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[Handmade] A collection of stylish DIY koinobori (carp streamer) ideas
When you think of koi nobori (carp streamers), the standard has always been to display them outdoors, like in the yard or on a balcony.
However, stylish versions that can be displayed indoors as interior decor have recently become popular.
These indoor carp streamers are drawing attention not only as easy, seasonal handmade crafts, but also as decorations for children’s first seasonal festival (hatsuzekku).
In this article, we’ll introduce a range of chic DIY ideas for koi nobori all at once! From more elaborate handmade pieces to easy-to-make options, we’ve gathered cute and stylish ideas—so be sure to try making and displaying them yourself!
[Handmade] A collection of stylish DIY koinobori ideas (1–10)
Flower KoinoboriNEW!
Isn’t the time when carp streamers are raised also a warm season, when we have more chances to see flowers and leaves? This flower-themed carp streamer is perfect for this season, when you can sense the arrival of May through nature.
Fill the gaps in a wooden carp streamer ornament with stretch-type clay.
Then insert flowers into the clay.
Real flowers are beautiful, but using artificial ones lets you enjoy a fresh look for as long as you like.
Carp streamers sold at 100-yen shops are perfectly fine, so preparation should be easy.
Many children love playing with clay, so they’re likely to stay focused on the craft.
stained glass
https://www.instagram.com/p/BQ6pWt-gbjr/Let’s make a stained-glass-style koi nobori carp streamer that sparkles beautifully when light shines through it.
You might be wondering, “How do you even make stained glass?” You draw on a clear plastic sheet (shrink plastic) or an acrylic board, and by painting with glass paints, you can create a stained-glass effect.
You can buy these paints at craft stores or online, and lately they’re even sold at 100-yen shops.
Combine them with wire to make a tabletop koi nobori, or create one on an acrylic board and display it in a window—both are lovely options.
craft band
Lately, handmade craft band weaving has been quietly but steadily gaining popularity.
On video sites, you can find countless ideas—from beginner-friendly basket weaves to advanced techniques.
Here’s an idea: try making a koi-nobori (carp streamer) with craft bands.
It might seem difficult, but since you’re just alternating and interlacing the bands, you’ll be fine if you weave slowly and carefully.
You can make not only the carp streamer itself, but also the pole and the windsock.
If you use solid colors or a monochrome palette, the result will suit a simple, minimalist room as well.
garland
https://www.instagram.com/p/CnVbpgfvTmi/Many households probably focus on decorating their walls with seasonal items.
If you want to enjoy carp streamers (koinobori) as a stylish wall decoration for Children’s Day, how about making them into a garland? You can make the koinobori out of paper, or use leftover fabric scraps you have at home for a budget-friendly option.
While garlands are typically hung on a string and displayed on the wall, using driftwood and natural jute twine to hang them in a balanced way will elevate the stylish look even more.
suncatcher
https://www.instagram.com/p/CdIV1E1NZs8/Sunlight through the window turns colorful! This is a carp streamer (koinobori) suncatcher that makes you look forward to sunny days.
Using the thinness of tissue paper, you attach tissue paper cut into scale shapes to a koinobori-shaped outer frame.
Then just stick it on the window—when the sun hits it, it looks almost like stained glass! It’s lovely, as if the carp streamer is truly swimming in the sky.
I mentioned cutting the tissue paper into scales, but the shape is up to you.
Rectangles work, and you can even just tear the paper if you like!
tapestry
https://www.instagram.com/p/Co6Nce6JWvi/Here’s an idea: display a subtle, stylish koi-nobori as a tapestry.
If you have bleached cotton cloth (sarashi), why not try painting a koi-nobori with acrylic paints? Turning a digital illustration into an iron-on transfer is easy too, and it gives a store-bought look.
If you have a favorite tenugui, you can hang that as a tapestry as well.
Many people find that store-bought items don’t quite match their room’s color scheme.
A simple koi-nobori tapestry made by hand can be reused from next year on!
macramé knitting
https://www.instagram.com/p/CojHmexL1_R/I bet many of you have been wanting to try macramé.
After causing a boom more than half a century ago, macramé has made a comeback recently and you often see it as interior decor.
Here’s an idea: make a carp streamer (koinobori) with macramé.
It might sound very difficult, but macramé involves repetitive motions—if you can focus and work steadily, you’ll enjoy it.
If you’ve ever braided a friendship bracelet, you should find it fun to knot.
Try finishing it stylishly with driftwood and beads!
mobile
https://www.instagram.com/p/CdIYKZ_P73C/Mobiles are often seen as stylish interior items.
They decorate the ceiling and gently sway when someone walks by or when the air conditioner blows on them.
Carp streamers that flutter in the wind are perfect for turning into a mobile, aren’t they? You can handcraft one using bamboo skewers, wire, and fishing line.
The tricky part is probably arranging each piece while considering the balance.
It’s also a good idea to print and assemble kits available online.
Along with carp streamers, you could try making a samurai helmet, too.
Leathercraft
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_MUv2agc3D/If you want a slightly chic and stylish koinobori, why not try leathercraft? The subdued color tones make it easy to harmonize with your room’s atmosphere.
Cut the end of a rectangular piece of leather into a triangle to create the tail fin.
For the eye, use the concave side of a snap button.
Ideas like this—using existing techniques and shifting your perspective a bit—are really fun, aren’t they? Give it a try and make a koinobori with a relaxed yet smart look!
wire art
https://www.instagram.com/p/CphPvD_J9ex/Wire art pieces that blend seamlessly with any interior.
Works by famous wire artists are so delicate and stunning they take your breath away, aren’t they? How about giving wire art a try yourself? All you need to get started is wire in your favorite color and a pair of needle-nose pliers.
Thinner wire is easier to bend and cut, making it beginner-friendly.
It’s also a nice idea to shape your child’s name in wire.
Black wire pops against white walls, while gold wire looks great on darker walls.