Are you ever in that "crafty mood" and you don't know what to make? Like, you know you want to create something, but you don't have a lot of money but you want a cute craft project? This is the one. This Cute + Easy Rag Wreath DIY is adorable. Fast and easy, this wreath craft is made in just a couple of hours from simple fabric scraps. Plus you can customize it for your decor or holiday occasion.
Cute + Easy Rag Wreath DIY
Any time I make a trip through my local flea market I come home with a desire to MAKE SOMETHING. I want to make over every room, make cutesy farmhouse decor items and paint everything. Problem is, those things can cost a lot of money. But not this easy rag wreath craft.
Guys, I made this for 3 dollars. Granted, I already had the wreath frame from a previous Christmas Wreath craft. I did purchase the fabric on sale for this tutorial, but I didn't use all of it. By the time I did the math, it came up to $3.
Rag Wreath Supply List:
- 2 (ish) yards of fabric
- 12-inch wire wreath frame
- Scissors and / or pinking shears
For the fabric, you can get creative and use just about anything. Here are some ideas for you to get that imagination going for your own Rag Wreath.
- Old T-shirts or flannel shirts
- Flowered sheets and pillowcases
- Used curtains
- Thrift store fabric scraps
- Cheap bandanas
- Upcycled old cloth napkins
- Canvas and burlap
- Soft denim
- Lace and ribbon scraps
To start simply cut the fabric into strips about 9 inches long and an inch or so side. No need to be precise. My strips ranged from an inch to 2 inches wide. I cut some strips with regular scissors, but to add texture I cut others with pinking shears. You can find them in your local craft department. They also sell some with scalloped edges that would be very cute for this wreath craft.
You will end up with piles of fabric "rags" to make your wreath with. You can go with all one color, three or four solid colors, or mix and match patterns in a similar shade like I did. My goal was to create a vibrant wreath that would transition from the end of summer into the cooler fall months. (Plus, these are the colors of my favorite college football team, the Tennessee Vols.)
Just think of all the different wreaths you can make to accent your home. (Adorably + Affordably!)
More Rag Wreath Decor Ideas:
- Pick soft and subtle shades and patterns for a perfect shabby chic wreath for your baby's nursery.
- Bright and bold school colors make this great for tailgating and homegating during football season.
- Grab your favorite holiday fabrics to create a fabulous Christmas wreath.
- All them holidays: New Years, Valentine's, St. Patrick's, Easter, July 4th, Halloween, Thanksgiving....
- Make yours with a mix of lace and fabrics for a homemade touch at rustic weddings + receptions.
To get started, turn the wreath frame so the "curved" side is facing you. This will be your "fluffy" side, and the curve will help give the rag wreath a fuller look. Take the first fabric strip and tie it in an even double knot around the center two wires. See image above for detailed example.
Repeat this double knot process on the outside two wires, then the inside two wires, then back to the middle. Alternate your patterns and colors as you work across the wreath. This will give it a random, unfussy look.
If you are wanting to create stripes (i.e., a red white and blue patriotic wreath), you can tie several rounds of one color then switch to another color to get the look you want.
After every 5 or 6 knots that you tie, slide the knots down onto each other. This creates that full wreath that you are after. Getting excited! My wreath is coming along nicely.
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Below is what your wreath should look like from the back. Note the pattern of middle-side-side-middle-side-side. There are no special knotting techniques, just a standard double knot. If you are looking for a fun craft with the kids, they will love this because they can do it, too. (Use supervision and good judgement when working with scissors.)
Once you get going, this Rag Wreath doesn't take much time at all. I completed mine in about 4 hours, working off and on while I did chores around the house. You can likely complete it much faster.
These wreaths are great to give as gifts, too. Especially if you know your friend's house "colors" in their decor. You will see similar type wreaths for sale on websites for $25 - $60 dollars...but I'm confident you can create this look yourself.
To hang, cut a length of matching fabric or twine as long as you would like. Loop it through the wire frame and secure with a knot. If you see any rag pieces that are too long, just snip them off to shape the wreath how you like it.
That's it. You can embellish your Rag Wreath with wooden letters, ornaments, bows and flowers. Whatever your style is, make it your own.
The instructions in this Rag Wreath DIY post are for a 12 inch wreath. To make a larger wreath, add about half a yard of fabric for each size up. You may need more or less depending on how full you make your wreath.
We would LOVE to see your original wreath creations. If you try this DIY Craft, post a picture of it on social media and tag us @buythiscookthat. 🙂
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Susan Goodrich
I love your wreath and always thought they were hard to make your directions were very helpful .Thank you for sharing .
Teri
Thanks so much! They are a lot of fun. About to make some more ...I think this time in red, white and blue for the Memorial Day and 4th of July Holidays.
Amy
I love this wreath. I’ve started one for myself but frustrated with the fraying of the fabric. See yours has some as well but mine seems out of control and think it looks too sloppy. Anything advice on how to handle this? Thank you.
Teri
It probably depends on the fabric, but cutting some of the strips with pinking shears will help minimize the fraying.If you aren't familiar, something like these: https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Dressmaking-Scalloped-Professional-Decoration/dp/B079DPCLQ6/ref=asc_df_B079DPCLQ6/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=242040131209&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6533377228465375116&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9013566&hvtargid=pla-455645587626&psc=1
Amy
Thank you so much! I wasn’t sure if you’d reply back. I will be sure to get those and see what happens. Looking forward to trying again. I’ve already cut many but went w bit bigger than your so I should be able to still use them on those I cut. Appreciate you getting back to me.
Teri
Good luck! Hope it turns out like you want. 🙂
Amy
Thank you! I’m working on it today. Hope when I’m done by fluffing it up it looks similar to you because as of now it’s very flat. I only did one knot. Every time I did the double it turned it sideways. Not sure this is my type of wreath. Too picky. Haha
Teri
Pack as many of the strips in as you can. That makes it fluffy.