No-Sew Reusable Fabric ‘Paper’ Chain Garland - Free Project
- Kimberley Hind
- Nov 21
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Make a Reusable Fabric ‘Paper’ Chain Garland – No Sewing Required!
I’m so excited to share a quick and fun project that’s perfect for the festive season - using up scraps, or just showing off a fabric you love! This fabric paper chain garland is a no-sew project, which means it’s super beginner-friendly, quick to make, and endlessly customisable. I’ve been playing with my new Celestial Stitches fabric collection for this one, but you can use any fabric you love. Stripes, florals, or even a mix of patterns - this project is all about making it your own to suit your décor or style!
Why I love this project
There’s something satisfying about a chain garland. It’s nostalgic, playful, and surprisingly versatile. And by making it from fabric instead of paper, you end up with something reusable and sturdy that can be displayed year after year, or even repurposed as a table decoration, gift wrap accent, or even a wall hanging. Because there’s no sewing involved, this is perfect if you’re new to fabric crafts - or just short on time.
Just so you know, some of the tools and materials I mention (like the scallop scissors and adhesive canvas) are available from my own online shop - Debbie Shore Sewing. I use them myself and love them - this is just a suggestion, not a paid ad!
The key materials: scallop scissors and adhesive canvas
Two things that make all the difference here: scallop scissors and adhesive canvas.
Scallop scissors give your strips a pretty, finished edge that won’t fray easily. The scallops catch the eye and add a subtle, playful detail that makes your garland look more polished than simple straight-cut strips. If you don’t have scallop scissors, pinking shears are a great alternative - they create a zig-zag edge that also helps prevent fraying. One little tip: scallops are directional, so when cutting a long piece, make sure you’re cutting in the same direction on each strip for a neat look. Pinking shears are easier in that respect, just cut along your drawn line and the shape works on both sides.
Canvas interfacing acts like your backing fabric. Each strip is backed with the canvas, which gives it structure and finishes each strip without any sewing. If you don’t have adhesive canvas, double-sided interfacing works too - you just need a second fabric strip on the back, so double up the fabric recommendations!
Fastenings: poppers, staples, or Velcro
I’ve used plastic poppers for my garland, but this project is flexible. You can just use a stapler or Velcro - whatever you find easiest. Each method makes the strips easy to link together, staples are a little more permanent unless you want to take the staples out to store the garland. Velcro can be glued on if you use a strong glue, or you can sew if you'd prefer.
How many can you make?
The short answer: as many as you like! I made around 20 links for mine, which was a perfect length for a mantel, but you can scale up to decorate a whole room, or make mini versions for gift toppers or party decorations.
Mix and match
One of my favourite things about this project is mixing prints. For my garland, I’ve used my Celestial Stitches fabrics - a dreamy mix of embroidery and sewing motifs and moons on colourful backgrounds. You could stick to one fabric for a cohesive look, or combine lots of different scraps for a more eclectic, playful style. The strips are 2.5" × 10", which is a great size for threading through loops and showing off your fabric patterns.
This project works really well with 2.5" strip rolls or 10" layer cake squares!
Quick, satisfying, and reusable
This project is all about simplicity and creativity. It’s quick enough to do in a single afternoon, easy enough for beginners, and satisfying because the result is a reusable, eco-friendly decoration. Plus, there’s no pressure to sew perfectly - just cut, stick, and link.
If you want a step-by-step guide, I’ve created a free downloadable PDF that shows you exactly how to prepare the strips, cut your scalloped edges, apply the adhesive canvas, and join the links. Whether you’re decorating a room, a tree, or just making something pretty to hang around your home, this garland is a simple way to bring your favourite fabrics to life.
Happy crafting!
Kym x
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