These little tree ornaments (or garland) are a quick and easy project perfect for scraps and a great excuse for indulging in some recreational patchwork: sewing lots of random fabric scraps together (on the sewing machine) without thinking about it too much, inviting happy accidents.
The trees have batting inside and are finished with quilting stitches. As many or as few as you like. I used muslin for the back, I like that they feel like tiny quilts.
To make the patchwork start with a big variety of light weight cotton and join pieces together. Press the seams open, trim the edge and sew more together etc. etc.
When a bunch are joined you can cut it into smaller sections and join those together. You get the idea. It could go on forever – joining, cutting and joining again. I love doing it and it also get’s me moving if I’m feeling stuck or keeps my hands busy while an idea is percolating.
how to make the trees
download the tree template
You will also need:
- embroidery thread
- a large sharp embroidery needle
- cotton batting
- optional – muslin for the back
- chopstick for turning
- basic sewing supplies
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1. place the tree template on your patchwork and cut out with about a 1/4 inch seam allowance
2. Place your tree back fabric (I’m using plain muslin) over thin cotton batting. If your back fabric has a wrong and right side you want the right side facing up.
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3. Place the cut tree over the back fabric with the right side facing down.
4. Pin the pattern back on and cut out.
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back to the trees:
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5. Sew around the edge of the pattern leaving one side partially open. The opening should be about 1 and 1/2 inch.
6. Trim off the points close to the seams being careful not to clip the seam. Clip little triangles out in the corners of the trunk and clip away any excess seam allowance.
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7. Turn your tree right side out through the opening.
8. Use the larger end of the chopstick to push out the general shape and the sharper ends to push the points all the way out.
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9. Fold in the opening edges and press the tree. Don’t sew it shut yet – leaving it open is handy for hiding the ends of your threads if you’re quilting it. Add some quilting stitches. I made the executive decision not to care what the stitches on the back of the tree look like – wabi-sabi style. If you do care just turn the tree over with each stitch to make sure you’re bringing the needle out where you want it.
10. When you’re done quilting bring the thread out at the tip to create a hanging string and finally whip stitch the side closed.
These are super quick – I made a bunch in just a couple hours and they go fastest in batches. They’re sweet to hang on a tree or anywhere and a nice extra on a package.
A great idea. If I get sufficiently inspired I might make some into bunting too.
Thank you!
It’s really fantastic! I have lots of Christmas scraps. So I can use them. Thanks a lot for this ideal.
Love this! I’m always looking for ideas for scraps. Thanks!
Thank you very much . I love that.♥️
Thanks so much. I love this pattern. I’m definitely going to give it a try.
This looks AMAZING! I’m gonna do mine crazy quilt style!
Thanks so much for sharing!
Thank you so much for this lovely patter.
Thank you for the tree project and the free pattern. GOD BLESS YOU.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING.
I adore these! Such a fun + simple idea!
I can’t wait to get cracking on these, thank you Ann for another lovely pattern 🙂
I can’t wait to make these. Thank you so much for sharing the pattern and steps!
Thank You! Such a great scrap buster project and they will look great tied on gifts.
Hi your site looks exciting, cant wait to try some of your projects
Hi your site looks exciting, cant wait to try some of your projects
Inspiring. And lots of fun!
Thank you so much. Great pattern and I have made loads already to give away.
Thank you for the adorable pattern! I can’t wait to get started on a fun project!
So cute, perfect for sending out with tve Christmas cards!
what a great way to use up some of my scraps. Thanks for sharing.
You are so inspirational!
Thanks for your sharing your work!
If you cut out several templates, turn them right side up, upside down, right side up, along your fabric, and it goes really fast, with hardly any waste. A great use of skinny scraps. Cut out a layer of interfacing, and iron it to the pattern. You can use them again next year. If you have a green tree, skip green fabric, cause they are hard to see. If you are ambitious, try embroidering names on linen on one side. Or just your initials and the year. That way they go from your package to the recipient’s tree next year. I do this with little houses. The trees are a great change. Thanks and happy holidays.
Thanks Ann for the lovely pattern and tutorial! I have printed mine and traced onto my fabric, interleaving along the same lines as Holly suggests. In case it helps others, before cutting any I create a big “sandwich” with batting and backing and then stitch around them all on the big piece (leaving openings like instructed). This works for me since I am not very accurate cutting on seam allowances and also not very accurate working with smaller fabric pieces as I always somehow distort them. I also use pinking shears for cutting out to reduce bulk. I really love this template and am working on making a batch of miniature garlands for little Christmas gifts. Thanks again!
Thank you for this free pattern, I’ve used it this afternoon, the result is so nice… Lots of little gift for friends and family !
Fabulous ideas for Christmas! Thankyou for these lovely ideas and all your posts this year. Last year I made your FISH pattern into a beautiful Christmas decoration for my son, this year I think I’ll make a scrappy tree.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS and best wishes from Western Australia!
Deborah
Love this idea. I don’t have a sewing machine, though.
Will give it a try on a small scale!
Thank you!