This is one of our favorite sister projects to date. We are excited to share it with you guys. With us both being designers, it is hard at times to find things in the store that fits the look we imagined in our heads, and store-bought items can sometimes feel cheaply made for the money. This is when it’s handy to know how to make things ourselves! Lindsay got a sewing machine for Christmas a few years ago and has since learned quite a bit about sewing and pattern-making. She is teaching me as we do things together…although I will admit…it can be a little intimidating! We promise though that if you follow the steps we did, making your own tree skirt is absolutely feasible and more simple than you may think.
Step 1 – Source your materials
Acquire the fabric. We recommend a more durable, life-resistant fabric if you have kids or pets, similar to what is used for upholstery. Just remember, depending on the type of sewing machine you have, you may want to be sure it isn’t too thick. You will need to sew through several layers including quilt batting. After you find the top layer fabric, also pick up some quilt batting and a backer layer. This can be something as simple as cotton muslin since it will be hiding underneath.
Step 2 – Figure out your desired measurements
Next you want to measure and determine the diameter circle that fits nicely in your room and around your tree. We recommend between 30 inches and 48 inches for the overall diameter since most fabric bolt widths are within this range. The smaller circle in the center should be large enough to fit around the trunk of either the live or artificial tree. A smaller interior circle for artificial trees tends to hide unwanted metal stands, etc. A real tree requires a much larger interior circle to fit around the trunk of a tree plus any low lying branches that may get in the way.
Step 3 – Cut your circles and shape your skirt
Once you determine these measurements you are ready to start creating your pattern. Lay out your fabric on a smooth surface and fold it twice to create fourths. Divide your interior (hole) diameter and overall (skirt) diameter in half to find both radiuses. Looking at your folded fabric, find the corner that contains all folds and no cut edges. This corner will become the center point of your tree skirt. Using a string or a fabric tape measure and a writing utensil, measure from the center point to the overall radius value and draw an arc on the fabric. Repeat this step to create the inner arc for your hole. Then, using fabric scissors (or extra sharp scissors), cut out your template following the arc you drew on the fabric. Repeat these steps with the batting and the cotton muslin backing.
The center or interior circle should be drawn and cut the same way as the larger exterior circle. Repeat these steps with the batting and cotton muslin backing.
Step 4 – Place cut pieces in order to be sewn
The next step is very important. We are embarrassed to say we messed this up the first time…ha! The seam ripper quickly became our friend! Once you have all three pieces cut out and unfolded (top fabric, batting, and muslin backing) you’ll need to pin them in the order in which they will be sewed together. The printed, top fabric and the muslin backing will need to face front side to front side with the quilt batting added to the bottom of the stack. So in order from top to bottom- 1. top fabric (face down), then 2. backing (face up), then 3. quilt batting. After you have put these in the correct order, take fabric pins and secure the edges, placing them a few inches a part. See image above. Do this around the interior circle as well. Cut a straight line through all three pieces of fabric from the exterior circle to the interior circle to create your slit.
Step 5 – Sew everything together (almost)
After you have completed the above steps you are ready to run this through the sewing machine. Starting with the larger, exterior circle, begin to sew the outside about 1/4″ or 1/8″ from the edge. Repeat with the smaller, interior circle. Once both circle are sewn you will need to flip the entire pattern right-side-out.
Step 6 – Turn the skirt right side out. Sew the last seam
To do this, reach in between the top fabric layer and the muslin layer, grab the opposite side of the skirt, then pull it all the way through. We recommend taking the time to iron everything flat before making the final seams. Use the iron to turn the slit edges inward 1/4″ and pin once flat. To finish, run a seam down both sides of the slit and back around the exterior of each circle to keep everything in place. Feel free to sew in strips of fabric or rope to create ties for keeping the slit closed around the base of your tree. Buttons will also work great for this as well.
See video for further clarification.
Step 7 – Place it around the Christmas tree and admire it
Enjoy using your finished tree skirt as a pillow like Daisy (above) or place it around the tree to showcase your accomplished product! To see a more detailed tutorial with loads of visuals check out our YouTube video below. We hope you enjoy making your own custom Christmas tree skirt!
