No-Sew Reusable Fabric ‘Paper’ Chain Garland - Free Christmas Project
Updated: Sep 2
Make a Reusable Fabric ‘Paper’ Chain Garland – No Sewing Required!
I’m thrilled to share a quick and fun project that’s perfect for the festive season. This fabric paper chain garland is a no-sew project, making it super beginner-friendly, quick to create, and endlessly customisable. I’ve been using my new Celestial Stitches fabric collection for this project, but feel free to 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. By making it from fabric instead of paper, you create something reusable and sturdy that can be displayed year after year. You can even repurpose it as a table decoration, gift wrap accent, or 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 essential items 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, ensure 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 as your backing fabric. Each strip is backed with the canvas, giving it structure and finishing 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 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 them out for storage. Velcro can be glued on if you use a strong adhesive, 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. However, you can scale up to decorate an entire room or make mini versions for gift toppers or party decorations.
Mix and Match
One of my favourite aspects of 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 showcasing your fabric patterns.
This project works exceptionally 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 complete 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.
Find your next project
If you’re looking for your next project, you can find more of my quilt patterns and sewing patterns in the shop. I’ve got everything from simple patchwork projects to larger quilts, with step-by-step instructions to help you turn all that quilt block practice into something finished. Browse the sewing patterns here →
Happy sewing! Kym
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