CHRISTMAS PATCHWORK TREE SKIRT

Instructions

Cutting

From assorted Christmas fabrics: Cut 25 x 8 1/2" squares

From backing fabric: Cut 1 x 112cm x 112cm square

From batting: Cut 1 x 112cm x 112cm square

1. Arrange the twenty-five 8 1/2" squares into 5 rows of 5 squares, distributing the different prints throughout the design as desired.
2. Sew the squares together to create five rows. Press the seams.
3. Sew the five rows together to complete the patchwork square. Press well.
4. Place the backing fabric wrong side up on a flat surface. Place the batting on top, followed by the completed patchwork square right side up.
5. Baste the three layers together.
6. Quilt the square as desired. You can quilt along the patchwork seam lines to create a simple grid.
7. Once quilting is complete, trim the backing and batting even with the patchwork top.
8. Fold the quilted square in half, then in half again to create a quarter square.
9. Fold the quarter square diagonally, bringing the folded edges together.
10. From the folded point, mark and cut a small curved opening to create the centre opening of the tree skirt.
11. From the same folded point, measure 19" (48cm) towards the outer edge. Repeat at several points and join the marks to create a smooth curved line.
12. Cut along the marked line through all layers to create the circular outer edge.
13. While the tree skirt is folded, mark the scallop shape along the outer curved edge and cut through all layers to create evenly spaced scallops.
14. Unfold the tree skirt and lay it flat.
15. Cut from the outer edge to the centre opening along one patchwork seam to create the back opening.
16. Attach the pom-pom trim around the scalloped outer edge of the tree skirt.
17. Bind the centre opening and both raw edges of the back opening with bias binding.
18. Press the finished tree skirt.