Did you know you can make plastic tablecloth streamers?! When my kids were younger, I used to LOVE throwing big parties! I would get crazy with decorations and DIY tons of projects.
I loved my parties to have a big visual impact but I also wanted things to be inexpensive. For one party, I wanted lots of ruffley garlands. I looked online and everything was so pricey. And then I figured out that I could make ruffled plastic streamers from inexpensive disposable tablecloths! 
Updated May, 2019 | I always write about stuff I love and think you’ll like too. This post contains affiliate partnerships so I may get a share of the revenue from your purchase. I’m saving that revenue to put my kids through college. But sometimes I go to Starbucks…
It’s just a meeting if there aren’t party streamers, am I right?! This tutorial is YEARS old and the photography is not super great, so just bear with me. The photo above is a newer photo of the tablecloth streamers. I used them for a party I styled and they looked so cute! I love simple (but cute!) party decor ideas! Don’t you?
How cute are these ruffled streamers?! I’m not even sure how this idea came to me but I started thinking about how sometimes when you stretch plastic it warps it and creates a sort of lettuce edge.
I gave it a try and they turned out super cute. So with just a cheap plastic tablecloth, you can create bunches of darling ruffled party streamers!
Watch this Ruffled Streamers Tutorial again over on YouTube!
Your Party Needs Plastic Tablecloth Streamers!
I LOVE using these streamers to decorate. These are really light and easy to hang with a little bit of washi or masking tape. They are a great way to make a party look festive without much effort which is awesome!
I used mostly white on the wall above with just pops of bright orange. Because plastic tablecloths come in so many colors and patterns, you can make these work for any party color scheme.
These plastic party streamers add a little bit of texture which I love. And they don’t show flaws!
If you tear one a little too much, no one can see it! Unless they were inspecting each inch of each streamer. Which would be odd. And you should probably ask them to leave your party.
I have a small bin of party supplies that I keep in the garage and there are always a few plastic tablecloths in there. These ruffles can be made quickly so they’re great for last-minute celebrations (like when they spring teacher appreciation decorating on you the night before…)
The cost for making tablecloth streamers is really low. Each plastic tablecloth costs around $2.50 . I’m not sure exactly how many garlands you can get out of one tablecloth. Here is my estimate: a bunch, ok I’d guess about 15 depending on the width you cut them.
How to Make Party Streamers from Plastic Tablecloths
Supplies:
Ok, you don’t HAVE to have a rotary cutter I guess but it sure makes it super easy. In the video above, I used scissors and it worked fine. There’s no need to make a super straight line since the edges will be ruffled.
But if you are super type-A, especially when it comes to crafts, use the rotary cutter.
- Do not unfold the tablecloth once you take it out of the package.
- Find the side with the free ends of the tablecloth, not the fold, and cut a strip approximately 2″ wide.
- Cut as many strips as you want/need.
By leaving the tablecloth folded up, you are able to cut through multiple layers at once. This means you will cut more ruffle strips at one time and be able to keep the edges relatively straight.
You should get a strip with two free edges but depending on how the tablecloth is folded, you may end up with a super wide strip with a fold in the middle. Just cut down the fold to make two separate strips.
- Separate the strips that you cut so you’re working with 1-2 strips at a time.
- Fold the strip/s in half so you have several layers of plastic to warp at once.
- Start at one end of the strip and hold the side edge of the plastic in both hands, between your thumb and pointer fingers
- The warping motion is kind of two motions in one, you’ll pull your thumbs gently away from each other while at the same time rolling your pointer fingers toward your body and up. (see video)
- Continue down the length of the plastic strips until the whole side is ruffled.
- Then flip it over and do the other side.
You can make the ruffles with a single piece of plastic but it is much easier to rip through. But it also doesn’t require quite as much effort to make the plastic warp.
I tried this with 4 layers of plastic and you have to pull pretty hard. I wouldn’t do more than 4 layers at once. I prefer to do 2 layers, but you still can tear it pretty easily.
If you do several layers of plastic at once, it works best to keep the strip close to a table so it stays in line and you don’t have to stop and keep readjusting it. When I made the video, I was hovering above a table and it was hard to keep it controlled.
But this might just be the world’s most forgiving DIY party decoration so you really don’t’ need to worry about doing anything wrong.
If you make a ton of these, just know you may give yourself a blister…
But they go away pretty quickly. And what is a little pain for the cutest party streamers ever? ;)
I made these plastic tablecloth streamers when my husband was out of the house. When he got home he thought they were really cool but commented on how they must have been too time-consuming. While they did take a few minutes, they were SO easy to make that I didn’t mind the time at all.
And this is one of those party projects you could easily do while watching TV.
I hung a few of the finished plastic party streamers up, along with my easy knotted yarn garland, for a quick party look so you can see how fun they are.
Because these are made from plastic tablecloths, they are perfect for outdoor parties! And they absolutely won’t fall apart in a little moisture like paper streamers would.
When I used this outside, I put them up with a staple gun. Inside, just a little tape is all you need!
Decorating with Plastic Tablecloth Streamers
While it does take some of your time to make them, they make a huge impact. That’s a win in my book.
I’ve had people email me and tell me they used the plastic streamers as a seaweed garland for an underwater theme. And I’ve seen people use them as vines in a jungle party.
Need 243 more ideas for using plastic tablecloths to decorate your party? Check out this awesome pinterest board! There are so many amazing things you can make for parties!
This ruffle technique also works on the edge of a full tablecloth creating a super girly, ruffly look.
More easy party DIYs
Pin These Plastic Streamers for Later
Making plastic tablecloth streamers is SUCH a good idea! They’re super easy, totally inexpensive and can make a huge impact on your party decor! And I guarantee your party guests will ask you about them!
Sara says
November 1, 2017 at 5:42 amI used this tutorial to make my daughter’s jellyfish costume by hanging these from an umbrella. Thanks so much for posting, it turned out perfect and saved me alot of $ instead of buying expensive ribbon!
Sharon Garofalow says
November 1, 2017 at 2:27 pmThat’s so awesome! I’m so glad that you were able to save money and make something super cute!!! Do you have a photo??
Cass Steger says
May 16, 2017 at 1:39 pmI made these in purple for a 50th birthday party. Everyone loved them and wanted to know where I bought them! I had the blisters to prove that they were homemade though. Thank you for the tutorial.
Sharon Garofalow says
May 16, 2017 at 5:25 pmYeah! Thanks for making them! I’m so sorry you got blisters! Glad everyone loved them though!
Melissa Drainville says
October 9, 2018 at 11:06 amhello, i cant see the tutorial video. do you have a other adress for this ?
Thank you
Annie L. says
February 17, 2017 at 10:04 amI just found your site and I’m in LOVE with these ruffled table cloth streamers!! I’m just a little confused as to how you actually get the ruffle part? Do you get the ruffle by ripping the tablecloth or by pinching the edge of the tablecloth and pulling the tablecloth through your pinched finger and thumb? Thanks again for sharing this!!
Sharon Garofalow says
February 17, 2017 at 10:33 amHi! Yes, these streamers are pretty awesome! To get the plastic to “ruffle” you basically need to stretch it out. To do that, hold a strip of table clothe between your thumb and the side pointer finger with your left hand (thumbs facing up to the ceiling, pointer finger kind of curved). Hold the same strip with your right thumb and pointer finger almost touching your left hand. Then gently pull your hands away from each other, stretching the plastic. Does that make sense?? I need to have my husband help me take a photo of this step so it’s easier to understand!!!
Arika says
July 6, 2018 at 12:19 pmThat made perfect sense! Thank you thank you I cant wait to try this
Abby Hunter says
February 11, 2017 at 9:25 amI LOVE this!!! So genius. Definitely trying it at my next party.
Sharon Garofalow says
February 12, 2017 at 7:41 amThank you!! They are such a fun party decoration!
Jolene says
March 11, 2016 at 11:53 amThese would be great to use at Young Women Camp since we always get at least a little bit of rain or dew in the morning that ruins anything paper. Thanks for sharing a great idea!
Sharon Garofalow says
March 11, 2016 at 3:33 pmSounds like a great idea for damp weather!! Have a great time!
Tricia says
October 8, 2011 at 11:17 pmWow!!! We are planning on making giant pumpkins for our school hallway, and these would be PERFECT for the pumpkin vines!! Thank you for sharing your idea!!
Condo Blues says
September 7, 2011 at 12:39 amI think you get mother of the year because your son is wearing a Ramones t-shirt! I named my dog Blitzkrieg after Blitzkrieg Bop :)
Leslie says
August 1, 2011 at 2:00 pmThis is such a great idea! Thanks for sharing! I just ruffled a pink cloth for my daughter's 3rd birthday party. I've got a darker pink cloth that I'm going to (somehow) turn into a runner/overlay. This is such a great idea!
Cupcakes and Cutlery says
June 13, 2011 at 4:48 pmThanks MeganM! I have to be honest. I'm a very lazy crafter and only tried this once before I did the tutorial, never expecting people to be SO in to them. :) I need to update the post as, I too, found it better to double up the tablecloth. Thanks for sharing! I'd love to see pictures…
Sharon
meganm says
June 11, 2011 at 9:30 pmI have been making these for my son's 1st bday party and for a bridal shower that I am hosting. After a few trial and errors and I found that if you just unfold the table cloth twice and then do your stretching/pulling of the table cloth to make the ruffles you will be less likely to rip the plastic. It also just seems to look better, but that maybe be just my opinion. It take a LOT LESS time this way too so it is at least worth a try! LOVE them!
tickledpinkwithrosesandpearls.com says
June 7, 2011 at 2:21 pmADORABLENESS!!!!
I need to run not walk out to get plastic tablecloths now! No, I'm not having a party, I just HAVE to try this!
Thanks!
Yummy Mommy Mia says
May 4, 2011 at 4:29 pmThanks for the idea! So going to use this for my next party —they also look great as ribbons and made into bows too: http://logansbabyblog.blogspot.com/2011/05/girly-bow-and-dance-party.html
Deb Plapp says
May 3, 2011 at 4:30 pmI also think the streamers are great. Thanks for your nice comment about my blog. Deb
sarah @ life {sweet} life says
May 2, 2011 at 4:24 amOkay, I LOVE this and can't wait to try it!! It is a great tutorial, despite what you might think. Just found your blog & love it & your fun writing style!
Raynata says
April 20, 2011 at 3:48 amVery creative! Much prettier than plain streamers! And plastic tablecloths are so cheap!
Lori says
April 20, 2011 at 12:39 amAsa 100% ruffle Queen, this made my day (trust me I needed it!) Lori
alanna. says
April 19, 2011 at 5:35 amWhat an incredible idea!! Thanks for sharing! :)
xo alanna
iheartlaughing.blogspot.com
Marilou of Lulu's Lovlies and Heartful Creations says
April 19, 2011 at 1:53 amWhat a cute idea, especially for kids parties when you are trying to cut cost! By the way what happened to our Sunny CA. I can't believe this is our state! Happy Easter Marilou
Free Pretty Things For You says
April 18, 2011 at 9:16 pmit was such a pleasure to feature this!! I LOVE IT!!!
katie jean says
April 18, 2011 at 6:42 pmAdorable and thrifty!! This is genius and I love it :) I am definately using this idea in the future! Thanks so much for a fun, new tutorial :)
melifaif says
April 18, 2011 at 5:14 pmThose are so pretty…I am simply amazed. Oh, and yeah – "These would be so great for anywhere that is windy or has lots of moisture in the air." aka they would be perfect in my lovely HOUSTON!!!!! Thanks for this…my Under the Sea Party just got a whole lot more fabulous.
Sweet Bee Cottage says
April 18, 2011 at 3:55 pmOut of the simplest things comes pure genius! I would never have guessed what these were made of and I thought it would be super complicated. Not so much! That's the genius part! I love this idea. Thank you from the bottom of my ruffled heart.
Sweet Bee Cottage says
April 18, 2011 at 3:54 pmOut of the simplest things comes pure genius! I would never have guessed what these were made of and I thought it would be super complicated. Not so much! That's the genius part! I love this idea. Thank you from the bottom of my ruffled heart.
Deb Plapp says
April 18, 2011 at 3:02 pmWhat a cool idea! Who'd a thunk it?
Auntie Cake says
April 18, 2011 at 2:01 pmThanks for sharing! It will work great for a gradutaion party I am planning!
Kate
My Vintage Mending says
April 18, 2011 at 12:06 pmbrilliant. what a happy accident. Renee
Gypsy Thread says
April 18, 2011 at 10:10 amReally fun idea. I'm not a big fan of the regular ol' crepe paper streamers, but has a friend who uses them for everything. Perhaps I can convert her with this tutorial!
And I agree… so cute and girly!
rena says
April 8, 2011 at 4:41 pmΚαταπληκτικό,είσαι εφευρετικό μυαλό,Συγχαρητήρια!!!!
Teri says
April 7, 2011 at 8:19 pmThese are so cool…think I will have to make some for the little girl's party in may. I also like the way you ruffled the actual table clothe
Graceful Moments says
March 29, 2011 at 12:24 pmGot here via UCreate. What a great idea and so easy! I really like the way you did the bottom of the tablecloth…adds a perfect touch of softness. Great job! Hope your warm weather is back.
Christine @ Pure Joy Events says
March 27, 2011 at 12:33 amLove this idea! So clever. Link it up to our Party Tutorial Contest (http://www.purejoyeventsblog.com/2011/03/party-tutorial-contest.html) for your chance to win some fabulous prizes!
Rebecca says
March 26, 2011 at 10:35 pmAdorable….. will definitely be doing at my next party. Love your nail polish, what shade is it?
Kristin says
March 26, 2011 at 5:33 pmThis is so awesome. I can't wait for my daughter's baptism party in a few months – I'm totally going to try this!!
Two Sides of the Rainbow says
March 16, 2011 at 6:23 pmI save a lot of my party table cloths…just i case. Now you've given me a great repurpose idea. Thank!
Laura *You Stir Me* says
March 16, 2011 at 1:04 pmthis is genius. I love that this is so easy to do and there are tons of plastic tablecloth options out there…so many possibilities!
Love your blog, by the way – so happy to have found it!
Disney says
March 7, 2011 at 1:43 amOh, how happy this makes me! I was just thinking the other day about making giant ruffle "streamers" out of these table cloths. This would be so much easier, though! Thanks so much for the idea! :o)
Lauren Elise says
March 4, 2011 at 5:11 pmThis is such an awesome idea! Easy but super cute and only up close would you even begin to guess that it's a plastic tablecloth. :)
minnesotamom says
March 3, 2011 at 8:47 pmI love this!!!
Jenny @ Hank + Hunt says
March 3, 2011 at 4:02 pmTHIS IS FABULOUS!!! I saw it and I love it! You rock!
lauren says
March 3, 2011 at 1:57 amYou are my hero
Cheryl E. says
March 2, 2011 at 2:47 pmOh my goodness I love this! Very pretty!
I am so glad I came across your blog! I am loving it.
You have a new follower :)
Kristin says
March 2, 2011 at 12:22 amGenius!!! And the tablecloth idea!! omg.
Brittany @GreyGreyDesigns says
March 1, 2011 at 9:06 pmSO CLEVER!
barefootin' in SC says
March 1, 2011 at 6:38 pmwhat an awesome idea..thanks for sharing i will share it to!
Pink Peppermint Paper says
March 1, 2011 at 6:20 pmUmmm, those are so awesome I don't know what to say.
Eleanor
[email protected] says
March 1, 2011 at 4:51 pmSo clever!!! Such a great idea. I love the feminine touch it adds!
lyndsey @ the stationery place says
March 1, 2011 at 3:11 pmthose are sooo cute! i love that they are easy and quick — two of my favorite things, since i do all my projects during naptime too :) will def have to remember these for my next party.
and as a native southern californian, i have to laugh at your aversion to cold…54 DOES sound pretty cold to me, but i'm currently living in utah and freezing my butt off in 30 degree weather so i really miss being a weather snob :)