Christmas isn’t about picture‑perfect trees — it’s about joy, laughter, and time well spent together. The best decorations aren’t the ones that look like they came out of a magazine, but the ones made with sticky fingers, giggles, and a little bit of “oops, that’ll do!” charm. That’s why these DIY fabric paper chains are so much fun to make.
Beginner‑friendly, no‑sew, and reusable, this cheerful Christmas craft is all about making memories that last — and the finished chains look wonderfully festive too.
Scroll down for the materials and step‑by‑step instructions, and start crafting some joy!
DIY Fabric Paper Chains
Made by Bethany Edwards
What you need:
- Fat quarters or fabric of your choice
- A4 card
- Hemming web (iron-on adhesive tape)
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Iron and ironing board
- Scissors or rotary cutter
- Clothes pegs (for holding glued rings while they set)
Step-by-step Instructions:
1. Cut the fabric strips. Cut your fabric into long strips about 20 cm wide. If using fat quarters, simply cut each one into four equal strips — perfect width for links.
2. Press the raw edges under. Take one fabric strip and fold 2cm cm of fabric along each long edge toward the wrong side to hide the raw edges. Press with a hot iron. Repeat this on the other long edge.
3. Create a clean, folded strip. Fold one long edge on top of the other, so all raw edges are hidden inside. Press the whole strip again to set the folds firmly.
4. Cut each strip in half. Cut the long folded strip in half so you get two fabric chain links from each strip.
5. Cut the card inserts. Cut A4 card into long strips the same width as your folded fabric strips. These will give each link structure and help it hold its shape.
6. Insert the card. Slide a card strip inside the folded fabric, tucking it neatly into the fabric folds like an envelope.
7. Add the hemming web. Cut a piece of hemming web the full length of your fabric link. Slip the webbing under the top fold of the fabric. Fold the fabric down and iron until the webbing melts and seals the fabric in place. Repeat for all your prepared strips.
8. Create a neat end. On one short end of the strip, fold down about 0.5 cm to create a small hem. Glue this down with a hot glue gun so the end is neat with no raw edges showing.
9. Form the first ring. Bring the two short ends of the strip together to make a loop. Ensure the neatly folded end sits on the outside/top. Hot glue the ends together to form your first ring. Use a clothes peg to hold the join until the glue cools.
10. Add more links. Take your next strip and thread it through the previous ring. Glue its ends together in the same way to form the next ring. Keep repeating, threading each new link through the last before gluing.
11. Hide all the joins. Once all links are dry, rotate them so that the glued seams face inside the adjoining link. This hides every join and gives the chain a polished, seamless look.
12. Display your fabric chain. Hang up your fabric chain and enjoy it year after year.
Enjoy!
And there you have it, a Christmas chain that’s as durable as it is joyful. These DIY fabric paper chains aren’t just beginner‑friendly; they’re reusable, sustainable, and full of handmade charm. Whether you drape them from your ceiling or gift them to friends, they’ll bring a touch of cosy creativity to every corner of your life this festive season.
