DIY Ruffled Streamers

Ever wonder how people get those multi colored streamers? Its actually pretty easy, all you need is the cheap streamers (you can grab them a any dollar type store) and a basic sewing machine. These streamers are great for graduation parties because you can make them custom for each schools colors, but they work well for about any celebration. Dana Made was kind enough to go step by step in her how-to blog for us. Click here to view them.
Here is a condensed version of her instructions:
Using two or three colors (or more), overlap them so they come together in the middle.
Then we're ready to gather and ruffle the streamers.

Now, standard gathering is done by sewing one or two lines on to your fabric and then pulling the strings to gather up the fabric. You use your hands to push and shift the fabric down the thread till it's gathered to your liking. It's a good method. I use it often. But when you're talking about yards and yards of gathering? UGH. NO THANKS.

Let's cheat!
First, set your machine to the longest stitch possible. Mine is a "5".
Next, change your tension from normal tension to the strongest tension possible. Mine is a "10".
Do a quick forward and back stitch and then sew right down the middle of your streamers (so that both layers are sewn together). As you go, watch the streamers ruffle up before your very eyes!
Now, this is not an exact ruffling science, obviously. Depending on the weight of your fabric and streamers, the machine may or may not ruffle up as much as you'd like. So here's the other cheating tip.... Use your right hand to slightly hold the thread as you sew. This increases the tension even more and you'll really see the streamers ruffle up.
I held the thread the entire time for my streamers--just slightly--and it was perfect.
One more tip that might save your sanity too.....
As you continue to sew and pull streamers from the roll, do not pull them up in a spiral or the streamers will constantly be twisted. Instead, pull them up straight or pull a bunch of streamers off the roll at once and let it sit in a pile on your table (or the ground). I know it's silly to point out. But I was going insane when I first started pulling up in a spiral!
Another method is to use something to hold the streamers as you go (as seen on the Patriotic Streamers post). I used a small wooden dowel (you can also use a pencil or something similar) to hold the streamers at my knees. Then I easily pulled them out sections at a time.
When you're done, you'll have a lovely ruffled garland:
For 3 colors, overlap two colors as we did above and then overlay one additional color in the middle (so they're all overlapped in the middle). Then sew down the middle! It might feel awkward at first, trying to keep it all somewhat straight. But don't stress. It doesn't need to be perfect. These are streamers! Any messy spots will be hidden in the cute ruffles anyway.