Zigzag Paper Chain

If you're at home due to COVID-19 and are looking for something fun to do, make a Zigzag Paper Chain! You can use almost any kind of paper and you probably have the rest of the supplies at home! Thanks to picklebums.com for teaching me how to make this!

Paper (not too stiff)

Pencil

Ruler

Scissors

Tape

I wanted to use bigger strips of paper so it would be easier to work with and easier for you to see. So I marked strips that were 2 inches wide and 8 inches long. But you can make them any size, as long as the width:length ratio is about 1:4 (you can practice some math!)

Cut out all your strips. You need an even number of strips, but the amount depends on what you want to use your chain for; I used about 50 strips to make a headband. (To make a bracelet, I cut 1 inch by 4 inch strips and used about 20 strips.)

Fold each strip lengthwise (hotdog style), then horizontally (hamburger style).

Take 2 strips. Turn one (purple) sideways, with the fold on the right. Hold the other one (white) vertically, with the fold on the top. Sandwich the vertical (white) strip in between the sideways (purple) strip.

Fold up the top layer of the white strip so its outer edge meets the purple strip.Then fold the white strip up again.

After folding, tape the edges together.

Slide a 3rd strip into the (white) loop. Pull it through the loop, leaving a little more than 1 inch (that will become the next loop so you want to make sure it's big enough to fit the next strip).

Fold the 3rd strip twice and tuck, like you did before.

Keep adding strips, folding and tucking.

Be sure to use an even number of strips. To join the ends, slide the first strip into the last loop. Remove the tape so you can pull the strip through.

You are done!

Try using different types and sizes of paper! You can even use candy (like Starburst) or gum wrappers!