I learned how to make these from my mom who learned from her mom.
My grandparents hosted luaus when my mom was a child and she and my aunt would help make these.
Supplies needed:
- Crepe paper in rolls (or in folded sheets cut into 2 inch strips)
- Needle and Thread (I measured about 2 yards, but this depends on how long you want or need your lei to be…whatever you determine double it and that’s your thread length)
- Scissors
1. First measure your thread and cut it to size. Thread your needle and make the thread doubled so it is stronger than just one strand, and tie a knot at the end.
2. Start hand sewing through the center of your crepe paper. You want to do about 1/4 inch stitches and pull your thread all the way through to the end as you go.
3. Bunch up (like a fan) as you go.
4. Once you have maybe an inch or more in length “bunched”, stop and twist clockwise, maintaining the tightness somewhat to keep the twirl.
5. Keep going and repeat until you have reached the desired length of lei (on average it takes me an hour or so to do one).
6. When you get to the end, sew into the beginning and knot off to connect the lei.
7. Cut remaining thread and you’re done! Enjoy!
These are delicate because they are made out of crepe paper, so try to keep these from being smashed because they have a hard time “bouncing back” into form.
This was my first time photographing a tutorial. It was a lot of fun and I look forward to doing more in the future! If anyone makes these – I’d love to see pictures! Thanks 
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{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Nicole,
I love your blog. Heather brought it to my attention. Especially love all the craft ideas and of course the photography is wonderful.
very nice
My sis makes this with silk cloth and they make good garlands
.-= Lakshmi´s last blog ..Bisi Uppinakayi/Grated Mango Instant Pickle =-.
Loved these ones! Had been looking for a craft for my daughter’s 10th birthday and these look so beautiful compared to the ones done with straws and cut out paper flowers!! Will definitely try them out!!
I hope I do get a chance to try this.
Thank you for the tutorial.
The leis look sweet, and the idea of making them is charming.
By the way, nice to meet you… I came over from visiting “How About Orange.”
I have just finished making some of these for a fancy dress party … they are so simple to do and very attractive when finished …. Thank you
My daughter is turning two this summer and I was thinking about doing a luau for her party. I thought I’d try this to see if I’m up for making enough for everyone and my first one turned out pretty decent so I think I might try to make them all. Better get started now though
Congratulation…very nice
so easy to follow! thanks for sharing!
Nice idea. If you like leis that don’t fade
: http://mirabellesdesignshop.wordans.com/t-shirt-category/tropics-tropiques-t-shirts-7625
I love the smell of plumeria. Mmh!!! What a beautiful tradition.
Mira-belle´s last [type] ..Le saumon ne se fume pas tout seul / Where there’s more smoke
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