A handmade DIY tree skirt adds a touch of handmade Christmas decor that makes your home feel extra cosy.

When you use upholstery fabric, you get warmth, texture, and a beautifully finished look under your tree. It’s one of those easy Christmas sewing ideas that combines comfort with creativity.

In this Christmas craft tutorial, you’ll learn how to make a tree skirt that’s stylish, simple, and perfect for festive weekends spent sewing with joy.

Why Make Your Own Christmas Tree Skirt?

Making your own tree skirt is, in a way, one of those Christmas sewing ideas that feels both simple and deeply satisfying.

When you craft it yourself, you get to choose the exact colours, textures, and finishes that suit your space. Unlike store-bought versions, a handmade one reflects your personality and care. It’s also a thoughtful way to reuse offcuts or upcycle older upholstery fabric, giving it a new festive purpose.

By sewing your own skirt, you save money, reduce waste, and add a warm, personal touch to your handmade Christmas decor. It could be luxurious velvet, a rustic cotton blend, or soft chenille, but remember, the joy is in the making.

A few key benefits include:

• Custom size and perfect colour match
• Long-lasting quality you can reuse every year
• A beautiful sense of creative satisfaction

Choosing Upholstery Fabric for a Cozy Finish

Choosing the right upholstery fabric is where your tree skirt truly takes shape. The fabric affects how it drapes, feels, and lasts through the years. Heavier options create a structured look, while lighter blends feel soft and relaxed.

If you’re new to sewing upholstery fabric, choose a medium-weight style that’s easy to handle yet still holds form. You can explore our extensive range of upholstery fabric; why not try Soft Touch Velvet or Luxury Chenille for luxury and warmth, or Faux Suede for a smooth, elegant finish.

Each one suits a different festive style, helping your DIY tree skirt look beautifully handmade.

Fabric Type	Texture	Weight	Cleaning Ease	Ideal For
Velvet	Plush and rich	Medium to heavy	Spot clean	Luxurious, festive look
Chenille	Textured and soft	Medium	Machine washable	Warm, cosy finish
Faux Suede	Smooth and matte	Medium	Wipe clean	Minimal, elegant style

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Before you begin, it’s a good idea to gather everything in one place so your sewing session feels calm and enjoyable. You don’t need anything fancy. Just reliable tools that help your project come together smoothly. This list keeps things simple yet thorough, which tends to make any Christmas craft tutorial easier to follow.

You’ll need:

• 1.5 to 2 metres of upholstery fabric (depending on tree size)
• Matching thread
• Sharp fabric scissors
• Fabric pins or clips
• Ruler, tape measure, or compass for circle marking
• Iron and ironing board
• Sewing machine or needle for hand stitching

Optional extras:

• Decorative ribbon, lace trim, or pom-poms
• Fastenings such as Velcro, buttons, or ties

Measuring and Cutting the Fabric

Now that your materials are ready, it’s time to shape your DIY tree skirt.

Measuring carefully helps the skirt sit evenly around your tree, giving that polished, professional look we all want in handmade Christmas decor.

The key is to keep things symmetrical and take your time with marking before you cut.

Here’s how to measure and cut:

1. Fold your upholstery fabric into quarters, smoothing out any creases.
2. Use your ruler or compass to mark the outer radius of your skirt. For a standard tree, this is usually around 60 to 70 centimetres.
3. From the same corner, mark a smaller circle for the tree base opening, roughly 10 to 15 centimetres wide.
4. Cut carefully along your markings using sharp scissors.
5. Unfold the fabric to reveal a perfect circle with a centre hole — simple, neat, and ready for stitching.

Sewing the Tree Skirt Step by Step

This is the part where your project really comes to life. Sewing your DIY tree skirt might seem a little tricky at first, yet once you start, it’s actually quite relaxing.

The goal is to create smooth edges, secure seams, and a closure that fits neatly around the tree base. If you’re new to sewing upholstery fabric, don’t worry. Just take your time and press each section as you go for a crisp, professional result.

Step-by-step:

1. Fold your skirt in half, then cut one straight line from the outer edge to the centre hole. This creates the opening for wrapping around your tree.
2. Hem the outer circle and the inner tree hole by folding the edge under twice and stitching it down. This gives a tidy, durable finish.
3. Along the slit edges, fold and sew a narrow hem to prevent fraying.
4. Add your chosen fastening — ties, Velcro, or buttons work beautifully.
5. Finally, press the whole skirt gently with an iron so it lies flat and smooth under your tree.

Adding Fastenings and Decorative Details

This is where your project becomes something truly special. Once your seams are secure, it’s time to add those little details that make your handmade Christmas decor feel unique.

Your fastening choice can change the look completely, so try a few ideas before stitching anything down. Buttons bring a classic touch, while Velcro or ribbon ties might be more practical if you like to remove and wash your skirt easily.

Decorative ideas to try:

• Add contrast piping or binding around the edge for a neat border
• Sew on pom-poms or tassels for playful texture
• Attach lace trim for a soft, vintage feel
• Embroider initials or festive motifs near the edge for a personal finish
• Mix fabrics, such as a velvet top with a cotton lining, for a layered look

Tips for Styling Your Finished Tree Skirt

Once your tree skirt is complete, you can have a little fun with how you style it. A well-chosen upholstery fabric often looks even better when paired thoughtfully with the rest of your festive home projects.

You could, for example, coordinate the colours with your wrapping paper or add matching cushions nearby for a cohesive, welcoming feel. You might also layer different textures. Perhaps a velvet skirt against knitted throws to create that warm, homely atmosphere that makes Christmas so comforting?

 

At the end of the day, creating your own DIY tree skirt is one of those Christmas sewing ideas that feels just as rewarding as it looks. With the right upholstery fabric, you can design something timeless that adds beauty and warmth to your home every year.

If you need a bit of help choosing the perfect material for your next festive home project, simply contact us at UK Fabrics Online. We’re always happy to guide and inspire.