Short answer: To hang 1,000 paper cranes, thread them onto strong, thin line such as fishing line or waxed thread with a long needle, from the bottom of each crane up through the top. Put a small bead or knot under each crane to hold it in place, space the cranes about 3 inches apart, then tie each finished strand to a rod, hoop or frame.
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What do you need to string paper cranes?
- Line: clear fishing line (about 6 to 10 lb test) or waxed cotton thread. Fishing line almost disappears in photos; colored thread becomes part of the design.
- A long needle: a doll needle or beading needle of 3 inches or more passes through a crane in one go.
- Stoppers: small seed beads, crimp beads or simple knots under each crane.
- Something to hang from: a wooden dowel, curtain rod, embroidery hoop, copper pipe or a backdrop frame.
- Scissors, a ruler and a few binder clips to hold strands while you work.
How do you string a crane without crushing it?
Push the needle up through the small hole at the bottom center of the crane and out through the top of its back. Hold the crane gently by the body, not the wings. Slide it down the line, then add a bead or tie a knot underneath so it cannot slip. Many people string from the bottom of the strand upward, starting with a larger bead or a tassel to weight the end so the strand hangs straight.
How far apart should the cranes be?
About 3 inches between cranes looks full without crowding. Use 2 inches for a dense, dramatic curtain, or 4 to 6 inches for a light, airy look. Keep the spacing the same on every strand so the backdrop looks even. A ruler taped to your table makes this quick.
How many cranes go on each strand?
The traditional senbazuru is 1,000 cranes on 25 strands of 40 cranes each. For a backdrop, the number depends on the drop length: a 7 foot strand with a crane every 3 inches holds about 28 cranes. Our guide on how many cranes you need for a wedding backdrop shows the full math.
How do you mount the strands?
- Mark even points along your rod or frame, about 3 inches apart.
- Tie each strand to a mark with a double knot, or loop it over and secure it with a dab of glue.
- Hang the rod first, then add strands one at a time so they do not tangle.
- For a round shape, tie strands around an embroidery hoop and hang it from three points so it stays level.
How do you keep strands from tangling?
Store finished strands flat in a long box or rolled loosely around a paper towel tube, with tissue between layers. Transport them that way and hang them on site. If two strands twist together, hold the bottom of one strand and let it spin free rather than pulling.
Want to skip the stringing?
Our ready-to-hang crane garlands arrive already strung, so you only need to tie them up. If you prefer to string your own, start from a set of 1,000 hand-folded 3 inch cranes or 1,000 hand-folded 1.5 inch cranes. Decorating a large venue or hotel? We take bulk orders from 10,000 cranes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best string for hanging paper cranes?
Clear fishing line of about 6 to 10 lb test is the most popular because it nearly disappears in photos. Waxed cotton thread works well when you want the string to show.
How do you keep paper cranes from sliding down the string?
Add a small bead or tie a knot directly under each crane. The bead or knot holds the crane at its spot on the strand.
How many cranes are on each strand of a senbazuru?
A traditional senbazuru has 1,000 cranes on 25 strands of 40 cranes each, though backdrops often use different numbers to fit the space.
Can I buy paper cranes already strung?
Yes. Origamipolly sells ready-to-hang crane garlands that arrive strung, as well as loose sets of 1,000 hand-folded cranes.