How to Make a Chandelier Chain Cover

I am going to show you how you can easily make a chandelier chain cover. I created this fabric chandelier chain cover as a project for a decorating book I wrote back in 1994 that was entitled, Instant Decorating.

At the time, purchased chandelier chain covers required you to have to remove the chandelier from the ceiling and then slip a sleeve of gathered fabric over the chain. Way too hard – and I would have needed the help of my husband or an electrical contractor.

Now chandelier chain covers or sleeves as they call them can be found in many decorating catalogs. They sell about $39.00. Making your own will not only cost you a lot less – but you are not limited to choose from only a few select fabrics. You can use any fabric you like to coordinate with your decorating color scheme.

The chain cover is really easy to make and you don’t even have to use a sewing machine. You can use fusible web. A chandelier chain cover instantly transforms an ugly chain and adds a decorative finish where you least expect one.

Before

After

How to Make a Fabric Cover for a Chandelier Chain

supplies needed:

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 (cut to the length of chain)

How to Make a Chandelier Chain Cover step by step photo tutorial

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)