garland.  I think this contributes to the vintage look and feel of the garland. 

Here is a bit of the garland tucked under one of the heart lace doilies just to show you how cool it looks...

TIP #1: You could apply a bit of glue to the exposed edges then dip these glued edges in regular or glass glitter for added texture and sparkle.

TIP #2: If you'd like a shorter of fluffier ruffle you could sew down the center of the crepe paper and fold it over.  This will give you a double shorter layer or you could use it flat with a piece of ribbon covering the stitch line.

Other Sewing Options:

As I mentioned above there are many ways to sew this garland below are two additional techniques:

1. For a more precise gather you could use a pencil or popsicle stick to measure and tuck each pleat. After you have gathered a few inches, press each pleat with a craft iron.  This will create exact and precise pleats in your finished garland.    I know some people like this more exacting pleated look but personally I think it looks machine made and not very vintage at all.

2. You could also use a needle/thread and use a running stitch ~ simply push stitch in and out every 1/4" - 1/2".  Once you have stitched the entire length of the crepe paper pull the thread through the crepe paper and gather as you pull.  This gives you a bit more control over the gathers without looking machine made.  It is a bit more time consuming but yields great results.

Tomorrow I'll share a couple Vintage Valentine Cards using some of this garland....

I may also tuck a bit of it into the Valentine goodie package ;)