Felt Leaf Garland: A Touch of Nature Indoors

There’s something spectral about bringing the outdoors in, especially during those months when nature seems to retreat.

A felt leaf garland perfectly captures that essence. It’s a simple craft that transforms your space with warmth and natural charm without the inevitable crumbling and fading of real leaves.

The soft texture mimics nature while adding its own cozy appeal.

The best part? You can customize every aspect—from leaf shapes and colors to garland length—making it uniquely yours.

Whether draped across a mantel, wrapped around a banister, or hanging from a doorway, these little fabric leaves create a subtle celebration of nature that lasts all year round. Ready to get crafting?

Benefits of Making a Homemade Felt Leaf Garland

• Eco-friendly decoration— Unlike harmful plastic decorations that end up in landfills, felt is biodegradable, and your garland can be used year after year, reducing seasonal waste.
• Customizable to your space—You can create the garland in your preferred size, color, and shape that complements your needs and your home. That dusty purple felt that perfectly matches your throw pillows? Go for it!
• Therapeutic crafting time—The repetitive nature of cutting and stitching leaves creates a meditative experience. Many crafters find that their breathing slows down and their shoulders relax while working with their hands.
• All-season versatility— Unlike real foliage, which wilts, your felt leaves stay vibrant, be it spring, summer, fall, or winter. Just change up the colors to match the season!
• Family bonding opportunity – Even young kids can help trace leaves or select colors. My nephew and I made one together last fall, and he still points it out lordly whenever he visits.
• Budget-friendly decor – For under $20, you can create a substantial garland that would cost three times as much in a boutique shop. Plus, you’ll likely have leftover materials for other small projects.

When Is the Best Time to Make a Felt Leaf Garland?

The beauty of making a felt leaf garland is that there’s really no wrong time to create one. Many people feel inspired during early autumn when real leaves are changing colors all around them.

There’s something perfectly aligned about cutting felt leaves while sipping apple cider and watching the trees outside transform.

But don’t feel limited by seasons! Winter evenings, when darkness falls early, and you’re craving a cozy indoor project, make for wonderful crafting sessions, too.

I personally find that the rainy weekends or those in-between holiday times work beautifully. You know those strange few weeks after Christmas but before spring decorations feel appropriate? That’s when having a crafting project like this really shines.

Some folks even turn garland-making into a summer activity with kids who need entertainment during school breaks. The project isn’t time-sensitive and can be picked up or set down as your schedule allows.

Honestly, whenever you have a few spare hours and the creative itch strikes is the perfect time to start your felt leaf collection.

Supplies Required: Tools and Materials

DIY Felt Leaf Garland: How To Create a Stunning Decoration

Creating your own felt leaf garland isn’t just crafting—it’s a small act of seasonal magic.

There’s something wonderfully satisfying about transforming simple sheets of felt into delicate leaves that capture autumn’s essence.

And the best part? Every imperfect stitch and slightly asymmetrical leaf make it uniquely yours.

Follow the steps below to make your own unique felt leaf garland.

Step 1. Prepare Your Materials

Gather all the supplies.

Choose your felt in three to six colors for variety.

Decide on the length of your garland and cut a strip of white felt ¾-inch wide and as long as you want the garland to be.

Step 2. Create the Felt Leaves

Use a fabric marker to trace as many leaves as possible onto each felt sheet.

To speed up cutting, stack three sheets of felt and secure them with clips or pins before cutting.

This allows us to cut multiple leaves at once.

Step 3. Determine the Number of Leaves Needed

Measure your garland strip and calculate the number of leaves you’ll need.

If the leaves are spaced 1 inch apart, 60 leaves will create a garland approximately 64 inches (160 cm) long.

Step 4. Shape and Add Texture to the Leaves

For a more natural look, apply a small dab of hot glue at the bottom of each leaf, fold the bottom slightly, and pinch it together.

This gives the leaves dimension instead of looking flat.

Please repeat this step for all leaves before attaching them to the garland.

Step 5. Assemble the Garland Base

Take the white felt strip and fold one end to form a small loop, securing it with glue.

This loop will make hanging easier.

If your garland strip isn’t long enough, attach additional strips by gluing the short ends together and pinching them firmly.

Step 6. Attach the Leaves

Starting at one end of the strip, apply a small dab of glue at the base of a leaf and press it firmly onto the strip.

Place the next leaf 1 inch apart on the opposite side of the strip, alternating sides as you go.

For a balanced design, continue adding leaves in a repeating color sequence (e.g., blue, red, white).

Step 7. Finish and Hang Your Garland

Once all the leaves are attached and your garland reaches the desired length, check for any loose pieces and secure them with extra glue.

Let it dry completely before hanging. Use the loops on each end to hang your garland on a mantel, wall, or doorway.

For more details, check out the YouTube video below

Unique Ways to Use a Felt Leaf Garland in Your Home

1. Cozy Mantel Decor

• Pair with fairy lights or candles for an alluring glow.
• Switch out colors seasonally to match the time of year.
• Layer with pumpkins, pinecones, or greenery for a textured look.
• Drape loosely or securely in swags for different styling effects.

2. Window Frame Accent

• Use as a curtain tieback for a soft, nature-inspired touch.
• Frame the window top for a subtle yet graceful statement.
• Combine with sheer drapes for a layered, whimsical effect.
• Drape over a kitchen window for a cozy farmhouse look.
• Wrap around a hanging planter for an extra botanical feel.

3. Bookshelf or Cabinet Styling

• Weave between books to break up rigid rows.
• Add a pop of color to neutral-toned shelves.
• Pair with small string lights for a spectral glow.

4. Bed Frame or Headboard Detail

• Hang across the headboard for a soft, whimsical look.
• Match it to bedding colors to tie the room together.
• Drape over canopy beds for a dreamy aesthetic.
• Use pastel tones for a calming bedroom vibe.

5. Dining Table Centerpiece

• Lay it along the center as a decorative table runner.
• Add candles or flowers for a charming, layered effect.
• Choose seasonal colors for year-round versatility.
• Pair with woven placemats to enhance texture.
• Use multiple strands for a fuller, lush appearance.

6. Holiday & Party Decor

• Use pastels for Easter or bright tones for summer parties.
• Hang across a party table as a fun backdrop.
• Make a seasonal garland by adding mini ornaments.
• Wrap around a Christmas tree for a soft, handmade touch.
• Use in a photo booth set up for birthdays or celebrations.

7. Nursery or Playroom Decor

• It is safe for kids as there are no sharp edges or fragile materials.
• Hang above a crib for a soft, cozy aesthetic.
• Use a reading nook to create a dreamy corner.

8. Staircase or Banister Wrap

• Weave around railings for an organic, flowing effect.
• Mix with twinkle lights to create a spectral look.
• Use deep greens for winter or pastels for spring.
• Secure with ribbons or twine for a charming, rustic feel.

9. DIY Wall Art or Backdrop

• Arrange in cascading layers for a boho-inspired design.
• Create a photo backdrop for special occasions.
• Attach with removable hooks for an easy, renter-friendly option.

10. Outdoor Covered Patio Decor

• Perfect for covered porches—adds warmth and texture.
• Pair with hanging lanterns for an inviting outdoor space.

Links to Buy or Find Inspiration for Felt Leaf Garlands

Felt Fall Leaf Garland

Color: Colorful
Material: Felt
Item Length: 80 Inches
Item Weight: 1.13 ounces

6ft Handmade Felt Fall Leaf Garland

Item Length: 6ft (180cm)
Material: 100% Sheep Wool from New Zealand
Color: Multicolor

Glaciart One Felt Leaves Garland

Item Length: 6ft
Material: Natural New Zealand Wool
Color: Green
Weight: 1g

Wool Felt Daisy Chain Banner Garland

Item length: 80 inches
Material: Wool
Color: Yellow

Holiday Felt Garland

Item Length: 59 Inches
Material: Felted Wool
Color: Pinecone

Caring for Your Felt Leaf Garland: Tips to Make It Last Longer

• Store it flat when not in use: Tangled garlands are a pain to fix! I like to wrap mine gently around a piece of cardboard or roll it in tissue paper before tucking it in a storage container.

• Keep it away from direct sunlight: Even high-quality felt can fade over time, so be careful about the placement.

• Dust occasionally with a hairdryer: Set it on cool, low speed, and give your garland a quick blast from about a foot away.

• Spot clean only when necessary: If something spills on your felt garland, use a tiny bit of mild soap on a damp cloth and gently blot (don’t rub). Then, let it air dry completely before handling.

• Add a drop of clear nail polish to the thread ends: This little trick prevents fraying and unraveling over time.

• Keep pets curious about dangling objects at bay: My cat thinks all garlands are cat toys! I hang mine high enough that she can’t bat at the leaves.

• Refresh with a light spritz of fabric freshener: If your garland picks up cooking odors or gets musty in storage, a light mist (held 12 inches away) can help without saturating the felt.

• Consider a lint roller for quick cleanup: A few passes with a lint roller work much better than trying to wash feet.

• Reinforce any weakening connections: Check your garland before storing and after unpacking each year.

The Bottom line

As the seasons change outside your window, your felt leaf garland remains a constant—a handcrafted touch that brings warmth to your space year-round.

There’s something deeply satisfying about glancing up at those colorful leaves and thinking, “I made that.” Unlike store-bought decorations that feel anonymous, each uneven stitch or slightly asymmetrical leaf in your garland tells a story of time well spent.

Whether it’s draped across your bookshelf today, adorning a birthday celebration tomorrow, or becoming part of a holiday tradition years from now, your felt creation evolves with your home and life.

So gather your materials, set aside a quiet hour, and create something that’s more than decoration—it’s a little piece of you, stitched with care and hung with pride.