Father's Day Ribbon Lei Tutorial

If you’re looking for a special way to celebrate Dad this year, you know that finding the perfect gift can sometimes be a challenge.

And, let's face it, most of us are on a budget these days and can't afford to get something super expensive.

Today I'm sharing how to make an easy ribbon lei for Father's Day that's affordable, nice looking, and easy enough for a kid to make!

a child making a heart shape with her hands and holding a blue and white braided ribbon lei

If you want more affordable Father's Day gift and card ideas, be sure to check out the posts below:

text "Father's Day ribbon lei tutorial" with a picture of a child holding a blue and white ribbon lei

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Why this ribbon lei is perfect for Father’s Day

Classic & crisp colors.

The combination of royal blue (or navy!) and white gives the lei a sharp, timeless look. It can easily double as a sports fan accessory if his favorite sports team shares those colors!

Of course, you can pick your own colors instead of going with the white and blue in this post. College or sports team colors are always a good choice.

It’s durable.

Unlike fresh flowers, this lei can be tucked away in his closet, hung on his rearview mirror, or kept in a memory box for years to come.

a child holding out a blue and white ribbon lei as a Father's Day gift

It’s comfortable.

Dads don't want anything heavy or scratchy. These ribbon leis are lightweight, smooth, and won’t itch or irritate his neck during Father's Day dinner or a family cookout.

It looks great in photos.

This ribbon lei will stand out in family pictures!

Materials needed to make a Father’s Day lei

Two colors of ⅜" satin ribbon. Pick two contrasting colors—a rich blue and a bright white.
- You need about 5-6 yards of each color to make a standard adult-sized lei (working directly off the spools is best so you don't run out!).
Sharp scissors
A lighter or Fray Check to keep those ends looking sharp.

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How to make an easy ribbon lei

This really is so easy a child can do it! My daughter made her first lei when she was five. She needed help to get started, but she figured it out quickly.

I have included written steps, but I also created a tutorial video you can watch below:

The Prep

Pull about 6-8 inches of ribbon off each spool, but don’t cut them yet!

Working directly off the spools is important because you won't run out of ribbon halfway through.

Start Your Loop

Tie a simple slip knot in the end of one ribbon, about 8 inches from the end so you have plenty of space to tie a knot at the end. The other color doesn't need a loop.

making a slip knot in a piece of blue ribbon

The First "Stitch"

Slide your Color B (White) loop through the slip knot loop of Color A (Blue). Pull the long tail of Color A until it’s snug around the Color B loop.

sliding a lop of white ribbon through loop in a blue ribbon

Repeat on the other side

Now make a loop in your first color (blue) and slide it through the loop in the second color (the white loop you made in the step above).

sliding a bloop of blue ribbon through a white ribbon loop

The Pattern

Now you just repeat the process.

Repeat this process, alternating which color you're making a bunny ear loop in.

a blue and white ribbon lei in the process of being made.

Keep Going

You’ll see a cool checkerboard pattern start to form. Just keep alternating!

Since this is for an adult, you'll want your finished lei to be about 36". If Dad is really big or tall, making it closer to 40" may look better in photos.

Finishing Touches

Once it’s long enough, cut your ribbons from the spools (make sure to leave about 8 inches of tail on both sides).

Pull the very last tail all the way through the final loop to lock the whole braid in place.

sending a piece of white ribbon through a blue ribbon loop to finish off a ribbon lei

Tie the two ends of the lei together in a sturdy knot. You can finish it off with a clean bow, or leave the tails straight for a more tailored, minimalist look.

a completed blue and white ribbon lei to use as a DIY Father's Day gift

Pro Tip: Want to make it extra special for Dad? You can use a little hot glue to attach a small, lightweight "Best Dad Ever" charm, a customized tag with the year, or even a miniature sports token right near the knot where the ends meet!

Ready for the Big Day!

And that's it! You've got a handmade, heartfelt gift that Dad will love. It’s such a sweet, creative way to say "I love you" and make him feel like a king on Father's Day.