How to Weave Diamondback Garland for Homecoming Mums

Back in 1911, the University of Missouri Athletic Director, Chester Brewer, initiated the first homecoming. Since that time, universities and high schools have embraced the tradition, and in the southern states, homecoming mums became popular. These huge corsages tell others about the wearer through trinkets and colors. The Diamondback weave adds special pinache to your arrangement.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Two sets of ribbon, preferably of different colors
• Paper clip
• Stapler

1. Cut two different colored ribbons (perhaps your school colors) into strips eight times the width of your ribbons. You want to cut a large number of these ribbons if your desire is to make a long, stand out pattern. A ribbon 3/4 inch in width needs 20 strips to make a foot of garland.

2. Grab one ribbon and fold each end to the middle then fold again at the middle--you want the ends to become folded inside.

3. Repeat Step 2 with the ribbon of the next color. Connect the two folded ribbons by sliding the end of the second ribbon into a loop of the first strip you folded. Pull the loop tight.

4. Secure one end with a paper clip, marking it as your beginning. Continue Steps 2 and 3, alternating colors, and pull tight. Now you begin to see how the chain really interlocks and develops the Diamondback pattern.

5. Fold and weaver your pieces of ribbon until the garland reaches the length you want. Staple the end and the beginning with a stapler.

6. Weave your Diamondback weave garland into your corsage, affixing it with staples or a solid pin.