Christmas Tree Skirt with Applique Stars for Holiday Decor

5 min read

A Christmas tree skirt with applique stars covers the base of the tree and hides the stand, the cords, and the water dish. A handmade skirt also ties the whole tree together, since you can match the fabric to your ornaments. The project is mostly straight sewing with a simple applique step, so it suits confident beginners. You can finish one in a weekend and use it for many holidays.

Measure your tree stand before you cut fabric, because the skirt must clear the stand and drape to the floor. A skirt with a radius of twenty-four to thirty inches fits most full-size trees. For a tabletop tree, a radius of twelve to sixteen inches is enough. Choose a fabric that drapes well, since stiff fabric will not fall in soft folds around the stand. Hold the fabric up and let it drape over your hand to test how it falls before you buy it.

Fabric and Size Choices

Pick a medium-weight cotton or a cotton blend for the skirt top, and a plain cotton for the backing. Quilting cotton comes in many holiday prints and sews easily. Avoid slippery satin for a first skirt, because it shifts under the needle and shows every stitch. Buy about two yards of each fabric for a full-size skirt, plus fusible interfacing if you want a firmer skirt.

Choose a color scheme that matches your tree. A deep red skirt with gold stars is classic, while a cream skirt with silver stars looks elegant. Keep the applique fabric in a contrasting color so the stars stand out. Wash and press all fabrics before cutting so the skirt does not shrink or pucker after the first wash. Press the fabric with a hot iron and a little steam to remove every crease before you mark the circle.

Cutting the Skirt Circle

Fold the fabric into quarters and mark a quarter circle with a string compass tied to a pencil. The radius is the finished skirt radius plus one inch for seams. Cut through all layers at once with sharp scissors. Cut a small circle at the center for the tree trunk, about four inches across, and cut one straight slit from the center to the outer edge so the skirt opens around the tree.

Cut the backing fabric the same way, and cut a layer of thin batting if you want a padded skirt. Layer the pieces with the batting in the middle and the right sides facing out. Pin the layers together around the edges so they do not shift. Check that the center hole lines up through all layers before you sew. Pin through all layers at eight points around the circle so nothing shifts while you sew.

Appliqueing Stars

Cut star shapes from contrasting fabric with fusible web on the back. Use a star template in two sizes, about three inches and two inches across, and cut twelve to twenty stars. Arrange the stars on the skirt top before you fuse them, spacing them evenly and keeping them away from the slit edges. Step back and check the balance, since a skirt with all the stars on one side looks lopsided.

Fuse each star with an iron, following the web instructions, then stitch around each star with a straight stitch or a narrow zigzag. The stitching keeps the stars from peeling after washing. Use thread that matches the star fabric so the stitching blends in. Trim any threads and press the skirt lightly from the back. Check the back of the skirt for loose applique edges and restitch any that lift.

Adding a Back Opening

The slit lets the skirt wrap around the tree trunk. Finish the slit edges with binding or a folded hem so they do not fray. Add ties at the inner and outer ends of the slit to hold the skirt closed around the trunk. Ribbon ties look festive, while fabric ties match the skirt exactly. Make the ties about twelve inches long so they knot easily.

Test the skirt around the tree stand before you finish the edges. The slit should close neatly without gaping, and the skirt should lie flat on the floor. If the center hole is too small, trim it slightly larger. If the skirt bunches around the stand, raise the tree stand or trim the center hole to give more room. A skirt that lies flat looks far better than one that wrinkles around the stand.

Finishing Edges and Ties

Bind the outer edge of the skirt with bias tape or a folded strip of matching fabric. Pin the binding around the curve, easing it gently so it does not pucker. Sew the binding in place, then fold it over the edge and stitch it down on the back. A bound edge looks polished and keeps the skirt from fraying.

Attach the ties at the slit with strong stitching, backstitching several times at the stress points. Knot the ties loosely around the trunk so the skirt stays put without pulling the fabric tight. Press the finished skirt and store it folded with tissue paper between the layers. A handmade tree skirt becomes part of the holiday tradition, and the applique stars make it feel personal year after year.

There is always another angle. The guides below explore a few, starting with Crafts for Christmas Gifts: Handmade Ideas.

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