Fabric Chain Garland
We got our tree yesterday. And just opted for small white lights on it this year. I tried three other kinds to loop around the outside of the tree but returned them all. But it needed something looping around the whole thing to unify the random color rainbow that is my motley assortment of ornaments. I wanted to do a paper chain but didn’t want to use paper so I spray starched the heck out of some fabric and made a reusable fabric chain garland.
This is a super easy project but quite time consuming. I grabbed a stack of fabric, cut it up into 2.5″ x 7.5″ strips.
I used a heavy spray starch and sprayed it liberally. Let it soak in some and then ironed it. I then folded over the sides to make a 1″ wide strip and ironed again. I found if you folded them over before you ironed all the starch dry, the inside flaps would stick together when you did the final ironing.
To construct the chain, I used Fabri-Tac which is a clear fabric glue. I am most pleased with the result but this sucker took several hours. I would love to add some strands of vintage wooden counting beads next year. Must keep an eye out.
I still have a box of Christmas stuff in my sister’s attic so this is playing the star on top right now. Ha!
Entry Filed under: step-by-step, holiday
10 Comments Add your own
1. meimaimaggio | November 30th, 2007 at 1:37 pm
I love this idea! Your crafts always look so lovely. Your entire house must be too too wonderful if that tree is anything to go by.
2. Amber | November 30th, 2007 at 3:43 pm
What a great idea to make chains our of fabric—-and with a quilt shop that’s close to me that sells BIG bags of fabric strips for $5 ea., I have a new purpose to stop and look! Beautiful tree…
3. Alissa | December 1st, 2007 at 6:38 pm
this is genius!
4. Jessie | December 2nd, 2007 at 6:16 am
I know what I’ll be doing this afternoon!
5. Joey Ramone | October 10th, 2008 at 9:08 pm
This is so clever and just right for a tree! A lovely way to use up fabric scraps or recycle old clothing. Very nice, thank you! :D
6. Kelly | October 24th, 2008 at 9:19 am
I AM IN LOVE!!!!
7. p/f | December 9th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
I love this!
I made something like it, but used 1″ antique metallic ribbon in 4 colors. The chain is over 5 yrs old and still keeps its shape - the ribbons were slightly stiff once rolled into the ring shape on their own.
The colors on your chain are great, I love classic Christmas colors, never thought to do it this way!
8. kris craft | December 20th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
love this!! i remember making paper garland, oh how i wish it would have been made from fabric ~ i would love to see the fabrics from way back then, and be able to enjoy them year after year.. love this!1
9. Beth | November 10th, 2009 at 2:18 pm
This is exactly what I have been looking for!!!! So helpful! Thank you for sharing this!!!!
10. juliet | November 26th, 2009 at 3:59 pm
Lovely idea so pretty, I think you could use wonder web to instantly fix them. Happy Thanks giving.
I'm curious about your two cents. You smart cookie!
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