How to Make a Carnation Lei

Preparing Needle and Thread

Use strong thread or dental floss. You can use a variety of thread to make a lei, though dental floss and carpet thread are your best options. Dental floss makes for a very sturdy lei, though it won’t be as soft as thread and you’ll be more limited in your color options. Ideally, you should use carpet thread if you want thread of various colors.

Measure and cut 100 inches (254 cm) of thread. 100 inches (254 cm) of thread will give you a standard 40 inch (102 cm) lei, with enough extra thread for the various knots you’ll need to make. You’ll need this amount of thread for each lei you want to make. Once measured, use a pair of scissors to cut your thread to size.

Choose a steel needle between 12 and 18 inches (31-46 cm). Dedicated lei needles are usually made of this tough metal and are found in these sizes. You can still make a lei if you don’t have access to a lei needle. Just use an embroidery needle that’s in the same size range.

Thread the needle. Pinch the thread between your fingers, as close to the end of the thread as possible. Bring the eye of the needle toward the thread, pushing it onto your fingers. As the eye of the needle meets the thread, you can use your fingers to push the thread through.

Fold the thread over on itself and knot the ends. Use a square knot to tie the ends together. Hold an end of the thread in each hand. Place the right end of the thread over the left, crossing them, then around the thread. As you cross the ends of the thread, you should be switching hands; the right end becomes the left end and vice versa. Bring the left end of the thread over the right end of the thread, creating a circle, then around the thread and out through the circle. Pull on both ends and you should have a square knot. This simple knot will be used several times as you make your lei. The knot should be tied about 5 inches (13 cm) away from the end of the thread.

Preparing the Flowers

Buy 50 carnations. You’ll need 50 carnations for a standard lei of about 40 inches. You can mix and match different colors or use carnations of a single color. If you need to make a large amount of lei, you can buy carnations in bulk online relatively cheaply. Traditional lei use fresh flowers, and they’re usually crafted just before they’re given as a gift. However, you can use plastic flowers instead.

Cut the stems off the carnations. Use a pair of scissors to cut the stems as close to the flower head as possible. Discard the stems in a compost bin. If you can buy carnation heads, you’ll save yourself the hassle of cutting off stems.

Arrange your flowers in your preferred order. You only need to worry about this if you’re using carnations of different colors. Set them in the order that you’ll want them to be in for your lei. That way, you’ll pick up and thread them in the right order and you’ll be able to work more quickly. For example, if you’re using blue and red carnations and want them to alternate, set them up in an alternating pattern on your table.

Threading the Carnations Together

Put the needle through the center of your first carnation. Stick the needle into the face of the flower, right in the center. Push through until the needle comes out the other end of the flower.

Pull the flower along the thread until it reaches the knot. The flower should slide smoothly until it hits the knot. Don’t force the flower along the thread. If it ends up not sliding down smoothly enough, wait until you’ve added a few more flowers. The added weight will help them slide along.

Repeat this process for the rest of your flowers. After you slide on all your flowers, make sure to leave 5 inches (13 cm) of thread on each end. You’ll need this to tie the thread together and close the lei. With this excess thread and all knots, you’ll end up a 40 inch (102cm) lei (measured lengthwise once it’s closed).

Cut the thread off the needle and knot it. Hold the thread tightly so it doesn’t slip back into the carnations. Tie the ends of the thread into a knot to keep the carnations on the thread. Tug on the thread to make sure the knot holds.

Tie the ends of the lei together. Bring both ends of the lei together to form a circle. Tie them together using a triple knot and trim any excess thread.

Use the lei as soon as possible. Since you won’t be keeping the carnations in a vase, place your lei in the refrigerator to keep it looking fresh as long as possible. If you don’t have access to a fridge, spray the lei with a mist of cold water and wrap it up in a paper towel. Once your lei has served its purpose, don’t throw it in the garbage. Take the flowers from the string and return them to nature, either by burying them or throwing them in a body of water.