How to Make a Balloon Garland Without a Kit (Easy DIY)
Part of our guide: Balloon Decoration Ideas: The Complete Guide
You do not need a kit to make a balloon garland. Fishing line or string works just as well and costs much less. Inflate mixed sizes, tie them in clusters, thread them on, hang it and fill the gaps. Below are three no-kit methods, how many balloons to buy, colors, hanging and fixes.
Building a big arched shape instead of a draped garland? See our steps on how to make a balloon arch. The balloon technique is the same.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time: about 1.5–2 hours
- Cost: ~$20–$35 (no kit)
- Balloons: 60–100
- Helium: not needed
Top Decor Picks for this Setup
Curated essentials on Amazon to help you recreate this setup easily.
Sage Green Latex Balloons (Mixed Sizes)
Loose matte sage balloons in 5–18 inch sizes making up a third of every no-kit garland.
Terracotta Latex Balloons (Mixed Sizes)
Loose matte terracotta balloons in mixed sizes woven through the garland.
Cream / Sand Latex Balloons (Mixed Sizes)
Loose cream and sand balloons forming the neutral base of the garland.
Clear Fishing Line
Clear line threading the balloon clusters together (close-up image).
Table of Contents
- Garland vs arch: what’s the difference
- What you’ll need (no kit)
- 3 ways to make a balloon garland without a kit
- Balloon garland color ideas
- How to hang a balloon garland
- Our experience: Lessons from real installations
- Troubleshooting
- Quantities, cost and quick tips
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Final checklist
- Helpful safety sources
- FAQ
- Related articles
Garland vs arch: what’s the difference
The words are often used interchangeably, but there’s a small difference. A garland is the flexible rope of clustered balloons itself. You can drape it any way you like. An arch is a garland bent into an arch shape, usually over a doorway or backdrop. Same building technique; the arch just needs a frame or anchor points to hold the curve. (If you are making this for a baby shower, check out our bee baby shower ideas for inspiration!)
What you’ll need (no kit)
Skip the decorating strip and use what you likely already have:
- Balloons: 60–100 in 2–4 colors and mixed sizes (5-inch, 11-inch, 16-inch)
- Fishing line or thin string: the backbone of your garland
- Glue dots: for filling gaps
- A balloon pump: optional but much faster
- Command hooks: for hanging
- Scissors
We recommend fishing line over string for most people. It’s nearly invisible, strong, and lets the balloons sit tightly together.
Commercial Kits vs DIY: Why not simply buy a kit? Store-bought kits usually come with a plastic decorating strip that spaces balloons out evenly, leaving obvious gaps and a “store-bought” look. Building it yourself on a fishing line allows for tighter, more organic clusters that look professionally installed.
3 ways to make a balloon garland without a kit
Method 1, Fishing line and balloon knots (most popular)
Inflate and tie balloons in pairs, then tie a second pair and twist the two pairs together into a cluster of four. Thread your fishing line through the center of each cluster, or tie each cluster onto the line as you go. Push clusters tightly together so there are no gaps. This is our preferred no-kit method. It’s fast and holds well. (Estimated time: 1.5 hours for a 6-foot garland)
Method 2, Tie directly onto string
Knot each balloon (or pair) directly onto a length of string, alternating directions so the garland fills out on both sides. It takes a little longer than the cluster method but needs nothing but string. (Estimated time: 2 hours for a 6-foot garland)
Method 3. The “balloon tie” chain
Use the balloons’ own knots to link them: tie two balloons together, then loop the next pair’s knot around the first. No line at all, though this method is best for short garlands, since it’s less sturdy over long lengths. (Estimated time: 1 hour for a short 4-foot garland)
Finishing any method
Once your base is built, inflate a handful of 5-inch balloons and glue-dot them into the gaps. Tuck in pampas grass or greenery for a boho finish.
Balloon garland color ideas
Stick to three or four colors. One dominant, two supporting, and a small pop:
- Boho neutral: cream, sand, terracotta, sage
- Pastel: peach, blush, mint, dusty blue
- Bold: a single bright plus white and gold
- Elegant: white, champagne, one metallic
Lay your colors out on the floor before you start tying, clustered balloons read differently than loose ones, and it’s easier to adjust now.
How to hang a balloon garland
- Command hooks are the easiest indoor option, press them along your line and loop the fishing line over each hook. They peel off cleanly, so they’re renter-friendly.
- Tape or small nails work for temporary setups.
- Hang the fullest section first, then let the ends taper. Keep the garland out of direct sun and heat so it doesn’t pop.
Our experience: Lessons from real installations
When the DecorWillow team first tried hanging a massive 12-foot garland, we didn’t use enough anchor points and the whole thing sagged in the middle. We learned that using multiple heavy-duty Command hooks along the fishing line (not only the ends) is absolutely essential to hold the weight of a long garland. Always over-secure your anchor points!
Troubleshooting
- My balloons keep slipping off the fishing line. Tie each cluster onto the line with a small knot instead of only threading it through, so clusters can’t slide.
- The garland sags in the middle. The line is too long or unsupported. Add a Command hook in the center to hold the weight.
- It looks thin. You skipped gap-fillers or used all one size. Add 5-inch balloons and more clustering.
- Balloons keep popping. You’re overinflating or using thin balloons, or it’s too hot. Inflate to 90%, use a quality brand, and keep it cool.
Quantities, cost and quick tips
How much to buy
Use this as a starting point, then add about 10 extra for pops:
| Garland length | Approx. balloons |
|---|---|
| 4 ft | 40–60 |
| 6 ft | 70–100 |
| 8 ft | 120–160 |
Mixing sizes is what makes it look full: 5-inch balloons fill gaps, 11-inch make up the body, and 16-inch become focal points.
Cost
Two columns: a tight version and a full version, with no kit.
| Item | Budget | Full |
|---|---|---|
| Balloons (60 to 100) | $10 | $18 |
| Balloon decorating strip | $4 | $7 |
| Glue dots | $2 | $4 |
| Hand pump | $4 | $6 |
| Total | $20 | $35 |
This matches the $20 to $35 range at the top. A kit costs more, but saves sorting time.
Worth it vs skip
Worth it:
- A decorating strip. It keeps the garland even
- Three balloon sizes for a full look
- Two or three colors only
Skip:
- Helium. An air-filled garland lasts longer
- A full kit if you already know your colors
Small space version
A garland of about 30 balloons fits over a small table or a window. Use two sizes, keep to two colors, and hang it with removable hooks.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Spacing balloons evenly. Cluster them tightly in uneven groups, even spacing looks store-bought.
- Using one size. Mix 5-, 11-, and 16-inch for a full look.
- Overinflating. Inflate to about 90% so they don’t pop overnight.
- Skipping gap-fillers. Small balloons in the gaps are what make it look finished.
- Cheap balloons. Thin ones pop while you build, matte quality lasts.
Final checklist
- 60–100 balloons in 2–4 colors (mixed sizes) + 10 spares
- Fishing line or string
- Glue dots
- Balloon pump
- Command hooks + scissors
- Optional: pampas grass / greenery
- Lay out colors on the floor first
- Inflate to ~90%, mix sizes
- Cluster tightly, fill gaps
- Hang the fullest section first
Helpful safety sources
A few trusted places for the safety points in this guide:
- HealthyChildren (AAP): choking prevention: Why balloons and broken balloon pieces are a choking risk for young children.
FAQ
Can you make a balloon garland without a kit?
Yes. A spool of fishing line or a length of string replaces the decorating strip completely. Tie balloons into clusters, thread or knot them onto the line, push them tightly together, and fill the gaps with small balloons.
What can I use instead of a balloon decorating strip?
Fishing line is the best substitute. It’s strong, nearly invisible, and lets balloons sit tightly together. Thin string also works. You can even link balloons using their own knots for short garlands.
Do you need helium for a balloon garland?
No. Balloon garlands are made with air, not helium. The balloons hold their shape on the line on their own, and air-filled garlands last far longer than helium balloons.
How many balloons do I need for a balloon garland?
Plan on 60–100 balloons for a 6-foot garland, in mixed sizes, plus about 10 extra for pops. Longer garlands need more, roughly 15–20 balloons per foot depending on how full you want it.
How far in advance can I make a balloon garland?
Build it 1–2 days ahead. Air-filled balloons stay full for 2–3 days but look best within the first 24 hours. Keep the finished garland cool and out of direct sunlight until the party.
Related articles
- How to make a balloon arch
- How to hang a balloon garland
- Balloon garland color ideas
- Best balloon garland kit
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Recreate This Look: Complete Supply Checklist
Every prop, decor item, and material identified in our styled photos, linked directly to top-rated supplies on Amazon.
Alternative peach, white and chrome gold mix (hanging image).
Pastel balloon clusters in the color ideas flat-lay.
Hand pump to inflate the loose balloons.
Glue dots for tucking in small balloons.
Hooks to hang the finished garland.
Pampas plumes tucked into the garland and in vases.
Dried palm fans in the garland (pin image).
Eucalyptus sprigs in the garland and vases.
Large cream vases holding pampas.
Woven vases and lantern on the table.
Small wooden stand on the table (hanging image).
Round woven chargers on the table.
Draped beige linen on the table.
Baskets on the floor (before & after).
Round rug in front of the garland wall.
