If you’re looking for an easy DIY that feels old-fashioned, cozy, and completely natural, learning how to make a popcorn garland is a perfect place to start.
This is one of those projects that feels slow in the best way. It’s simple enough for beginners, relaxing enough to do while watching television, and fun to make with friends or family.
Popcorn garlands have been part of Christmas decorating for generations, and it’s easy to see why. They’re homemade, all natural, and charming in their simplicity. So let's grab some supplies and get start crafting.
How to Make a Popcorn Garland (Step by Step)
Supplies You’ll Need
You only need a few basic supplies to make a popcorn garland.
- Popcorn (You want plain popcorn with no butter, oil, or seasoning. Stale popcorn works best. If you have time, pop your popcorn the day before and let it sit out overnight.)
- Long sewing needle or small yarn needle (I used a small yarn needle, which worked very well.)
- Scissors
- Thick thread or thin twine (I used thin twine for my garland.)
This process is simple, but taking your time makes it more enjoyable.
Step 1: Pop Your Popcorn
Begin by popping your popcorn.
If you have time, do this the day before you plan to make the garland so the popcorn can become slightly stale. Stale popcorn is less fragile and threads more easily.
If you don’t have time to wait, you can still make the garland right away. Just be a little gentler as you work.
Step 2: Cut and Measure Your Twine
Measure and cut 36 inches of twine.
Shorter lengths are much easier to work with than one very long piece. You can always tie the sections together later to create a longer garland.
Cut as many 36-inch pieces as you think you’ll need.
Step 3: Thread the Needle
Thread your twine through your needle and tie a small knot at one end. This keeps the popcorn from sliding off as you work.
Step 4: Thread the Popcorn
Carefully push the needle through a piece of popcorn.
I’ve found it’s easiest to push the needle through a soft spot rather than the harder outer kernel casing. This helps prevent the popcorn from cracking.
Slide the popcorn down the twine. Then repeat the process with the next piece. Continue adding popcorn one piece at a time.
Step 5: Fill the Twine
Keep threading popcorn until the twine is full.
Leave a couple of inches of twine at each end. This extra length makes it easy to tie sections together later.
Repeat the process until you’ve made as many sections as you want.
Preserving Your Popcorn Garland
Some people choose to preserve their popcorn garland by spraying it with a clear sealer. This can help extend its life and keep pests away.
For my project, I don’t preserve mine at all.
I leave my popcorn garland completely natural when decorating with it at Christmas. After the season is over, I simply throw it away.
If I decide to use the popcorn garland again next year, I'll make a fresh one. It’s easy, inexpensive, and part of the charm of this tradition.
Decorating Ideas With Your Popcorn Garland
There are so many fun ways to decorate with a popcorn garland.
Here are a few ideas:
- Hang it on your Christmas tree
- Drape it on a greenery garland
- Add cranberries for a classic look
- Mix in dried orange slices or rosemary
- Dye the popcorn different colors for a creative twist
Popcorn garlands are incredibly versatile and work with many decorating styles.
We’ve used popcorn garlands for several Christmas seasons now. This year, it fit in perfectly with our Little House on the Prairie Christmas tree.
Several years ago, we also used it on a Little Women Christmas tree, where it worked beautifully as well.
Why Make a Popcorn Garland?
Making a popcorn garland is an easy DIY project that doesn’t require special skills or expensive supplies. It’s the kind of craft that feels comforting and nostalgic.
You don’t need to rush. You just thread popcorn, one piece at a time, and enjoy the process.
This is also a great beginner project. If you’ve never made a handmade Christmas decoration before, this is a wonderful place to start.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to make a popcorn garland is about more than just decorating. It’s about slowing down and enjoying a simple, handmade tradition.
This easy DIY project proves that you don’t need anything fancy to create something special. Sometimes the simplest decorations are the ones that feel the most meaningful.
If you enjoyed this project, here are a couple of other posts you might like:
- Christmas Garland Ideas
- Little House on the Prairie Inspired Christmas Decor & Home Tour
- Air Dry Clay Gingerbread Ornaments
Happy Decorating!
