How to make fabric paper chains

Designer Jennie Jones has come up with a cunning way to recapture the pleasure of making paper chains, without having lots of messy paper and glue to clear up afterwards.

This is such a simple project that it could even be sewn by hand, making it an ideal holiday project for the kids. But what’s best is that they’ll last for years to come!

Designer Jennie says, “Using OHP paper for these cute little paper chains means they can be reused time and time again. They hold their shape and can be bent into different shapes. But if you prefer, you can easily use card, paper, interfacing or wadding instead.”

If you use OHP paper, a thin, transparent, flexible material often made from acetate, then the chains can be hung outside without risking damage from wind, rain or snow.

Read on to learn how to make fabric paper chains to decorate your home this Christmas!

How to make fabric paper chains

You will need

• Two fat quarters – we used festive fabrics from Purple Stitches
• Velcro: 2cm (³⁄₄in) width, see instructions for details
• Card or OHP paper
• Basic sewing kit

Step one

Cut your fabric into 23×7.5cm (9x3in) strips and your OHP paper or card into 20x3cm (8×1¹⁄₄in) strips, making as many as you like.

Step two

Pin a 3cm (1¹⁄₄in) velcro piece to the opposite corners of your fabric strip (hook one end and loop the other), 5mm (¹⁄₄in) from the edges on the right side (RS). Sew the velcro into place.

Step three

Fold the strip in half lengthways, RS facing, and pin all edges.

Step four

Sew along the edges using a 1.5cm (⁵⁄₈in) seam allowance, leaving one of the short ends open. Turn RS out and press, then press the open end under.

Looking for more Christmas sewing inspiration?

You could also learn how to make a Christmas stocking or follow our tutorial and find out how to sew your own Advent calendar stockings.

Step five

Feed in the strip of OHP to the end of the fabric tube.

Step six

Sew the end of the strip closed.

Step seven

Repeat to make as many times as desired, then arrange in chains by sticking together with the velcro, then looping through each other.

Alternate fabrics for your paper chains and hang them throughout your home.

Turn your scrap fabrics into festive decor

These fun fabric paper chains make a brilliant stash-buster project. Use scraps leftover from your fashion projects or hit the charity shops for recycled materials. This way, Christmas can be handmade and eco-friendly!

If you make Jennie’s festive paper chains, then tag us in a picture on Instagram using #gatheredmakers.

Start sewing your Christmas gifts

We’ve put together some festive articles to help you get ready for December! If you’re looking for last-minute gift ideas, take a look at our 25 quick gifts to sew when you’re short of time.

Jennie Jones

Jennie Jones discovered sewing when she had children and her work is featured regularly in Simply Sewing magazine. Her Fast Fat Quarter designs show makers how to craft modern gifts, accessories and homewares using just one or two pieces of fabric. She shares a mix of handmade loveliness with a bit of vintage thrown in on her Instagram @thestitchinghut. Jenny harbors a fairly serious fabric buying habit

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