I’m pretty proud to say that I finished my first ever quilting project!! I’ve been meaning to try quilting for years, but I have to admit I’ve been a little intimidated. I already know how to sew, so you would think it would be pretty straightforward, but all the quilting terminology and the precision sewing was kinda scary to me! Thankfully, after watching many YouTube videos, I felt brave enough to try.
This is our first Christmas in our new house and our first time ever having a live Christmas tree! It felt appropriate to celebrate the occasion with a handmade tree skirt.
I have to start out by telling you about this christmas tree skirt pattern. I stumbled upon this great quilter on YouTube – Jordan Fabrics. Donna Jordan is so full of knowledge and she shares it so beautifully on her channel. I love watching her quilt and I have learned a lot from her. She posted this video about this tree skirt and it felt very do-able to me! Pretty large pieces, simple construction, and no binding!
I wanted a classic tree skirt in Christmas colors, so I went with several green and red quilting cottons from Needlework Hamilton. I love how these mix classic and modern design elements. Donna suggests using a larger scale print for the big squares, so I put the green foliage print there. She also suggests that you do not make the border green so that your tree skirt will pop under the green tree. I’m glad I went with the red border for mine. I sketched out my plan for the placement of the colors using felt markers.
Next, I cut out all my pieces carefully and got right into the sewing! I was shocked by how fast this came together. I made the top part of this project in about 2 hours. It is SO satisfying! I can’t wait to make another quilt top soon. I have some fabric left so maybe some holiday placemats or a table runner?
Once the top was sewn I cut my backing and batting to match the star shape. I pinned them together and sewed it. It wasnt until after I clipped and graded all the seams that I realized I SANDWICHED THEM WRONG! When I started turning it right side out, my backing was sandwiched in-between the batting and the top. Moments like these can be so frustrating. I took a second to let out a frustrated groan and I got my seam ripper. Within 30 minutes I was re-sandwiching and re-sewing.
Once I pressed everything flat I was ready to quilt it. I knew I wanted to go simple so I started by topstitching around all the edges. Then I added some stitching that followed the pattern in the quilt here and there. I knew I didnt need much since this was a decorative object and the stitching was not showing up very much on the prints. It also became clear that my pieces were a bit warped and bumpy in some spots, so I didn’t want to make matter worse by trying to sew on top of them.
I am so pleased with how this project came out and I know I will be using this skirt for years to come – maybe even my whole life! It will be a lovely reminder of this first project (first of many, I’m sure).
Happy Holidays to you and yours!
Helen
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24 Comments on “Christmas Tree Skirt”
That’s a lovely first quilting project. And yes, you will feel proud of yourself every year when you get it out with your decorations!!
Thanks, Debby!!
I got into sewing via quilting (like so many people…though I haven’t done a quilting project in years & am now all about making clothes). The binding is the best part! It seems scary, & the idea of hand-stitching an entire queen-sized quilt binding can feel pretty intimidating, but it’s so meditative.
I really love this and thanks for all the info.
Thanks Sheila! I’m always happy to share my process, it was so fun to make!
I love projects like this! Things that can be used and treasured for years to come! And you get to use all the pretty Christmas fabric. I made my Mom and 2 sisters tree skirts years ago and then ordered fabric for myself but the fabric was sold out by the time they fulfilled my order and I haven’t taken the time to find a replacement. Maybe next year! Yours is so beautiful and I love the colors!
Thank you! I was thinking of making more of these for friends and family, too. They make great gifts!
Great job, Helen! Your tree skirt looks so festive. Now that you’ve done your first quilting project, you’ll discover the possibilities are endless when the urge strikes. It’s a great way to use scraps, too!
A beautiful quilt for your first project and, as you say, one you will be using for years to come. One website I find really useful, as they have lots of free videos (you can pay a subscription fee to see all the videos) which give lots of inspiration. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/
Thank you so much! I will definitely check this out!
Please make a quilt label with the year you made it and your first Christmas in your new home. As your family’s traditions grow, these notations will become very important. Good work! I’ve never quilted before, but this project may make me change my mind!
That is a great tip!! I will do that! Thanks 🙂
Brava! I like your fabric choices and placement. How wonderful to have a keepsake of your first year in this house!
Helen, that is so pretty and congratulations on your first quilting project. Had to chuckle about making the “sandwich” turned around, been there, done that!
I’m glad I’m not alone!! Thanks for checking it out 🙂
Beautiful!
Hello is it possible to get the pattern for the tree skirt?
Hi Julie, I used a pattern from Jordan Fabrics. You can get their free pattern and watch their sew-along here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nY67uWgh-yQ
I’m new and love the simplicity of your instruction.
Thanks so much Sandra!
Very nice! Thanks for posting the pattern link.
I’m interested in trying to sew the star shaped tree skirt but I need a skirt that is 54-60” in diameter. Please share the size of the finished skirt. Thank you!
Hi Bonnie! this skirt is 62″ when finished (at the points). Here is a link to the pattern: https://ca-jordanfabrics.glopalstore.com/pages/christmas-tree-skirt
Absolutely beautiful! It’s 1 week till Christmas, so I may have left this project a little too late but wow. Maybe by Christmas 2024 I’ll have managed. Thank you for the video.