Nothing is more fun than crafting a beautiful fall wreath. Today’s project is all about using what you probably already lying around to make a wonderful wreath to welcome Autumn.
I don’t know about you, but I have a difficult time throwing things away. In my maker loft, I have two (!) boxes of paper scraps and a fabric scrap box as well.
Today’s project will help us to use some of those fabric scraps!
Please watch my video tutorial below to see how I put together this fabulous fall wreath using fabric scraps.
A Word About The Fall Wreath Fabric
Woven vs. Knit
I used woven fabric scraps to craft the wreath. I tend to have more woven fabric than knit fabric, but that is slowly changing as I learn to sew knit pieces.
Although I have not tried to use knits for this project, you probably could do so, if knits are what you have in your scrap box. What is important is to stick to one or the other.
I had several scrap pieces to choose from for my fall wreath. The yellow and orange pieces, I have no idea where I obtained them. But the multi-colored brown scrap was leftover from a skirt that I sewed two years ago. And the dotted sage scraps were actually from a sheet set.
Two of my fabrics were heavier in weight – the orange and browns. The different weights did not affect the overall look or function of the fall wreath.
No Fabric Scraps? No Problem
I know that not every crafter is a sewist or quilter, so if that describes you, then you may not have a fabric scrap box.
If this is you, you will have to buy some fabric. I think about two yards should suffice. If you choose four different colorways, then you will need about a half yard of each color or design.
You could purchase fat quarters or jelly rolls, both are pre-cut packages of fabric that make some projects (e.g., quilts) quicker and easier to come together.
Fat quarters measure 18 x 21 inches and are equivalent to a quarter of a yard of fabric. They are often sold in bundles.
Jelly rolls, on the other hand, are pre-cut strip bundles with each strip being 2.5 inches wide. If you choose to go the jelly roll route, please note that your fabric strips will be an inch wider than what I used on my fall wreath.
One great thing about using fat quarters and jelly rolls is that the bundles are made up of complementary fabrics. So the colors work together! Plus, the cutting will go much faster.
So What Do You Need To Get Started With Your Fall Wreath?
Another great thing about this project is that it has a short materials list! Basically, you will need about 2 yards of fabric, a metal wreath frame, scissors, or a rotary cutter. That’s it.
And some time. While the cutting requires some concentration and focus, when you move to the knotting step, you can put on a movie and knot away.
For your convenience, I included affiliate links which means I may make a commission, but it won’t cost you any more. Read my entire disclosure here.
Materials and Supplies:
- Fabric strips (approximately 2 yards) – use left fall fabric scraps
- Or Fat Quarters
- Or Jelly Roll
- 14-inch Wire Wreath Frame
- Scissors, or
- Rotary Cutter
- Cutting Mat (if using rotary cutter)
- Ruler
Cutting or Tearing Fabric?
In the video, you will see me use my rotary cutter to cut some of the strips. However, I also show you have to tear the fabric into long strips by starting a cut, then ripping it down the grainline. Should you cut or should you tear?
Cutting Pros and Cons
Cutting will give you nice, clean edges on all of your strips. You won’t have loose threads all over the place. The downside to cutting is that it takes a lot longer to precisely measure and cut each strip of fabric.
Tearing Pros and Cons
The advantage of tearing is that it is quicker. This is a plus if you need a lot of strips. I cut just over 400 strips and used 354 of them. This fall wreath project uses a lot of strips!
Now, if you decide to tear your fabric into long strips, you will still need scissors or a rotary cutter to cut each strip to the correct length. But you can stack your strips and make that part go quicker.
If you decide to tear your strips, then your edges will look frayed. This is both a pro and a con. I personally like this look. It yells ‘fall’ and ‘farmhouse’ to me. But if that isn’t your cup of tea, then you may want o stick with cutting.
One definite disadvantage to tearing is that you end up with lots of loose threads everywhere.
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Ready to get started?
Here’s How To Make A Fall Wreath Using Fabric Scraps
First, choose appropriate fabrics for the fall wreath.
Start by looking through your fabric scraps and pull out those that have rich autumn colors. Choose two to four pieces for your fall wreath. You could do a wreath in one type of fabric if you had a big enough piece.
If you do not have fabric, then purchase some yardage, fat quarters, or jelly rolls in autumn colors.
The next step is to cut or tear fabric scraps.
Decide whether you want to cut all your strips, or if you want to tear your fabric into long strips. Tearing the fabric will provide a more rustic look to your fall wreath.
Rip or cut your scraps into 1.5-inch x 7-inch strips. (If using a jelly roll, your strips will be 2.5 inches wide). I cut up 409 strips and used 354 of them.
That’s a lot of strips!
Finally, begin tying the strips into half knots.
You will want to alternate colors as you tie the strips to the wreath frame. Because I had so many more strips of the sage green fabric, I used these strips for every other knot.
Now note that most metal wreaths frames have four, connected wire circles or rings, each one a bit smaller than the previous one.
For a full, pretty fall wreath, I recommend that you knot strips around at least three of the wire circles. Always wrap the innermost circle and the outermost circle.
For my wreath, I knotted strips around three of the circles – the inner circle or ring and the two outer circles or rings. My wreath is very full, and it is not obvious that I skipped one of the circles.
NOTE: I cut 409 strips of fabric, but I did not have enough left to do all four rings.
Use just a simple half knot – no need to tie a complicated knot! My metal wreath frame was split into six sections. I used approximately 17 strips per section on the smallest ring and approximately 22 strips on the larger rings.
I’m not sure how long this project took to come together. I worked on it while I attended an online conference. So I spent a lot of time tying the half knots while watching and listening to presenters online.
I have a touch of arthritis, so by the time I was finished, my fingers were achy. A word to the wise – you may want to take breaks when you are knotting the strips!
The Finished Product – A Fabulous Fall Wreath
This project makes a gorgeous fall wreath! I can’t wait to hang my wreath. I have a spot all picked out for it!
Where will you put your wreath? Let me know in the comments below.
While the fall wreath project takes a bit of time, it does not use many materials. Most of the materials you probably already have stashed away!
This project and the fall season have me thinking about quilting. I may have to start a quilt soon. Do you quilt? Let me know in the comments.
Additional Reading
Missing summer already? Check out these summer flower projects:
Craft A Giant Paper Sunflower You’ll Love Forever
How To Make Amazing Rolled Paper Roses
Create A Quick And Easy Giant Paper Flower
How To Make Beautiful Layered Paper Flowers…
Looking for a gift for someone? Check out my Tate + Zoey boutique! It has jewelry, home decor, bags, and so much more. There’s even a gift planner, so you never miss a birthday or anniversary!
