Back in 1996 I wrote a DIY decorating book entitled, Instant Decorating. It was based on the tips and tricks I learned as a display designer. It was published by Meredith Corp, but
I am sad to say that it is now out of print. If you type in my name, Diane Henkler or Instant Decorating in a search engine you will see many used book dealers selling copies very inexpensively.
Most decorating books get dated very fast as trends and fashions change every 5-7 years. The projects in my book look dated now only because the fabrics used were popular in the 90′s. The actual projects are timeless, with updated fabrics they will look great in 2010! I am going to post one project re-done with new fabric every once and awhile.
For this post I will show you how you can easily make a Chandelier Chain Cover. I created this because purchased chain covers at the time required you to have to remove the chandelier and then slip a sleeve of gathered fabric over the chain – too hard - and I would have needed the help of my husband or an electrical contractor. Now they are available in the Ballard Design catalog for $39.00, plus tax and s&h. Making your own will not only cost you a lot less, but you can choose any fabric you want. You are not limited to choose from only a few select fabrics. This is really easy to make and you don’t even have to use a sewing machine. It instantly transforms an ugly chain.
Before
After
Gather:
Fabric – double the length of the chain (length) x 7” (wide”)
Iron-on Adhesive or Fabric Glue
Matching Thread or Embroidery Floss
Large Sewing Needle
Sticky Back Velcro (length of chain)
1. Lay fabric on cutting surface and cut a piece of fabric 7″ wide by two times the length of the chain.
2. Fold and iron all edges over 1/4″. Iron on the adhesive or apply fabric glue to the wrong side of fabric, then fold and press to create finished edges.
3. Using a needle and thread, sew a running stitch up each side.
I made my stitches really big so you could see. ( You will want your stitches smaller, but they don’t have to be perfect.) You can do this on a machine if you have the skills. When you get to the end, knot the bottom. Repeat on other side.
4. Gather the fabric along the thread on each side until it is the length of your chain. Knot the top thread.
5. Using your hands evenly arrange the gathers along the entire cover. Place one side of sticky velcro on the outside, left. The other side of the Velcro to underside, right. Make sure to press the Velcro firmly into the folds. Cut away any excess.
6. Starting at the top of the chain, wrap the cover around the chain and press the two sides of Velcro together as you work your way down. Keep the seam towards the least viewed part of the room. (Ignore my big stitches)
Voila!
I am linking this post to:
The Persimmon Perch
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
A great idea for covering up those chains. Thanks for the tutorial!
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Wonderful ♥
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Thank you SO much for this! I repainted my chandelier a few years ago but didn’t think to add a chain cover then, and now it would be a BIG pain because we’d have to take apart the wires and such. I never thought about doing it with velcro, and I love that I don’t even need to get out my sewing machine! Yippee!
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