Candy Cane Fabric Twine – Perfect for Christmas Gift Wrapping

Candy Cane Fabric twine is perfect for adding a handmade touch to gift wrapping, team it with brown paper for an old fashioned retro look that Santa would be proud of.

Candy cane fabric twine for christmas gift wrapping mypoppet.com.au

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The other day at the supermarket I noticed how similar the candy canes looked to my Handmade Scrap Fabric Twine, especially the sections with contrasting dark and white fabric.

So in the spirit of all things Christmassy, I decided to make some red and white fabric twine to look just like candy canes.

Candy cane fabric twine for christmas gift wrapping mypoppet.com.au

You can use any old red and white fabric scraps to make this candy stripe twine.

I’ve used some fabric remnants from my scrap bag and strips of old bed sheet.

Read on for Candy Cane Fabric Twine instructions

You will need:

  • Red and white fabric or fabric scraps in assorted lengths
  • Fabric Scissors – These are my favourite fabric scissors which I highly recommend.


how to make Candy cane fabric twine for christmas gift wrapping mypoppet.com.au

How to make fabric twine:

1. Gather all your fabric,

2. Cut or tear fabric into 1″ wide strips.

3. Tie red and white fabric strips together with a small knot to get started.

Tip: It’s easier to use one long strip and one short strip to avoid tangles.

let's make Candy cane fabric twine for christmas gift wrapping mypoppet.com.au

4. Start twisting – watch the video for instructions

In summary:
Step 1: twist strip away from you
Step 2: pull that twisted strip over towards you
Repeat

If you haven’t made fabric twine or fabric rope before I’ve made a video with easy to follow instructions for twisting and joining. You can also see step by step photos and handy hints in my original post – Scrapbusting: Handmade Scrap Fabric Twine

Once you are done, wind the candy cane twine onto a spool or piece of cardboard.

The twine looks very decorative wound up on a vintage wooden spool – You can purchase a similar vintage spool here

Candy cane fabric twine on vintage spoolmypoppet.com.au

I had a play around wrapping a few parcels up with brown paper and handmade twine to see how they would look.

I love the chunky texture of the fabric against the smooth brown paper. The red and white really pop and there is no denying that the twine looks exactly like a candy cane.

Candy cane fabric twine for christmas gift wrapping mypoppet.com.au

I bet it would look great strung up to peg Christmas cards on, or even as a very simple garland around a small tree. So many great festive uses, I’d love to hear your suggestions.

christmas gift wrapping with candy cane fabric rope - mypoppet.com.au

If you like this idea go ahead and pin it! Together we can create a fabric twine revolution! (ha ha)

How to make Candy cane fabric twine for christmas gift wrapping mypoppet.com.au

For more Gift Wrapping ideas, check out my Handmade Christmas Inspiration Guide

 

This post was originally published Dec 2014 – Republished with updates Nov 2020

13 Comments

  • Ruth says:

    What a great idea!

  • Deb Baker says:

    This is great! I’ve made fabric twine but never thought to do this lovely candy cane theme. Gorgeous!

  • Maree says:

    My daughter had a barbie doll that had long hair and came with a ‘ twister’ it did exactly that , I think with AA or a AAA battery! We would do her hair too!

  • Rachel says:

    Cinti, what a fab idea. Those presents look great!

  • Nancy says:

    Love your ideas.

  • Laura says:

    Brainstorms: Coasters. You could make some spiral medallion things (like the rug) so they look like lollipops and hang them on the tree or make a garland. Or make a larger spiral to use under hot pans to protect the table or countertop. And I can also picture using it to make some big tassels to hang on doorknobs. And tied in a bow around anything gifty – potted poinsettia, bottle of wine, six pack of beer. And now I’m picturing it made into some sort of beer coozy, if you’re so inclined. Or wrapped around a jar with a candle in it. Or spelling out a word on the wall (joy, peace, sparkle). Or a shape on the wall like a star or a …candy cane.

  • Karin Lambertz says:

    Hello from the other side of the globe – what an absolutely great idea for Christmas.
    Came across your homepage in a German magazine (Laviva) where the T-shirt rug was described. The project in under way!

  • Kim says:

    Hi, I love this twine! Is there any way to make it thicker! I need it about 1/2″-3/4″ thick for handles more a tote bag. Thanks!

    • Yes you absolutely can make it thicker. Just use thicker fabric strips and the same technique for twisting (although it may be a bit more work). The thickness of the strip will depend on the weight of your fabric, so you may need to experiment a little. Tell me how you go.

  • Lisa // Cucicucicoo: Eco Sewing and Crafting says:

    It’s so beautiful and festive! Love it! 🙂 Lisa

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