Easy DIY Upcycled Fabric Leaf Garland

Craft this DIY upcycled scrap fabric leaf garland from repurposed thrifted textiles. Wool scarves, blankets and sweaters can easily be transformed into charming, whimsical leaf garland with this easy how to.

Whenever Fall rolls around, I want to surround myself with cozy, textural fabrics. I just can’t get enough of vintage wool plaid blankets and all the layers when it gets chilly. Yes, I spread Fall colored quilts and afghans around, but I love figuring out other ways to enjoy cozy fabrics in my decor. This Easy DIY Upcycled Fabric Leaf Garland scratches the itch perfectly!

Easy DIY Upcycled Fabric Leaf Garland

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Repurposed Sweater Garland Inspiration

Last week I went to a vintage junk show and was totally smitten with one of the dealer’s booths. She upcycles and repurposes vintage textiles and I would love to bring home everything she makes. I bought one of her purses, a plaid leaf pillow and her repurposed sweater fabric garland.

I love to support small businesses. It helps them to buy their amazing creations, and it helps me to look at them when I want to make my own version!

As I looked her version over, it seemed like she had used various thicknesses of repurposed fabrics. But the construction looked like simple sewing; I thought, “I can do this!”

Gather Thrifted Textiles and Make Leaf Template

I’ve always got a stash of wonderful thrifted textiles on hand-plaid wool blankets, scarves, vintage wool fabrics. I love looking at them, and this project will let me enjoy them everyday!

Make a variety of leaf template shapes-3 versions is good. My three are between 1 1/4″-2″, slightly different. I do think this garland could be made as a bigger version, too. Maybe 2-3″ for a bigger impact spot?

Cut Lots of Scrap Fabric Leaves

Put on a podcast or your favorite music and start cutting a bunch of scrap fabric leaves. Use a wide variety of colors, designs and patterns. And vary the sizes. The thickness of wool fabrics works nicely.

Tips for Sewing Leaves Together

Obviously I am NOT a professional seamstress. But this project looked pretty easy-straight stitching. Looking closer at her example, it seemed she had backstitched between every leaf. Which would make everything stronger and hold together better.

When going from leaf to leaf, leave a little space at the end, leave the needle in the fabric and lift the presser foot. Place the next leaf slightly on top of the former leaf. Then continue sewing, back stitching a little.

I went totally random with fabric pattern placement. But you could get a different look by using a certain color scheme, doing a bokeh effect, or all one color.

Think I’m going to put a new needle in my machine before making the next garland. My needle seemed dull and didn’t penetrate the fabric as smoothly as it should have.

All in all, it’s pretty simple. But obviously practice makes perfect.

Also-I used brown thread. You can change the look of your garland with the fabrics you choose and the thread.

Finished garland length should be about 3 yards. (Hers had 65 leaves)

For the Finish, Iron

To smooth wrinkles and crinkles in the fabric leaves, finish with a simple iron so they lay straighter. It’s so fun to see all the fabric patterns together!

Upcycled Fabric Leaf Garland as Fall Decor

My first stretch turned out to be four yards, so quite long! I might be hanging it on our mantel as Fall decor. Think it would be a great table runner centerpiece placed over a green foliage garland for Thanksgiving. I used my purchased one draped on my fall decorated hutch. Love the fun, eclectic vibe it adds.

Are you going to make some for yourself? If I get in a good groove, I’d love to make some for my booth for the harvest season. Just wish I was a faster seamstress!

For a coordinating wreath idea (without the sewing), see “Leafy DIY Fabric Scrap Wreath for Fall”.

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Thrifting with the Gals

My Thrifting with the Gals friends are joining me today. See how Ann, Rachel and Robyn are decorating with their thrifted finds from Vermont and Maine, North Carolina, and Florida!

Robyn, Robyn’s French Nest, “How to Add Fall Decor to Your Coastal Grandmillenial Decor”

Ann, Dabbling and Decorating, “My Mountain Fall Scarecrow Layered in Thrifted Blue”

Rachel, The Ponds Farmhouse, “Don’t Overpay at Antique Malls: Curated vs Cluttered Pro Shopping Tips”

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