How to Make a Leaf Garland with Preserved Autumn Leaves
A handful of autumn leaves, some cotton twine and a quiet afternoon are all you need to make a simple botanical garland. Hung beneath a shelf or across a window, it brings the shapes and muted colours of the season indoors.
For this project "How to Make a Leaf Garland", we’re tying individual leaves onto twine by their stalks. The result is light and understated, with enough space between the leaves to appreciate their different shapes.
Glycerine-preserved leaves are particularly useful because they remain flexible, making them easier to handle as you assemble your garland.
What you need
Around 15–20 preserved leaves with intact stalks
Approximately 1.5 metres of strong cotton twine
Fine cotton thread in a similar colour
Scissors
Two suitable hooks for hanging
Choose a mixture of small and medium leaves rather than very large, heavy ones. Oak and beech leaves make a lovely starting point, particularly in bronze, brown and muted gold.
If you haven’t prepared your leaves yet, follow How to Preserve Leaves with Glycerine. Wipe away any remaining solution and allow the surfaces to dry before making your garland.
1. Plan your arrangement
Lay the twine across a table and arrange the leaves beneath it, with their stalks pointing towards the cord.
Start with roughly 7–10 cm between leaves. Alternate shapes and sizes, keeping the arrangement relaxed rather than perfectly symmetrical.
Leave around 15 cm of empty twine at each end for hanging.
2. Attach your first leaf
Cut a short piece of fine cotton thread. Lay the leaf stalk alongside the main twine, then wrap the thread around both several times.
Tie a double knot, snug enough to hold the stalk without crushing it. Trim the loose thread ends.
Lift the twine gently to check that the leaf stays in place. If its stalk slips, add another wrap and tie again.
3. Add the remaining leaves
Continue along the twine, following your arrangement.
Pause occasionally to lift a section and see how the leaves hang. They may turn slightly once suspended, so adjust their position before tightening each knot.
Keep the leaves pointing downwards for a simple hanging garland. A little variation in angle gives it a more natural finish.
4. Make hanging loops
Tie a small loop at each end of the twine.
Hang the garland from two suitable hooks, allowing a gentle curve between them. Begin with a shallow curve and adjust until the leaves hang freely without gathering together.
5. Choose a place to display it
Try your garland beneath a wooden shelf, across an interior window or on a plain wall above a sideboard.
A pale background makes the leaf shapes easy to see. Keep it away from direct sunlight, damp areas, radiators, candles and fireplaces.
Preserved foliage may leave marks on delicate surfaces, so avoid resting the leaves directly against textiles or painted furniture.
Frequently asked questions How to Make a Leaf Garland with Preserved Autumn Leaves
1. Can I use dried leaves instead?
Yes, but they are more brittle. Tie them gently by their stalks and avoid repeatedly adjusting them.
2. Do I need to pierce the leaves?
No. Tying the stalks keeps the leaf surfaces intact and avoids creating holes that might tear.
3. What if my leaves have no stalks?
Choose another batch for this method. Stalkless leaves are better suited to a different project, such as a framed arrangement.
4. Can I hang it outside?
This version is best indoors. Rain, wind and changing humidity can damage both the foliage and its attachments.
5. How should I store it?
Lay it in a shallow box, loosely cushioned with tissue paper. Keep it somewhere dry and avoid placing anything heavy on top.
Make something with the leaves you’ve saved
You don’t need a large collection or a complicated pattern. Begin with a few favourite leaves and let their shapes guide the arrangement.
For another botanical project, explore How to Print Leaves on Paper: 5 Easy Botanical Printing Techniques.
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