Learning how to make a daisy chain is a classic childhood rite of passage that can brighten anyone’s day in under five minutes. Whether you want to create a fanciful daisy chain bracelet or a full daisy flower crown, these simple techniques use real flowers to create a beautiful, “groovy” masterpieces.
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Below, we’ll walk through the two best ways to do it: the traditional slit-and-thread method and the braided method that makes a fuller bracelet or crown.
Preparation: Finding Your Flowers Mindfully
Before you begin, look for an abundant patch of daisies where the flowers are plentiful. Since daisies are an important resource for bees and other pollinators, it is best to only pick from areas where there are hundreds of blooms.
Both small daises and large daisies work out great for this project (smaller ones are a bit more challenging for little hands).
For a easy to make daisy chain, look for flowers with long, flexible stems. These work out the best for both methods. Just remember to leave plenty of blossoms behind for our buzzing friends to enjoy!
Method 1: The Slit-and-Thread Technique
This is the classic way to make a simple daisy chain. It’s perfect for making a daisy chain bracelet or a quick necklace.
Create a Slit: Using your thumbnail, carve a small, half-inch (1 cm) slit into the middle of the daisy stem.
Link the Daisies: Take another daisy and pull its stem through the slit you just made.
Repeat: Continue this process, making a new slit in the stem of the daisy you just added and threading the next one through. Continue this until you have the desired lenght.
Finish the Chain
There are two ways you can finish up the chain.
- Close it up with a stem: Make another slit in the first daisy and thread the last stem through it. Loop it and thread it through the same hole again.
- Close it up with the daisy head: To make a loop for a daisy crown or bracelet, make a slightly larger slit (about one inch) in the final daisy. Thread the very first daisy head through this last slit.
- Pro Tip: To make the head fit more easily, you can pluck the petals off the first daisy before threading it through.
Method 2: How to Make a Daisy Crown by Braiding
If you want to know how to make a daisy crown with real flowers that looks thick and full, braiding is the best method. This also creates a much sturdier daisy chain crown.
Start with Three: Pick three daisies with longest stems and hold them together just below the flower heads.
Begin the Braid: Cross the right stem over the middle, then the left stem over the middle, just like braiding hair. Repeat this two or three times.
Add Flowers: As you continue braiding, periodically add a new daisy to your chain. Just push the stem through one of the “holes” in the chain and continue braiding with this new stem included.
Continue braiding and adding in new flowers until you are happy with your length.
Secure the Ends: Once you reach your desired length, keep on braiding stems only until you reach the end, then tuck this braided part to the start of your chain to make a loop.
You can also use thread (or even grass) to secure your loop.
Tips for the Best Daisy Chains
- Freshness Matters: Real flowers wilt quickly. To keep your daisy chain looking fresh, mist it with a little water or make it right before you plan to wear it.
- Small Daisies: If you are learning how to make a daisy chain with small daisies, the slit-and-thread method works best, but you will need to be very gentle with your thumbnail to avoid snapping the delicate stems.
- Spread the Joy: A handmade daisy chain makes a wonderful, simple gift for a friend (also makes a great handmade gift for mom).
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