Making quilted Christmas ornaments is an easy project and great way to dress up any gift or decorate the tree this holiday season.
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The Fun of Making Quilted Christmas Ornaments
Simple & Quick Project (~30 minutes or less)
Handmade ornaments are the best type of ornaments and these can come together in 30 minutes or less.
These handmade Christmas ornaments are one of my favorite things to add to our Christmas tree.
Topping gifts & Using Scrap Fabric
Using little quilted christmas tree ornaments is a great way to finish off wrapped gifts. Who doesn’t want a beautiful ornament for Christmas? Especially if using special fabric that holds many memories. My grandma still has scraps from dresses she made us when we were little.
Digging through fabric scraps and using these sentimental favorites in this project can make very thoughtful, lovely gifts.
These festive ornaments add a sweet touch to gift wrapping.
Versatile
You can use a variety of designs when making these quilted Christmas ornaments. A crazy quilt square, a simple star, or even repurposing an old quilt already pieced, this project is great for quilters of all skill levels
Practice Quilting Skills
Making quilted Christmas ornaments is the perfect way to practice quilting skills on a small scale and create a fun project this holiday season.
Visual Step-by-step Process
If this is your first time trying your hand at quilting or you are a visual learner, I have included step by step photos below to guide you through this festive project.
FAQ for Quilted Christmas Ornaments
What is a seam allowance?
A seam allowance is the distance between the stitch line and the edge of the fabric. When quilting, the general rule is to use a 1/4″ seam allowance.
What if I don’t have a sewing machine?
If you do not own a sewing machine, follow the instructions using a needle and thread to piece by hand.
What are fat quarters?
Fat quarters are precut pieces of fabric that are 18in x 22in when cut in yards and 50cm x 55cm when cut in meters.
What is quilt batting?
Quilt batting is the middle layer of a quilt that adds structure, warmth, and strength to a quilt.
In this project we will not be using batting or a middle layer since between the main fabric since it creates too much bulk for the little embroidery hoops to stay closed.
What is wrong sides together vs right sides?
Wrong sides together refers to the backside of the fabric pattern layered together with the backside of the second fabric.
Right sides together refers to the top of the fabric being sandwiched together with the topside of the second fabric.
Best quilt square dimensions for Quilted Christmas Ornaments
I’m going to share a simple pattern using basic squares with you below but feel free to use any quilt square, as long as the finished square is 3 1/2″x 3 1/2″ or bigger, it will work for these ornaments.
Between 3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ to 5″ x 5″ quilt squares are a good size for these little embroidery hoops.
Equipment you will need
- Coordinating Thread
- Scrap fabric pieces
- Sewing machine or hand sewing needle if piecing by hand
- Iron
- Ironing board
- 3″ embroidery hoops
- Fabric scissors or rotary cutter and cutting mat
- Quilting Ruler
- Ribbon to hang or additional fabric scrap piece
- Washable fabric pen– if quilting by hand, you may want to draw a stitch line 1/4″ from the sides to help you stitch straight.
- Optional: hot glue gun– for extra securing
Favorite Fabric Shops
I prefer to shop smaller businesses and high quality fabrics for my sewing projects. This makes the whole process much more enjoyable.
I like knowing that I am supporting other crafters in quilting and sewing by buying from their stores.
Here are a few of my favorites:
Quilted Christmas Ornament Pattern– Simple Square Block
Cut
(9) 2 inch squares– choose anywhere from 2-9 different color/patterned fabrics for the different squares depending on the look you are going for
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Wash fabric
First, begin by washing a drying your fabric material.
Step 2: Iron fabric
Then, using an iron, press fabric flat before cutting.
Step 3: Cutting out pieces
Next, cut out the pieces you will need for your quilt square.
Step 4: Design your quilt square
Lay out the squares in the design that you are wanting the finished project to mirror.
Step 5: Piecing the 1st Row
Begin at the top row on the left.
Lay the furthest left square right sides together with the center square. (make sure to pay attention to the direction of the fabric if you are using a fabric that is one directional)
Sew pieces together for the first layer
Sew the two squares together using straight line and a 1/4 inch seam allowance across the edge.
Press the seam open using an iron or finger press and flip over to press the piece flat.
Next, take the furthest right square and lay it right sides together with the middle square.
Sew a 1/4″ seam allowance to attach.
Press the seam open and the row flat.
Step 6: Piece the 2nd and 3rd Rows
Move on to the next row and repeat until all three rows are pieced together.
Step 7: Piece the 2 rows together to complete the quilt block
After the three rows are pieced together, take the top row and lay it right sides together with the middle row.
Pin the seams together so you end up with nice 90 degree angles and lined up rows.
Sew a 1/4″ seam along the rows.
Open up and press the seam flat.
Next, repeat the process with the next row laying it right sides together with the middle row.
Sew across.
Next, open the square and press seams open.
Step 8: Iron
Flip over and iron the square flat.
Step 9: Add any embroidered or stitching details
If you want to add top stitching or embroidery on the right side of the fabric, add that before adding the back piece.
Step 10: Adding the second side to your quilted Christmas ornaments
Place finished top square on a piece of fabric for the back with wrong sides together.
Step 11: Secure into the embroidery hoop
Then, place the square and back piece on top of the center of the embroidery hoop.
Next, place the top of the embroidery hoop on the square and fit into place, making sure not to stretch the seams too far but making sure the fabric is taut.
You can play around with where you want the center of the square since the finished square is bigger than 3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″. If you are working with a smaller square you will want to make sure the square is centered nicely to fit inside the embroidery hoop well.
Tighten the embroidery hoop nice and tight.
Stp 12: Trim excess fabric
Flip the hoop over and trim off edges of the fabric that are sticking out of the back.
Make sure the hoop is very tight because if this comes undone it can be hard to get in place again if the hoop becomes loose. If you are worried about this, use a little bit of hot glue gun to line the outer part of the inner hoop to secure the fabric into place before trimming off the raw edge of fabric.
Step 13: Tie ribbon for hanger
Using a fabric strip, ribbon, or twine, tie a bow at the top of the ornament.
Loop another strip of fabric or ribbon through the top and tie a knot at the top of the loop to create the hanger for the ornament. This will also help cover edges of fabric at the top.
Step 14: Hang your quilted Christmas ornaments on the tree or top a gift
Quilted Christmas ornaments have become my favorite ornaments and one of the most fun ways to add a special touch to the top of gifts.
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Happy sewing!
I would love to see your creative spin on these quilted Christmas ornaments! Pin the project for later and tag me on Instagram sharing your finished ornaments!
