How to Make a Christmas Tree Skirt

Christmas is just around the corner, which means it’s time to get the tree up. If your tree skirt is looking worn, or you’d just prefer to have a different one, consider making rather than buying it. Not only is it a simple project, it’s a great way to personalize your tree from top to bottom. Below you’ll find step-by-step instructions on how to make a Christmas tree skirt.

1. Take all necessary measurements. Your tree skirt won’t fit properly unless you measure. For optimum accuracy, measure around the widest part of the three, which is generally the area located at the bottom of the branches. While a skirt is used to dress up the tree, it serves another purpose as well, which is to catch fallen pine needles. As you measure, be sure to measure far enough out so the fabric will extend to just a smidgen past the ends of your tree’s branches.

2. Pick (and purchase) your fabric. The great thing about making something on your own is that you have the power to pick the materials to use. When it comes to a Christmas tree skirt, you can use just about anything. Before you run out to purchase something, take a look around your home. Maybe you’ll find something else to use like a tablecloth, a blanket, a sheet, a quilt, some drapery panels or a fleece or chenille throw. If there’s nothing like that around worthy of your tree, shop around for some fabric that you love. Some fabrics that can really give your tree a custom look include burlap, velvet, matelasse, corduroy, felt, linen, taffeta, needlepoint tapestry, cotton (calico) and lame (metallics).

3. Create your masterpiece. If you don’t consider yourself handy with a sewing machine or needle and thread, there are several no-sew versions that you can resort to. Simply draping fabric around the bottom of your tree can create a quick, yet stylish tree skirt. Don’t have a lot of time or much money to spend? That’s okay! Just buy about 4 to 5 yards of fabric and drape it around the bottom until you reach the desired width. Tuck under any unfinished edges or sew a simple casing along one long side so it can be gathered up with cording.Felt skirts are also easy to make. Simply choose your favorite color in the widest and heaviest felt you can find. Cut the largest circle you can and then cut a single slit from the outer edge to the center. Once you’re done with that, cut a smaller inner circle big enough to fit around the trunk of your tree (roughly 4-7” in diameter). It’s up to you if you leave it plain or add some cutouts or trim.If felt isn’t your thing, you can take any fabric and add trim like bows or faux fur. For a more masculine look, add some nailhead trim.

It really doesn’t take much money or effort to have a stylish Christmas tree skirt. Just figure out what works best for you, your space and your tree and then have fun with your design.