The holiday season is just around the corner, and it's time to get into the festive spirit! One of the most iconic and beloved Christmas decorations is the Christmas tree skirt. Not only does it add a touch of elegance to your tree, but it also helps to catch any stray needles or debris that may fall from the tree. In this article, we'll provide you with a free Christmas tree skirt pattern to sew, along with some helpful tips and tricks to make your project a success.
Why Make Your Own Christmas Tree Skirt?
Making your own Christmas tree skirt can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. Not only will you have a unique and personalized decoration for your tree, but you'll also be able to customize the size, shape, and design to fit your specific needs. Plus, sewing your own tree skirt can be a great way to use up scraps of fabric or repurpose old materials.
Materials Needed
Before we dive into the pattern and instructions, let's take a look at the materials you'll need to get started:
- 1 1/2 yards of main fabric (cotton or cotton-blend work well)
- 1/2 yard of contrasting fabric for the binding
- 1/4 yard of fusible interfacing (optional)
- Thread
- Sewing machine
- Sewing needles
- Measuring tape
- Ruler
- Scissors
PATTERN AND INSTRUCTIONS
Our free Christmas tree skirt pattern is designed to fit a standard 6-foot Christmas tree. The finished skirt will measure approximately 48 inches in diameter.
Pattern Pieces:
- Main fabric: 2 circles, 1/2 inch apart (use a compass or a plate to draw the circles)
- Binding fabric: 1 strip, 2 inches wide x 60 inches long
Instructions:
- Cut out the main fabric circles using your pattern pieces. Make sure to cut accurately and on the grain.
- Cut out the binding fabric strip.
- If using fusible interfacing, cut out a circle of interfacing that is slightly smaller than the main fabric circle.
- Place the interfacing on the wrong side of the main fabric circle, following the manufacturer's instructions.
- Fold the binding fabric strip in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and press.
- Fold the binding fabric strip in half again, lengthwise, and press.
- Place the binding fabric strip along the edge of the main fabric circle, starting at the top and working your way around.
- Sew the binding in place using a 1/4 inch seam allowance.
- Repeat steps 7 and 8 for the second main fabric circle.
- Place the two main fabric circles right sides together and sew along the edge, leaving a small opening for turning.
- Turn the skirt right side out and press.
- Topstitch along the edge of the skirt using a contrasting thread color.
Tips and Variations:
- Use a variety of fabrics and colors to create a unique and personalized tree skirt.
- Add some festive embellishments, such as ribbons, bows, or appliques, to give your tree skirt some extra flair.
- Use a different shape or size of pattern piece to create a unique tree skirt design.
- Add some batting or insulating material to the skirt to make it more durable and long-lasting.
Embroidery and Appliques
If you want to add some extra special touches to your tree skirt, consider using embroidery or appliques. You can use a sewing machine or do it by hand, depending on your preference and skill level.
Embroidery:
- Use a simple running stitch or a more intricate design to add some festive embroidery to your tree skirt.
- Choose a contrasting thread color to make your embroidery stand out.
- Consider using a hoop or other embroidery tool to help guide your stitches.
Appliques:
- Use fabric scraps or felt to create appliques in the shape of Christmas trees, snowflakes, or other festive designs.
- Sew the appliques in place using a simple running stitch or a more decorative stitch.
- Consider using a hot glue gun to attach the appliques, especially if you're using a non-woven fabric.
Gallery of Christmas Tree Skirt Ideas
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best fabric to use for a Christmas tree skirt?
+Cotton or cotton-blend fabrics work well for a Christmas tree skirt. You can also use felt, fleece, or other non-woven fabrics for a more rustic or textured look.
How do I make a Christmas tree skirt with a non-circular shape?
+To make a Christmas tree skirt with a non-circular shape, you can use a pattern or template with the desired shape. You can also use a piece of cardboard or paper to create a custom shape and then cut out the fabric.
Can I use a hot glue gun to attach the binding to the tree skirt?
+Yes, you can use a hot glue gun to attach the binding to the tree skirt, especially if you're using a non-woven fabric. However, be careful not to apply too much glue, as it can create a mess.
We hope this article has inspired you to create your own unique and personalized Christmas tree skirt. With our free pattern and instructions, you'll be well on your way to making a beautiful and functional decoration for your holiday tree. Happy sewing!