How Do I Make A Balloon Drop

A balloon drop is a great way to add some excitement to an event, especially if there is a reveal or high point of some sort. They are actually quite easy to make!

1. Netting Or Plastic Sheet. Ideally you will want to use a white or black netting of some sort.  The netting can have openings as big as a few inches, using tulle or tulle-like materia.  You can find garden or bird netting at a garden centre or home hardware store. If using netting with a large opening, ensure the smallest balloon won't fall through it.  If you can't find any netting, you can also use plastic sheets such as table covers from a party supply store.  

2. Fold the Netting Or Sheet. Fold the netting or sheet in half. See image below.  Remember that the open end will end up being the bottom of the balloon drop (this is where the balloons will fall out from). 

3. Sew The Open Ends Together. A basting stitch is a simple stitch that goes in a straight line, and criss-crosses the two sides of the netting or sheet to hold them together.  See image below.  You can use fishing wire or ribbon to sew this stitch across. Leave a little hanging out Make sure it is well sewn so balloons don't fall through, but not too tight you will have trouble pulling the end of it. Make sure to leave a little extra hanging out on one end, and then a long stretch of thread/ribbon hanging out the other end.  This is the end you will pull it to undo the stitch and release the balloons. Depending on how full you want your balloon drop, you can also sew up the short ends as well. 

4. Fill It With Balloons. A balloon drop uses air-filled latex balloons.  The purpose is to allow the balloons to fall, not float away (which is a balloon release using helium filled balloons).  You can use whatever size latex balloons you wish, and can even use different shaped balloons as well.  Just ensure they don't fall out through the netting if you are using netting with large holes.  

5. Use Ribbon Or Rope To Hang The Balloon Drop. See image below. You can tie the balloon drops to beams or poles, or tape them in place.  If you have a large balloon drop, and you are using tape, ensure it is strong enough to hold it for the duration of the event.  Tying is usually a better option.  

6. Pull Out The Stitch To Release Balloons. Once you are ready to release the balloons, pull the long end of the ribbon.  The balloons will begin to fall out from the opposite end.  It's up to you to pull out the stitch quickly or slowly depending on how you want the balloons to fall, or how long you want this moment to last. 

Purchase A Balloon Drop Net Instead

If you need a balloon net quickly and don't have the time or means to make your own, we also sell balloon nets you can use for your balloon drops!