Making gum wrapper chains was and great way to spend a rainy or snowy afternoon. Although you might not have gum wrappers available, no problem! We used recycled gift wrap to make this chain. We have some ideas of what to do with this besides just making a long chain. (The longest one on record used 1,000,000 gum wrapper pieces. Yikes!)  Anyway, a very nostalgic craft that most children 6 and up can do. Once we get some length, we’ll share some crafts to do with your chains. Happy chaining!

1] Cut used gift wrap into 1” x 2 3/4” pieces.

2] Fold piece in half lengthwise.

3] Open and fold either side into the center line you just created. The folded piece should measure approximately 1/4″ x 2 3/4″.

4] Fold in half along the length.

5] Open and fold either side into the center line you just created. You have just made 1 link.
Note: You have now created a “V”. 4 folds are visible on the front side of the “V” and 8 folds are visible on the wrong side of the “V”.

6] Make another link.

7] To join links slide your 2nd link through the 1st link through the 1st link’s front side, and with the wrong side of the 2nd link showing. Pull the 2nd link through the 1st link.

8] Make another link. Repeat the 7th step sliding your 3rd link through the 2nd link through the 2nd link’s front side, and with the wrong side of the 3rd link showing.

9] Continue in this manner making the zigzag chain as long as you like.

 
Note about patterns: We are sharing patterns we have designed and made for our own children, families and friends. Every effort is made to share information in a clear and accurate manner. We offer preemptive apologies for any mistakes that may be made. Please let us know via comments or emails if you stumble upon a mistake or if you encounter directions that leave your scratching your head! We will rectify the situation as soon as humanly possible!

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