How to Make Thread Spool and Bead Garland

Farmhouse wood bead garland has been a hot decor item for a few years.

I know these wooden beads decor garlands are not a new trend and they’ve been around for quite a while, but I just made one with an interesting twist.

Today I'm going to share a wooden thread spool and bead garland using wood thread spools, wood beads, twine and with fabric accents producing the perfect rustic farmhouse decor.   

It's the perfect holiday project to drape over mantles, around a banister or on a tree.

Need a gift for a quilter and sewist.  Wouldn't they adore this wooden bead garland as a gift? It's absolutely perfect with the thread spool detail.

The great thing about the spool and bead garland project is it's a very budget-friendly craft project.  Many of the supplies can be picked up at Dollar Tree but I'll also link to supplies from additional sources since Dollar Tree is constantly changing its inventory and sometimes an item is out of stock.

I made a video tutorial to walk you through the process; simply click on the link below to go to a YouTube video tutorial.  In addition, you will find a full written photo tutorial with step-by-step instructions below.

how to make wooden thread spool and bead garland

Difficulty Level:  Beginner (Even if you’ve never crafted before, you can make this project.)
Time to Complete: 1 hour

to make the diy spool and bead garland follow these instructions:

STEP 1: gather the supplies

I have been collecting and saving empty thread spools for years.  The thread spools used in this spool and bead garland tutorial are vintage spools.  

Where can you get the empty spools?

If you don’t have empty spools, sometimes you can find vintage spools at thrift stores and Etsy.  But you can still make this project even without using vintage spools, you can buy new, empty wooden thread spools at Amazon and craft stores like Michaels, Dollar Tree or Joann.

If repurposing old spools, remove the paper on the ends.

Besides the thread spools, gather the other supplies listed above.

STEP 2: Stain spools if Desired

For this project, you can opt to leave the spools the natural wood color. But, if you want to add a bit of color, take a moment to stain or paint the spools.

STEP 3: cut fabric strips for holiday garland

To prepare the fabric strips for the repurposed wooden spool garland, begin by cutting the chosen fabric into 12 strips 1” x 8” long.  Also, cut 2 strips 1” x 15” long. Before running to the store to purchase fabric, take a look at the fabric in your stash or leftover fabric scraps bin to see if there is something you can use.

STEP 4: needle or no needle

You can certainly use a needle to thread the beads and spools onto the twine, if you have one that works, but it really isn’t necessary.

The end of the twine can be wrapped with a little bit of scotch or masking tape to create a "needle" to make the twine go easier through the hole in the beads and spools.

STEP 5: Threading wood beads and thread spools to make the garland

Keep the twine attached to its spool while threading the beads, spools and fabric onto it.  This ensured that the twine will be long enough for the entire project.

Thread four beads onto the twine, then string one thread spool pushing it next to the bead.

Next string on two beads, tie one fabric strip to the twine in a single knot, two more beads

and one thread spool. As you are stringing the items push them along the twine.

Then repeat the two bead - fabric strip - two beads - one thread spool pattern ending with four beads.

STEP 6: Add Fabric strips for hanging

This thread spool and bead garland can be made as long as wished by simply increasing the number of beads and spools.  

After the garland is the desired length, remove the needle from the twine if using one.

Tie a short fabric strip next to the four beads.

Then fold the 15" fabric strip in half and use the twine to tie a knot around the fabric strip at the end of the garland.

With a scissor trim the twine tail off close to the knot. To make sure the twine knot doesn't untie, place a dab of glue on the knot.

To make the hanger, match the two short ends of the fabric strip together and tie a knot. The fabric hanger is complete.

Repeat the above process on the other end of the garland.

That's it!  Your thread spool and wooden bead garland is finished!

Isn't it gorgeous?

This garland would look quite charming on a Christmas tree, hang it along a mantle, display it on top of a table or nestle it in some evergreen and hang it along your staircase.

I originally made this as a Christmas project and then realize simply by changing the fabric strips it is the perfect transitional piece that can go from Christmas to other holidays.

I hope you enjoyed learning how to make this wood thread spool and bead garland.  Be sure to pin, bookmark and share.  Come join our many followers on our YouTube channel. While you're there, please be sure to subscribe to our channel so you don't miss future craft projects.

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