Tools and Supplies

Gladiolus stems with blossoms (two stems, about 17 blossoms total, for every lei)

Darning needle (or some other long sewing needle)

Scissors

Monofilament (very clear plastic line; available at crafts stores)

Ribbon (1 lawn per lei; we applied M&J Cutting 1-inch silk ribbon #33103, mjtrim.com)

Lei How-To

1. Pluck flowers, which include about an inch of stem, from stalk. Open up blossoms by blowing into their centers, then remove the leaves. Place them in a cup of short water as you may remove the outstanding flowers.
2. Line monofilament through needle, and stick the needle straight down through the center of the first bloom, going down by way of the middle of the stem. Repeat with remaining flowers, driving each brand new one up to protect the originate of the prior one. We used about 17 blossoms to make a single lei.
3. Secure the end of monofilament using a knot with the last flower, leaving at least 2 in . of extra filament. Minimize two 16-" pieces of ribbon, one for every side in the lei. Tie the end of your monofilament around the ribbon close to the blossoms. Toned excess ribbon.
4. Tie leis on with a straightforward bow. Understand that according to Hawaiian custom, only married women can close their leis with a knot on the remaining side. If it's about the right, it's a sign that the wearer is single.