Make a Balloon Arch

Balloon Arches are as popular as balloon centerpieces, they add excitement to any party.

A great close up of a pretty pink balloon arch.
Just think, you will soon be able to create a wonderful arch like this one!

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Measuring for an Arch:

Measure the length in a straight line along the ground from where one end of the arch will rest to the other end. (width)
Measure where the center of the arch will be, from the ground to its highest point. (height)

If your arch measurements are:
Wider than Tall: Width + Height = total length.
Width same as Height: Width + 1.5 (Height) = total length.
Width smaller than Height: Width + 2 (Height) = total length.

Approximate number of balloons needed per foot of arch:
11" balloons --- 6 per foot
14" or 16" balloons --- 4 per foot

How many balloons to buy:
Round off your total length to the nearest foot and multiply it by the balloons needed per foot. Order a few extras!.
The typical store bought laytex balloon is an 11" size.

Supplies Needed:

Laytex Balloons. Two colors.
Clear 50# Fishing Line
Sizing Template
2 bricks or other weights
Electric Inflator

Make a sizing template out of a box. Draw an 11" diameter circle onto the box. Cut the circle out of the box. Hold the balloon in the opening of the box while inflating. When the balloon fills the opening you have inflated it to the correct size and it can be tied.

Putting the Balloon Arch together:

Build the arch near or at its final destination.

1. Leaving a three to four foot tail, fasten one end of the fishing line to a stationary object like the back of a chair or a heavy paint bucket. Don't cut the other end yet!

2. Inflate the balloons using the sizing template.

3. Tie two balloons of the same color together to create a set. Repeat with the other color to create another set.

4. Twist one set of two balloons around the other set to create a cluster of four balloons. The colors should alternate.

5. Hold the roll of fishing line in one hand and the balloon cluster in the other. Pull the line tight and wrap the fishing line around two or three balloons in the bunch. Repeat with another cluster, making sure to keep the line tight and to wrap around a couple of the balloons each time.

Rotate the clusters as you are putting them onto the line to get a swirling effect.

The clusters need to be packed onto the line tightly.

6. Continue along until you reach your desired length.

7. Wrap the line around each balloon in the last cluster, using a slip knot style loop to keep the balloons tight.

8. Tie the ends of the fishing line to your weights and set arch into its final destination.


If a balloon pops you can replace it by fastening it directly to the line.

Balloon Arch Fun:

Dress up your balloon arch with small white Christmas lights, ribbon or tulle.

Create a rainbow arch by attaching one color of balloon to the fishing line, another color to a different line and then attaching them all together.

Wrap columns using fishing line and balloons.