How to Make a Carnation Lei

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Buy about 60 carnations in 1 or many colors.

   You can pre-order carnations from a flower shop to ensure you will have enough flowers to create as many leis as you want.
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   Step 2: Cut the carnation heads from the stems.

   Leave 1⁄4 inch (0.6 cm) of a stem remaining on each carnation, or the flower will fall apart when strung. ,, Make sure you test the thread to ensure it withstands some force. , Thread the needle and pull the 2 ends so that they meet. , Make sure there is a large knot at the end, which will stop the flowers from falling off. , Stick the embroidery needle horizontally through the green "hip" where the flower connects to the stem. ,,, Gather the other end of the lei. , Tug to make sure your knots will hold. , Since World War II, leis have often been given along with a kiss.
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   Step 3: Place the flowers in the order you would like them on your garland.

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   Step 4: Measure a 6 foot (1.8 m) length of strong string.

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   Step 5: Choose the longest embroidery needle that you can find.

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   Step 6: Knot the ends 2 or 3 times.

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   Step 7: Take your first flower and hold it on the sides of the petals.

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   Step 8: Pull the flower along the thread until it reaches the knotted end of the thread.

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   Step 9: Thread each carnation the same way until you reach the end of your string

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    Step 10: near the needle.

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    Step 11: Cut the thread from the needle and hold the 2 ends together.

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    Step 12: Knot the ends together 2 or 3 times.

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    Step 13: Give a lei to someone on a special occasion.

Detailed Guide

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