Project Monday : Crepe Paper Leis

by nicolemiko on June 22, 2009

This entry is part of a series, Project Mondays»

blue lei

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.

lei supplies

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.

needle sew

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.

bunch up

3. Bunch up (like a fan) as you go.

twisting

twisted length

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).

tying off

tied off

6. When you get to the end, sew into the beginning and knot off to connect the lei.

cut end

7. Cut remaining thread and you’re done! Enjoy!

finished lei

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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{ 1 trackback }

Folding Trees » Crepe paper lei
July 1, 2009 at 4:01 am

{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Rebecca Dilello June 24, 2009 at 1:24 pm

Nicole,

I love your blog. Heather brought it to my attention. Especially love all the craft ideas and of course the photography is wonderful.

2 pinar July 1, 2009 at 5:51 am

very nice

3 Lakshmi July 1, 2009 at 7:31 pm

My sis makes this with silk cloth and they make good garlands :)
Lakshmi´s last blog ..Bisi Uppinakayi/Grated Mango Instant Pickle My ComLuv Profile

4 Roxana October 26, 2009 at 5:11 am

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!!

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