Cupcakes and Cutlery

Orange County Lifestyle and Mom Blog

DIY Ruffled Party Streamers From Plastic Tablecloths

By 56 Comments

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 party streamers from plastic tablecloths! HBD sign with party streamers from plastic tablecloths.Updated October 2018 | 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 gathering 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 plastic streamers. I used them for a party I styled and they looked so cute! I love simple (but cute!) party decor ideas!

Party streamers made out of plastic tableclothsHow cute are these streamer decorations?! 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 using a cheap plastic tablecloth you can create bunches of darling ruffled party streamers.

Party streamers made from plastic tablecloths.

I love using these streamers to decorate. I used mostly white on the wall above with just pops of bright orange. It just added a little bit of texture which I love. Also, these 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.

How to make party streamers from plastic tablecloths
I had a bunch of plastic tablecloths on hand so I’m not sure of the exact cost but I would have to say each would be between $1 and $2. I’m not sure 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.
I’d also like to point out the wrinkles in my cute fabric tablecloth. Ain’t no chance I’m going to be ironing things before I do a tutorial especially since most of my tutorials happen during nap time.

What you Need to Make Party Streamers from Plastic Tablecloths

To make these plastic tablecloth streamers, you’ll need a plastic tablecloth, a rotary cutter and cutting mat and ruler. Ok, you don’t HAVE to have a rotary cutter I guess but it sure makes it super easy.

Tutorial for Making Plastic Streamers

Plastic streamers out of plastic tablecloths for your parties.
Do not unfold the tablecloth once you take it out of the package. You will want to find the side with the end of the tablecloth, not the fold, so when you cut you will get a strip with two free edges. And thanks to that last sentence I could quite possibly be the worlds worst tutorialist. Cut as many strips as you want.
plastic streamers step 1
Basically, you will hold the edge of the plastic in one hand, between your thumb and pointer finger, as if you are pinching the plastic, with your fingers pointing away from you. The rest of the width of the streamer should hang past your fingers. Hold the plastic the same way in the other hand right next to the first hand with the thumbs from both your hands almost touching.
I took the image above and below really quickly to better illustrate what I mean. I’m hoping to put a video together too to help even more!
plastic party streamers step 2
Next, pull your thumbs away from each other. Give it a test so you can figure out how much strength you should use and how far you should stretch it. The good thing about these is that they are never going to come out exactly the same as the last stretch so variety is fine. Also, you will tear the plastic once in a while. As long as you haven’t torn it clear through to the other side, it is also fine. The tears kind of look like ruffles too so they blend in easily. I wouldn’t point the tears out to my party guests but I would totally use the garland.

*UPDATED TO ADD these actually warp easier and faster if you fold the strip so there are several layers to pull at once. It is less likely to rip and goes SO much faster. I will warn you, I have given myself blisters from making these. But they go away pretty quickly. And what is a little pain for the cutest party streamers ever? ;)

Easy plastic streamers made from plastic tablecloths
Ruffe down one length of the plastic strip and then flip the strip over and do the other side.
streamer decorations made from plastic tablecloths

I made these party streamers when my husband was out of the house. When he got home he thought they were really cool but must have been too time-consuming. They did take a few minutes but they are SO easy. And this is one of those party projects you could easily do while watching TV.

Plastic tablecloth streamers for an easy and cheap party decoration.

I’m not sure if you all have heard but California had some “weather” this weekend. It was freezing outside the day I did this (you guys, it was like 54).  So I literally stapled these babies up, took as many pictures as I could and ran back inside. I could have hung them up cuter but quite frankly my fingers were beginning to get frostbite (yes, I’m a baby).

But here is the amazing thing. They are still up in my backyard as we speak. They have been outside through rain, hail, wind, and sun. They look exactly the same as when I first put them up. These would be so great for anywhere you are throwing a party that is windy or has lots of moisture in the air!

close up of a ruffle party streamer made out of a plastic tablecloth.

They are also SUPER lightweight. Although I used my staple gun I am pretty sure that depending on what type of surface you are trying to attach to, most kinds of tape should be able to hold them.

Decorating with Plastic Tablecloths

Easy party decor idea of Plastic tablecloth streamers.
I think what I like most about the idea of using a plastic tablecloth to make really cheap, really cute party streamers is that you can make a ton for next to nothing. They would be cute as a photobooth backdrop. Which would cost you around $5. While it does take some of your time to make them, you could make a huge impact with these around your party.

I’ve had people email me and tell me they used the plastic streamers as a seaweed garland for an underwater theme. 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!

How to make a ruffled tablecloth with a plastic tablecloth
I also wondered if you could do it around the edge of the tablecloth to get a super girly ruffly look. You totally can! Don’t judge my composition. I was working against the nap clock here, people.
Ruffled streamers out of plastic tablecloths or trashbags
I also wanted to see if you can make this DIY with trash bags. And you totally can! Black utility trash bags are a little bit shiny which adds a nice touch and they ruffle really easily! I just needed to see if it would work. It did! And they look really cool!


I’m sure you’ll love these other simple party diys from Cupcakes and Cutlery!

This balloon chandelier DIY is easy! It's the perfect party decoration for all kinds of parties! Talking watermelons. Carve them to create awesome party decor and signage. DIY tassel wall hanging out of mop heads.

• Easy Balloon Chandelier

• Use a Watermelon as a Party Sign!

• Extra Large Tassels Made from Mop Heads

Comments

  1. 52

    I 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!

    Reply
  2. 54

    I 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.

    Reply
  3. 57

    I 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!!

    Reply
    • 58

      Hi! 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!!!

      Reply
  5. 62

    These 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!

    Reply
  6. 64

    Wow!!! 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!!

    Reply
  7. 65

    I think you get mother of the year because your son is wearing a Ramones t-shirt! I named my dog Blitzkrieg after Blitzkrieg Bop :)

    Reply
  8. 66

    This 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!

    Reply
  9. 67

    Thanks 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

    Reply
  10. 68

    I 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!

    Reply
  11. 69

    ADORABLENESS!!!!
    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!

    Reply
  14. 72

    Okay, 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!

    Reply
  18. 76

    What 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

    Reply
  20. 78

    Adorable 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 :)

    Reply
  21. 79

    Those 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.

    Reply
  22. 80

    Out 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.

    Reply
  23. 81

    Out 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.

    Reply
  27. 85

    Really 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!

    Reply
  29. 87

    These 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

    Reply
  30. 88

    Got 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.

    Reply
  33. 91

    This is so awesome. I can't wait for my daughter's baptism party in a few months – I'm totally going to try this!!

    Reply
  34. 92

    I save a lot of my party table cloths…just i case. Now you've given me a great repurpose idea. Thank!

    Reply
  35. 93

    this 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!

    Reply
  36. 94

    Oh, 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)

    Reply
  37. 95

    This 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. :)

    Reply
  41. 99

    Oh 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 :)

    Reply
  47. 105

    those 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 :)

    Reply

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xo Sharon