How to Make a DIY Felt Ball Garland
Few decorations are as cheerful as a felt ball garland — those bouncy, colorful wool balls strung along mantels, Christmas trees, and doorways. They’re a staple of Scandinavian and boho holiday decor, they last for years, and here’s the best part: they’re incredibly easy to make yourself for a fraction of the store price.
Whether you buy ready-made felt balls or roll your own from wool roving, this guide shows you how to string a beautiful DIY felt ball garland, plus creative ways to style it all season (and beyond).
What You’ll Need
• Felt balls: 30–50 wool felt balls, 2–3 cm diameter (buy a mixed bag, or make your own — see below).
• Stringing cord: sturdy cotton cord, baker’s twine, or thin leather cord.
• A long, sharp needle: a doll needle or upholstery needle works best — the eye must fit your cord.
• Optional: wooden beads, bells, or tassels to mix in.
How to String a Felt Ball Garland
Step 1 — Plan your pattern. Lay out your felt balls in the order you want them: alternating colors, an ombré fade, or random rainbow. For a 6-foot garland, you’ll need roughly 40–50 balls (they compress slightly when strung).
Step 2 — Thread the needle. Cut your cord about 2 feet longer than your desired garland length (for hanging tails). Thread the needle and knot the far end so balls don’t slide off.
Step 3 — String the balls. Push the needle straight through the center of each felt ball. Wool felt is dense, so use a thimble or push against a table for leverage. Slide each ball down the cord as you go.
Step 4 — Space and finish. Push balls snugly together for a full, lush garland, or space them out with knots between each for an airy look. Tie loops at both ends for hanging. Done!
How to Make Your Own Felt Balls
Want truly custom colors? Roll your own. Pull a tuft of wool roving (about the size of a golf ball), wrap it tightly into a ball shape, then wet it with hot, soapy water. Roll firmly between your palms for several minutes — the heat, soap, and friction felt the fibers together. Rinse in cold water, squeeze dry, and let air-dry completely. It takes practice to get perfectly round balls, but slightly organic shapes look charming. Making 40+ balls is meditative but time-consuming; most crafters buy a bag of ready-made balls and save DIY rolling for accent colors.
Color Palettes to Try
Classic Christmas: red, green, cream, and gold — timeless and festive.
Scandinavian minimal: all white and cream with a few light grey balls. Serene and elegant.
Candy brights: pink, mint, coral, and yellow for a playful, modern holiday look.
Woodland: forest green, rust, mustard, and brown — gorgeous with natural greenery.
Winter ombré: fade from deep navy through blue to white, like a winter sky.
Where to Hang Your Garland
Felt ball garlands are endlessly versatile. Drape one across the mantel, swag it along the staircase banister, or wrap it around the Christmas tree as a soft alternative to tinsel. They look adorable strung across a window, over a doorway, or along a holiday tablescape. Because they’re soft and unbreakable, they’re perfect in homes with toddlers and pets. Try layering a felt ball garland with fresh greenery — the texture contrast is beautiful, much like mixing textures in a dried orange garland display.
Beyond Christmas
One of the best things about felt ball garlands is that they’re not just for December. A pastel garland works for Easter and spring, red-white-and-blue for the Fourth of July, and warm neutrals year-round in a playroom or nursery. Make one neutral garland as your everyday piece, then swap in seasonal colors. They also make sweet party decor — string your wedding colors for a bridal shower or school colors for graduation. For more handmade holiday projects, browse our DIY Christmas ornaments.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many felt balls do I need for a garland?
Plan on 7–9 balls per foot for a full look. A standard 6-foot mantel garland needs about 40–50 balls (2–3 cm size).
What kind of string is best for felt ball garlands?
Sturdy cotton cord or baker’s twine works well and looks natural. Avoid stretchy elastic — it sags over time. Thin leather cord gives a more polished, modern look.
Are felt ball garlands safe for homes with cats?
Cats famously love batting at them! Wool felt balls are non-toxic, but hang garlands out of reach if your cat chews — ingested wool can cause digestive issues. Secure hanging points well.
How do you clean a felt ball garland?
Spot-clean with a damp cloth; don’t machine wash. A lint roller keeps them looking fresh, and storing in a breathable bag (not plastic) prevents mustiness between seasons.
