DIY How to Make a Hawaiian Lei with Flowers

1. Fresh Flowers Choices

Most popular choice for flower leis

1.1 Orchids Flowers

Orchids are one of the most durable flowers to string a Hawaiian lei with. It’s not uncommon for orchid leis to sometimes last more than 2 weeks in proper temperature. The Orchid Lei is the most popular lei because its strong durability combined with its vibrant look makes the perfect beautiful and strong lei. Orchids are also available year round and in good abundance which makes them ideal especially for large celebrations where any leis are needed. In addition orchids come in purple, white, green and even dyed colors to match any theme and make for a very festive look.

1.2 Plumeria flowers

Plumeria flowers are unique in that they grow on trees. They have an almost velvety smooth surface to them and a pleasant nectar like scent. When strung into a lei Plumeria flowers are so beautiful with their Pure white and blush yellow noses radiating in natural beauty. Plumeria is a great choice for color matching themes or for a very fresh look. Plumeria are sensitive flowers and generally wilt within 1-2 days.

1.3 Tuberose flowers

Tuberose is famous in the islands for its unique sweet smell that can fill a room with an invigorating scent. It is known as one of the most fragrant flowers in the world. In Hawaii Tuberose Lei is most popular sewn in a lei and is very common for weddings and provides a bit of a feminine touch. Its pure white color unique trumpet like shape and tall stalks also look great in flower arrangements.

1.4 Carnations flowers

Carnations are a classic icon of the Hawaiian Lei. Years ago Carnation leis were one of the most popular styles boasting a very full and large look on the recipient. Today mini carnations which is a smaller variety are just as popular and come in many different colors allowing very vibrant and bold colors such as red, pink, yellow and orange. Carnations are quite sturdy which makes them ideal for use in leis. Many leis combine carnations with other flowers such as white tuberose creating a nice pattern with a nice scent.

1.5 Rose flowers

Mini rose buds are very popular for use in Hawaiian leis. They come in a range of colors from red, yellow, pink & white. It is most popular to pick them when they are still young buds where their flower has not fully bloomed yet. This keeps them more sturdy and gives them a more sleek look. Mini roses have a mild sweet scent that many adore since it gives just a hint of an aroma. They are often combined with white orchids complimenting each other with color and size. Rose leis are a favorite throughout the year but receive a lot of attention on Mothers day and Valentines day.

These flowers represent some of the most popular choices that are used in Hawaiian leis. Overall orchids are generally a favorite for their durability, beauty and price point. However they each have their occasion where they each standout for use. Combinations amongst these flowers are also very popular. Most of these flowers require about 50 blooms to make a standard lei that hangs at 40 inches in length circumference.

 

Learn more about: 7 Different Methods of Making “Hawaiian Leis”

Learn more about: Top Hawaiian Leis for Weddings

 

2. Preparation

credit picture : beyondthecoastt.com

The materials you will need for making a Hawaiian Lei : Flowers, scissors, string, and needle 12-18″

2.1 When preparing to make a Hawaiian lei you must organize your tools first. Find a thin piece of thread or string that is approximately 100 inches in length. You will double over this string which equal around a 40 inch lei that provides 5 inches on each end for the slack to tie the lei together. One great way to quickly estimate the length of your lei without a ruler is to hold the end of one side of the string and stretch it across your chest and then touch the other end to you opposing shoulder. This will create the ideal 40 inch circumference length.

2.2  Next choose your flowers you will be stringing. For example if choosing all orchid flowers which are considered medium in size you will need about 50 orchid blooms to make a proper length Hawaiian Lei.

3. Sewing Hawaiian Leis Method

There are many ways to make Hawaiian Lei(s). Today will talk about how to make single stand Orchid Hawaiian Lei.

3.1 Thread the Needle

First get your thread and poke one end through the opening or eye of your needle. Then push the thread until it is in the middle of and fold it in half. This is doubling over your string so that you will have more strength preventing your string from breaking. Tie the two ends of the string together into a tight knot. You may also tie it into a double knot as this will provide a stopping point for the flowers as their base.

3.2 Thread the Flowers

Credit: Lei Making Honaunau Aniki Designs Marketing

Depending on what flowers you are using you will most likely need to remove the flower’s stem. For example making Orchid Lei. If you are using orchids you can snap off the stem with your fingers. If a stem does not come off easily you can use your scissors to cut it off. Next you will want to get your needle and start from the back of the flower at the bottom where the stem was. Insert your needle through this base and carefully push through making sure you poke through the nose bud of the flower. It helps to slightly pinch the flower together to better enable the needle to puncture and come through the nose bud. This is an important detail especially with orchids so that the orchid will remain strongly strung and not fall off easily. Once you get your first flower strung this way pull it gently down to the bottom knot at the end of your string. Then grab your next flower and repeat these steps.

As you gently pull your second flower down next the first flower you want to pull it directly into the first. Think of it like stacking cups where you want the base of the flower you’re pulling down to tuck into the nose of the first. Make sure that you keep your flowers straight and neatly aligned all in the same direction. Repeat this process until you fill up your string.

Keep in mind if you are creating a combination lei or say an alternating color theme it is a good idea to lay out your flowers organizing them keeping colors or flowers alike together. This will allow you to be more efficient and avoid making any mistakes.

3.3 Finish the lei

When you are completely done with stringing all your flowers you will want to connect the two ends to form the Lei. Bring your last flower together with your first flower and tie the ends of the knot together in a tight knot. You may also double knot this to strongly secure your lei. Use your scissors to cut off the slack in the string. Now hold this your lei up you are complete! Be proud of this you’ve made a lei by yourself!

Conclusion

There are many ways to make a Hawaiian Lei. Flower Leis are the most popular and an easy choice to make by yourself. All you need are Flowers, scissors, string and needle. You can even collect flowers in your backyard to make a flower lei for you loved one. It is a great way to share your Aloha to another person. Check out lei making classes www.honolulu.gov

However if you don’t have the time to make your own Hawaiian Lei then another easy way is to let us craft that special lei and ship it for you. Check out our Hawaiian Leis collection here Shakalei.com

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