Fabric "paper chains"

When I was a child I used to love making paper chains. I wouldn't just link coloured papers i would also colour in my own designs. So when i was looking at some scrap fabric a few weeks ago the two merged into one in my head.
I made mine and I love it. I am looking forward to putting it up. For me to make it for someone else might be just too expensive so i thought why not share how i did it because it really was fun to make and it looks great.
Please forgive some of the photos my camera was on its last legs. I now have a new one.
Some of the fabrics i used have been in my stash for a while, the red fabric, the reindeer fabric and the bauble fabric were given to me by Rhi @ The sewing boutique you can order it from her if you wish to use it in your chains.


Step 1
Decide on your fabrics. It really doesn't matter what you use as long as you like it. I would say about 10 to 12 inches long and about 3 to 4 inches wide for each piece. I then iron on fusible interfacing to give them a little more stability.

Step 2

If you have the fabric in large pieces you now need to cut them to size, fold them in half with the right sides facing and pin. Sew up one short end and the long open end.

Step 3

Once you have sewn the all the strips, turn them all the right side out and the fold in the raw edge. Iron all of the strips. 

Step 4

You now need to make the first link for the chain. I like to sew a small square box on mine to make sure that the link is strong. If you wish to then add a small cross from corner to corner of the square. 

Step 5

Take another strip and feed it through the first link before you sew it into a new link. Repeat this step until you have used all the strips. You can make the chain as long as you like. When you have the chain the length you want tie a length of ribbon to each end to allow you to hang the chain from the ceiling.

The end result looks fantastic and will brighten the home for the festive season for years to come. The best part is you can add to it each year.