These directions sew a Christmas tree skirt that is approximately 72" wide when complete, for a large Christmas tree. When complete this skirt that extends about 36" from the trunk.
Using a serger makes this project a snap but if you don't own a serger, use zigzag stitches and baby hems to create your own version of this Christmas tree skirt.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: 8 to 10 hours
Here's How:
- Materials needed:
- Fabric - 6 1/2 yards of 45" wide fabric (4 yards for the body of the skirt & 2 1/2 yards for the ruffle)
- Lace or trim if you don't want a ruffle
- Thread - lots of it if you are going to use your serger for rolled hems
- A serger with a rolled hem plate
- For the body of the skirt, cut your 4 yard length of fabric into two 2 yard lengths.
- Sew a seam along 1 yard of the 2 yard length. The un-seamed area will become your opening for the back.
Fold the fabric in half along the seamed edge and then in half again to form a square.
- Using a 36" piece of string with a pencil attached to one end, hold the sting at your folded corner and make a circular mark at the raw edges. Repeat this procedure with a 3" string to create a center circle for the trunk opening.
- Leaving the fabric folded, cut along your pencil lines.
- Make 4" strips out of your remaining fabric for a ruffle. Join the strips together at their narrow ends. Use your serger to make rolled hem along one raw edge.
- Serge the back opening edges and center circular opening of the body of the skirt, to finish the raw edge.
- Use a ruffler or a long basting stitch along the raw edge of your ruffle strip to gather it. Attach it to the outer edge of the circle.
- Using the regular plate on your serger finish the edge of the seam, press toward the body of the skirt and top stitch it down.
If you want a lace edge, finish the edge of the circle and attach the lace.
Tips:
- When making the rolled hems, use a short stitch length. You can be creative by using thread to match one color from the print rather then the background color.
- If you have a sewing machine with embroidery capabilities, stitch the year near the back edge as a reminder of the year you made it.
- To change the size of the skirt, visualize and sketch a square to calculate the amount of fabric you will need.
- If you don't have a serger, you can zigzag the body edges and baby hem the ruffle.
