DIY ornaments are a great scrap busting project that can dress up and tree or garland. For beginners, these ornaments can be made with felt, for more advanced crafters, small scale quilted fabric or even thrifted or vintage quilts are a creative option. Handmade ornaments will outlast anything store bought and will create a truly unique look for your home as well as memories and enjoyment of making things.
Skills:
Blanket Stitch
Whip Stitch
Quilt Sandwich (optional)
Gathering Knot
Materials:
Template: Download and print
Stuffing material
Needles
Gathering Knot
Felt or quilted fabric
Scissors
Cord (like macramé rope or clothesline cord)
Chunky thread (like Pearle Cotton Wonderfil)
Overview of DIY Christmas Ornament Project:
First steps include stitching four pieces of cut shapes together with the blanket stitch and stuffed. The top, which allows the ornament to hang is constructed with four diamond shapes using the blanket stitch. A loop is threaded through the top and wrapped using a wrap knot pulling the ornament together for hanging. in the last step, the bottom side of the diamond is attached to the ornament using a simple whip stitch.
Step One: Prep Material and Cut the Shapes
Quilt your fabric (or use an already made quilt or felt) and cut out with the downloadable template.
To create a quilt sandwich, layer top fabric on top, batting in the middle and bottom fabric (will not show.) Secure layers with basting spray and freely quilt using a sewing machine or by hand. Felt can be used instead of quilted fabric.
Cut out four diamonds for the topper and four ornament shapes for each ornament.
Each side can be it’s own style of fabric or can have the same, mix and match as it suits your style. You may prefer the topper to be one color, like gold to mimic metal. In the template, you will find two different diamond sizes for the topper, each one has a different look as shown below.
Considered unique Christmas palettes to brighten your home or mix it up. Get inspired with more Christmas colors in our Christmas Puff Quilt post.
Step Two: Construct the Sides
Cut a length thread, about the wing span of your arms. This will easily get your from the top to bottom of each side without having to start over with a fresh needle.
Fold this in half and thread your needle to double up the thread. I like to preload a few needles ahead of time to keep the stitching moving along without having to stop.
Sew together each side of ornament (wrong sides facing) using a blanket stitch. Knot the thread at the end of each side. To ensure a neat look, start your blanket stitch from the same side each time. One side will look a bit neater than the other, the messy side of the design will be covered up by the topper.
On the final side, leave the side unfinished part way to give room to stuff the ornament. Then, continue the blanket stitches until completed.
Step Three: Create the Topper Hanger
Sew the top sides of the four diamonds together using the same technique as the ornament sides.
Once all four are together, thread a folded piece of rope through the top. I like to use a clothesline or macrame cord. Ribbon is a less rustic option.
The length of cord is up to preference. Leave 2 inches on the inside to ensure the hanger will be secure. Create different length loops so however the ornaments are hung they will compliment each other in a natural pattern.
Finishing the Ornament Topper:
To secure the top of the ornament use a gathering knot:
Begin by forming a loop/U-shape, and wrap thread generously over and over cover and stray threads. When the wrapping covers the top, pass the end of the knot through the bottom loop/U-shape. Pull up on the top end string and the loop will tuck in and disappear into the wraps.
Cut loose ends as needed. Below shows the location of the knot, wrap generous and firmly. The gathering knot is very useful for all your future projects!
Variations of the gathering knot show the Loop/U-shape facing the opposite way, which is a perfectly acceptable and secure way to tie this knot.
Step Four: Attached the top
Align the bottom of the diamonds points with the ridges of the ornament. Clip or pin into place using the ridges. Staring at the tip of a corner, use a simple whip stitch to attach the top.
As you tie off the final fold and admire your work, let it be a reminder that handmade pieces bring warmth, character, and meaning into a home in ways store-bought décor never can.
Don’t stop here—let this project inspire you to explore crafts, try new techniques, and continue filling your spaces with items made by your own hands. Each creation is a celebration of your creativity – your home will feel all the more unique and welcoming because of it.
Overwhelmed by hand stitching? Read this article below about the importance of stitching by hand and tips to make it easier.
2 responses to “Simple Step-by-Step Christmas Ornaments To Make this Holiday Season”
Love these ornaments!
These are so cute! And great memories making with family, thanks for the idea 🙂