12 Days of Ornaments - Day 6

Sunday, December 19, 2021

This ornament is another quick and easy one - and it's super clever in how it's made!

Folded fabric Christmas tree ornaments

Every day for the 12 days leading up to Christmas, I'm sharing a tutorial for how to make a fabric ornament!

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking the links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

If you're new here, hello! I'm Laura! I design quilt patterns, and I'm a self-proclaimed deal hunter! Be sure to join the popular Quilting & Sewing Deals Facebook group where I post sales, deals, and coupon codes from all around the web!

Folded fabric Christmas tree ornaments

For this ornament, you'll need an 8" square of fabric and a 6" or so piece of ribbon or twine.

Folded fabric Christmas tree ornaments

First, cut an 8" circle from the fabric. I'm using my Olfa Circle Rotary Cutter, but you could use a salad plate or similar sized circle object.

Folded fabric Christmas tree ornaments

I use my circle all the time! It's such a great tool to keep on hand!

Folded fabric Christmas tree ornaments

Each ornament takes just one circle. I'm making two, so I cut two circles.

Folded fabric Christmas tree ornaments

Next, fold the circle in half, right sides together.

Folded fabric Christmas tree ornaments

Then sew using a quarter inch seam from corner and around the arc.

Folded fabric Christmas tree ornaments

Stop about 1" or 1 1/2" from the other corner.

Folded fabric Christmas tree ornaments

Then turn it right sides out through the opening.

Folded fabric Christmas tree ornaments

I use my Hera marker to help poke out the corners. 

Folded fabric Christmas tree ornaments

Turn in the raw edges of the opening, then give it a good press. (I'm using my turquoise Oliso mini iron and wool pressing mat.)

Folded fabric Christmas tree ornaments

Use matching thread to stitch just about 1/8" from the edge all the way around, stitching the opening closed. I'm using Aurifil 50wt thread.

Folded fabric Christmas tree ornaments

Now for the magic! Lay the piece as shown with the straight edge along the left side so that it is angled like the left side of a Christmas tree. There's no exactness needed here.

Folded fabric Christmas tree ornaments

Then fold the right side of the piece over so that the folded edge creates the right side of the Christmas tree. The fold should be about 3" or 4" from the bottom left corner.

Folded fabric Christmas tree ornaments

See the "extra" that is hanging over the left side of the Christmas tree? Fold that back to the right, making the fold match the straight line from the bottom layer.

Folded fabric Christmas tree ornaments

There should now be a small bit left hanging over the right edge of the Christmas tree. Fold that over so the fold is matched up with the right side of the tree. All the folds and layers on both the left and right sides should line up. 

This actually took me a few tries to get it folded so that it ended with just the right amount at the top. If it doesn't quite work out the first time, just adjust where the folds are and try again.

Folded fabric Christmas tree ornaments

Once you're happy with it, press it very well. You can steam it, starch it, or use a clapper. Press from the front, then turn it over and press from the back. Don't scorch the fabric by pressing too long, but you can press it multiple times if needed. You want the layers to really stay in place.

Folded fabric Christmas tree ornaments

The only thing left is to add a hanger!

Folded fabric Christmas tree ornaments

I made a loop with some 1/4" grosgrain ribbon and placed it under the top of the tree.

Folded fabric Christmas tree ornaments

Then I took it to the sewing machine and lifted up the layers so I was only going to sew on the bottom-most layer.

Folded fabric Christmas tree ornaments

I sewed and backstitched just a few stitches to secure the ribbon in place.

Folded fabric Christmas tree ornaments

And that's it! 

Folded fabric Christmas tree ornaments

A cute little fabric tree ornament from just one circle of fabric! 

Folded fabric Christmas tree ornaments

You could tack down the layers with a few stitches, but it's not necessary if you pressed well. You could even add little buttons if you wanted!

Folded fabric Christmas tree ornaments

These would make great gift toppers too! Each one only took me about 10 minutes! They'd be even faster if you made several at once!

5 comments:

  1. I love your ornament tutorials. Simple and quick for almost anyone

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a charming ornament! I have an ornament "fail" that I could use and re purpose the fabric...

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thank you l made napkins just like this and I was looking for something quick and simple that I could make the people get for Christmas. I wouldn’t take much time a class much money. This is perfect. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I have made these and glad to have the pattern again. I have grands and great grand now and want to make for them. Thank you. Merry Christmas

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for visiting and for your comments! I try to reply to comments via email, so if you're expecting a response and don't hear from me, check if you're a no-reply blogger. Happy sewing!