How to Make Hawaiian Yarn Leis

Use yarn to make a colorful lei.

Keep the kids busy at your next luau crafting colorful yarn leis. This craft uses a variation of straw weaving to make fluffy cords of yarn which can be tied together into necklaces or leis. It is about as simple as yard craft can be, but it produces something young children can really wear for dress-up play or a party.

Things You'll Need

• Yarn
• Straw
• String
• Masking tape
• Scissors
• Paper clip

Instructions

1. Cut a piece of string several inches longer than you want the finished lei to be. Tie a paper clip to one end of the string, and thread the other end through a drinking straw. Pull the end of the string 2 inches through the straw and tape it to the outside.

2. Knot the end of the yarn loosely around the straw. Wind the yarn around the straw seven times, then push it down the straw to leave room to wind more yarn. Continue winding yarn and pushing it down, eventually you will push the yarn down onto the string. Tie on additional yarn if needed. Tie this yarn to the first length of yarn, not just to the straw.

3. When your lei is long enough push all the yarn down on the string. Remove the tape, straw and paperclip and tie the ends of the string together. "Fluff" the yarn your lei until you are pleased with the effect.

Tips & Warnings

• Two skeins of eyelash yarn will make a fluffy lei.

References

• Raft Ideas: Hawaiian Yarn Leis