From Island Tradition to Nationwide Craze: How Money Leis Took over Graduation Season
A sturdy satin ribbon lei base supports the weight of the folded currency without stretching or irritating the neck. The classic two-strand military braid offers the best balance of flexibility and strength.
Cut two lengths of 5/8-inch satin ribbon to 4 yards each. Place the ends together and tie a neat overhand knot, leaving a 5-inch tail for tying the lei closed later. Take Ribbon A (for example, navy blue) and fold it into a small loop roughly 1 inch long. Take Ribbon B (such as gold) and wrap it around the base of Ribbon A’s loop, pushing a loop of Ribbon B through the eye of Ribbon A.
Pull Ribbon A firmly to tighten its loop down around Ribbon B’s base. Next, form a fresh loop with Ribbon A and slide it through the active loop of Ribbon B. Tug Ribbon B to cinch it down. Continue alternating loops in this interlocking chain, keeping your tension uniform. When the woven section measures 36 to 40 inches long, thread the loose end of the final ribbon completely through the remaining loop to lock the weave. Tie the starting and ending tails together into a secure double knot, leaving the ribbon circle intact.
