rag wreath {coastal inspired}–a tutorial

 

It’s a coastal rag wreath, inspired by my love of all the current coastal trend combined with my love of the shabby simplicity of rag wreaths. It was cheap, easy and fun to make. Keep reading for the how-to!

 

 

Step 1: Collect your materials. For the wreath form, I used a basic foam wreath that I picked up at the Dollar Tree, though I know Michaels has these as well. Also, gather the fabrics you want to use for this wreath. I stuck with neutral tones of both quilting weight and decorator weight fabrics. The heavier fabrics are a bit stiffer and hang differently than the quilting weight fabrics, and I tend to like the intermingling of the two.

 

Step 2: Cut strips of your fabrics, about 6-8 inches long (check one before cutting all to make sure you are happy with the length!).

 

 

Step 3: Here is where the fun begins-take your individual strips and start tying them to your wreath form. I tended to tie square knots, but I don’t think it matters. Every once in a while, push your tied strips together…I think the tighter together they are, the better the finished product looks.

Keep in mind that it’s best to look at crafting, like life, as a journey, not a destination…this takes forever and a day to do…and, yes, that is an iced coffee in the background. Like I said, you may want to get comfortable.

 

 

Step 4:  Once you have tied all of your fabric scraps, the next step is making the ragged starfish for the center of your wreath. To do this, draw a starfish onto your fabric of choice and cut it out. With wrong sides together, stitch around your starfish, leaving a few inches for stuffing. Stuff your starfish with whatever you have on hand (for me, this means more fabric scraps), and then stitch your hole closed. Hot glue a length of twine to the back of your starfish for hanging. Easy Peasy.

 

Step 5: Decide on what you want to hang your wreath with. I debated between wide jute ribbon, cream satin ribbon, and cotton cording. I tried all three, and liked the natural, simple look of the cotton cording the best.

 

And you’re done!

Thanks for reading, have a great week!