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How to Sew a Fabric Paper Chain and Large Bows

Learn how to make a paper chain using fabric! Plus we’ve included a tutorial for making extra large bows. Together they make perfect party decor.

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We’re finally settled back into the studio after an amazing QuiltCon and I’m finally getting around to sharing details about our booth. Designing our booth for in-person events is one of my favorite things to do. I love obsessing over tiny details and I’m always down for a good theme. Maybe it’s the graphic designer in me that finds joy when every sign in the booth is in the same font. One of the most ask questions at QuiltCon was if I would share a tutorial about some of our booth details, specially the fabric paper chain and bows so I’ve put together a tutorial for both!

While we used the chains and bows to decorate our booth, they would be just as cute as party decor or to decorate any room in your house!

At QuiltCon, we displayed our project panels with the large bows and I just love the whimsical touch it added to them.

Fabric Paper Chains

Supplies

Cotton fabric, cut into 9″ x 3″ pieces
Pellon Ultra Firm Non-Woven Stabilizer, cut into a 1″ x 8″ strip for each individual chain
Thread
Rotary cutter + ruler
Pinked egde rotary blade
Iron
Stitch tagging gun

Step 1

Use a rotary cutter with a pinked edge blade to cut fabric into 9″ x 3″ pieces. Each piece will make one individual chain link.

Step 2

Place a 1″ x 8″ ultra-thick interfacing piece in the center of a 9″ x 3″ piece of fabric, wrong side up. Fold the left side over and press. Fold the right side over and press.

Step 3

Use a wide zig zag stitch to sew through the center of the fabric, through all layers. Back stitch at each end and trim threads.

You have completed one chain link! Repeat steps 1-3 to sew as many links as you wish.

Step 4

When you are ready to hang your “paper” chain, use a stitch tagging gun to secure each link. Alternatively, you can hand or machine sew each chain together if you plan to keep your chain assembled.

If using the stitch tagging gun, we found it easiest to push the needle through the fabric (not the interfacing) and hold it against the base of the needle while clicking the trigger. Without this step, we found it to be a bit finicky and the tags wouldn’t catch the fabric.

Large Fabric Bows

Supplies

Cotton fabric cut to the following sizes:
Large: (1) 18” x 35”, (1) 15” x 48”, (1) 2” x 6”
Medium: (1) 12” x 24”, (1) 10” x 32”, (1) 1.5” x 5.5”

Batting (cotton or polyester), 9″ x 35″ for each large bow and 6″ x 24″ for each medium bow
Thread
Rotary cutter + ruler
Iron

Step 1

Take the largest piece of fabric (18″ x 35 for the large bow or the 12″ x 24″ piece for the medium bow) and fold it in half lengthwise, wrong sides together. Align the long edge of the batting with the long raw edge of the fabric. Sew the  raw edge with a 1/2″ seam allowance, stitching through all layers, and back stitching at the beginning and end.

Step 2

Flip the batting filled tube right side out and press. Bring the short, raw edges together and sew, back stitching at the beginning and end.

Step 3

Take the medium piece of fabric (15” x 48” for the large bow or 10” x 32” for the medium bow) and fold it in half lengthwise, wrong sides together. Use a marking tool to draw a gentle curve along each short end, as pictured above. Trim along the lines that were just drawn. Sew the tube closed, leaving a 2″ opening in the center.

Step 4

Turn the bow tails right sides out and press.

Step 5

Fold the tiny fabric piece in half, short, wrong sides together. Sew the raw edges. Flip right side out.

To assemble the bow thread the tail and bow through the sewn loop. Fluff the bow a bit to make it look full and you’re done!

We hung the bows on Command Hooks using zip ties to secure them to the hooks.

What are you going to use your oversized bows and fabric chains for? Please tag #sarahhearts. We love seeing all the amazing things you create!

25 comments

  1. I saw your booth at Quiltcon, beautiful! I wondered if you have any fabrics coming out, I really liked the fabrics in the quilt that was hanging there.

    Reply

  2. I have a stash of quilting cotton scraps—this is exactly the project I needed! Do you recommend using a tagging gun or machine stitch for beginners?

    Reply

  4. This is such a charming and creative idea! I love how simple yet festive the paper chain and bows look—perfect for adding a handmade touch to holiday or party decor. The step-by-step photos made it super easy to follow, too.
    snow rider

    Reply

  5. This is such a lovely and simple craft idea! The bows and chains look so charming. Thank you for sharing such a clear and easy-to-follow tutorial with great photos. I can’t wait to make these for my next party!

    Reply

  6. I’ve been looking for a fun DIY project for the holidays, and this is perfect! The paper bows are so elegant. I’m already imagining them on my Christmas gifts. This is going to be my go-to for adding a personal touch this year!

    Reply

  7. I actually made something similar a while ago, but your method for the bows is much neater! I’ll definitely be trying your way next time. This is a great reminder that sometimes the simplest ideas are the most beautiful.

    Reply

  8. My kids and I are always looking for new projects, and this looks like a winner! Easy enough for them to help, and beautiful enough for me to want to display. Time to get out the paper and glue! What a fun way to spend an afternoon.

    Reply

  12. This DIY tutorial is so creative and charming — turning fabric into “paper” chains, level devil, and oversized bows is such a clever way to add handmade flair to any party or event!

    Reply

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