DIY Valentine Garland Ideas You’ll Love Making

Last February, I was standing in my kitchen with a cup of coffee going cold in my hand, staring at the blank space above my breakfast nook.

The holiday decorations were packed away, and everything felt sort of…gray.

I needed something sweet and cheerful—something handmade that would make me smile every time I walked past it.

So I grabbed some paper scraps, old fabric remnants from my linen closet, and spent an afternoon making the prettiest little Valentine garland.

It changed everything.

Now?

I’m kindda obsessed with making these every year, and I’ve tried so many variations that I had to share my favorites with you.

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My Paper Heart Chain Garland

This one takes me right back to elementary school craft time, but in the best way possible.

Paper chains have been trending since Christmas, and they work beautifully for Valentine’s Day as simple, kid-friendly decor.

I love using strips of cardstock in soft pinks, creamy whites, and maybe a pop of red.

The process is so meditative—fold a strip in half, staple it, open the sides to create a heart shape, then staple again.

To connect the hearts, you fold the next strip over the bottom of the previous heart and keep going.

It’s the kind of project where you can sit on the couch with a good show on and just zone out while you create something beautiful.

And if you have kids?

They’ll beg to help with this one.

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My Felt Heart and Pom-Pom Garland

I cut heart shapes out of felt and use embroidery floss to make an overcast stitch around the edges.

Then I add fluffy pom-poms in between for texture and whimsy.

The combination of the soft felt and those bouncy little pom-poms?

Pure magic.

You can create pom-poms in various sizes using a pom-pom maker or fork method, winding yarn around about 5-6 times back and forth for best results.

I use dusty pinks, cream, and a touch of blush for mine because I’m all about that soft, dreamy vibe.

This garland looks gorgeous draped across a mantel or above a doorway, and it feels so tactile and handmade in the best way.

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My Painted Doily Heart Garland

Okay, this one is a total favorite if you want something vibrant and fun.

I paint paper doily hearts with watercolors, then string them together into a garland.

The delicate lace pattern of the doilies creates this beautiful resist effect when you paint over them.

I’ve used bright pinks, soft corals, and even neon watercolors for a more playful look.

There’s something so sweet and nostalgic about paper heart doilies—maybe it’s growing up with grandmas that had doilies all over their houses.

Just make sure you grab the uncoated doilies (not the shiny ones) so the paint actually soaks in.

String them with baker’s twine, and you’ve got yourself a garland that feels cheerful and totally handmade.

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My Lighted Fabric Garland

This is my go-to when I want something cozy for evening ambiance.

A lighted Valentine garland is a fun way to jazz up your surroundings and adds a cozy vibe while celebrating the occasion.

I grab a strand of clear mini lights (100-count works perfectly) and tie fabric strips around the light string in single knots.

The fabric I use?

Anything soft and romantic—cotton prints, gauzy textures, maybe some lace.

You can alternate colors in a pattern or just go wild with it.

The lights peeking through the fabric create the most gentle, warm glow at night.

I draped mine across my mantel using clear push pins to hold it in place, and honestly, it’s become one of my favorite things to plug in on chilly February evenings.

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My Sparkly Letter Garland

If you want to make a statement, this is the one.

This sparkly Valentine garland is easy to make and fun to hang as Valentine’s Day decor.

I print out letters in a large font (usually something bold like Arial Black at 100 pt.), cut them out, then coat them generously with glue and douse them—yes, douse them—in glitter.

Once they’re dry, I string them on twine to spell out “LOVE” or “XOXO” or whatever message feels right.

It’s messy, I won’t lie.

But there’s something so joyful about glitter that makes it worth every sparkly bit I find on my floor weeks later.

Hang it on a mirror, across a chair back, or even in a closet as a morning surprise for someone you love.

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My 3D Paper Heart Garland

I’m obsessed with how dimensional and sweet these look.

Valentine garlands don’t have to be horizontal—many vertical displays across a doorway or stairwell look cute, and you can make 3D paper hearts and add string to connect them.

The 3D hearts have so much more presence than flat cutouts.

I like to make them in varying sizes and hang them at different lengths for a cascading effect.

Use cardstock in reds, pinks, and whites, and don’t be afraid to mix in some patterned paper for visual interest.

This garland looks especially beautiful hanging in a window where the light catches all the edges.

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My Fabric Scrap Garland

This is perfect if you’re like me and have a million fabric scraps lying around.

If you make blankets or sew, you probably have tons of fabric on hand; if not, ask family and friends for fabric or ribbon scraps they’re looking to gift.

I cut my scraps into long strips—about 1 inch wide and 6-8 inches long.

Then I just tie them onto a length of twine or ribbon, spacing them close together so it looks full and fluffy.

The different patterns and textures create this beautiful, eclectic look that feels so personal.

And because you’re using scraps, it’s basically free!

I love how each one tells a little story of past projects.

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My Photo and Heart Garland

This one makes my heart burst every time I look at it.

If you have Polaroid pics or even a handful of cute photos, you can make an adorable garland with photos, small cardstock heart cutouts, and attach them with white floss.

I print small photos (4×4 works great) of people I love—my family, my best friends, even my dog.

Then I attach little paper hearts between each photo using twine.

It’s such a sweet way to celebrate the people who make your life special.

And it doubles as decor and a conversation starter when guests come over.

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My Printed Pennant Banner

You can make a charming Valentine’s Day garland with free printable pennants and easy step-by-step instructions.

I print pennant templates on heavy cardstock (which helps them hold their shape), cut them out, and add little foam heart stickers for dimension.

Don’t be afraid to get creative by mixing and matching different pennant designs—combining different patterns and colors gives your garland more depth and visual interest.

I tie them onto kitchen twine, spacing them about 4 inches apart.

Then I add ribbons at both ends for an extra touch of charm.

This garland looks so polished and professional, but it’s actually super easy to make.

Drape it across a mantel, above a bed, or even as a backdrop for a Valentine’s party.

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My Felt Ball Garland

So simple, yet so stunning.

Felt ball garlands are perfect decorations for any season, but especially for Valentine’s Day when they’re in shades of reds and pinks.

You can buy pre-made felt balls (which I totally recommend if you want to save time) or make your own if you’re feeling ambitious.

I thread them onto embroidery floss using a big needle, alternating colors and sizes for a playful look.

The texture of the felt is so cozy and tactile.

This garland works beautifully in a kid’s room, across a window, or even draped around a doorframe.

It has that Scandinavian, minimalist vibe that I’m absolutely here for.

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My No-Sew Fabric Heart Garland

Listen, I love the idea of sewing, but sometimes I just want quick results.

You can work through your basket of scraps, sewing this pretty heart garland pattern, making hearts flutter all over your house.

But I’ve adapted this to be totally no-sew.

I cut two heart shapes from fabric, add a thin layer of flannel or felt between them for stability, then use fabric glue to seal the edges.

Once they’re dry, I punch small holes at the top curves and thread them onto ribbon.

It gives you that handmade, sewn look without having to break out the sewing machine.

Perfect for those of us who are craft-adjacent but not quite seamstresses.

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