CHRISTMAS PUFF BOW ORNAMENTS & TREE SKIRT

Instructions

Reference the downloadable project sheet for project pattern diagrams.

Note: All templates are at scale.

Notes

• Refer to the Panel Layout Diagram when selecting fabrics for each panel.
• Keep all directional prints facing the same direction before sewing.
• Press seams after each step for the best finish.
• The backing fabric may require piecing to create a square large enough to accommodate the completed tree skirt.

Stuffed Bow Decorations

Cutting

From the fabric, cut:

• 1 x Main Bow Piece - 9cm x 18cm, cut on the fold
• 1 x Centre Strip - 6cm x 10cm
• 2 x Bow Tails - Cut two rectangles measuring 7.5cm x 19cm, with the 7.5cm edge placed along the fold. On the edge opposite the fold, measure 7cm along the top 19cm edge and mark. Draw a diagonal line from this mark to the bottom corner on the open edge. Cut along the marked line. This will create the angled bow tail.

Constructing the Bow

Step 1

Fold the main bow piece in half with right sides together.

Sew around the bow using a 1/4" (6mm) seam allowance, leaving a small opening for turning in the centre of the bottom edge.

Trim the corners, turn right side out and press.

Lightly stuff the bow with polyester toy fill, then sew the opening closed.

Step 2

Open the two bow tail pieces and place them right sides together.

Sew around the outside edge using a 1/4" (6mm) seam allowance, leaving a small opening for turning in the centre of one long edge.

Trim the corners, turn right side out and press.

Sew the opening closed.

Step 3

Fold the centre strip in half with right sides together.

Sew along the top edge, bottom edge and one short end using a 1/4" (6mm) seam allowance, leaving a small turning opening along one long edge.

Turn right side out and press.

Hand sew the turning opening closed.

Step 4

Position the stuffed bow in the centre of the bow tails.

Pinch the centre of the bow and tails together to form the bow shape. If desired, tie a piece of string around the centre to hold the bow securely while attaching the centre strip.

Wrap the centre strip around the middle of the bow and hand stitch the short ends together on the back of the bow to secure.

Step 5

Thread approximately 20cm of ribbon underneath the centre strip to create a hanging loop for displaying the bow.

Puff Christmas Tree Skirt

Cutting

Label your six Christmas fabrics A-F before cutting.

Using the Panel Layout Diagram, cut the required Template A, B, C and D pieces from each fabric to create:

• 3 x Panel A
• 3 x Panel B
• 3 x Panel C

Refer to the Panel Layout Diagram when selecting fabrics for each template piece.

Cut matching Template A, B, C and D pieces from the plain white fabric or calico using the backing templates.

Construction

Step 1

Place each Christmas fabric piece and its matching calico backing piece wrong sides together. The calico backing pieces are 1/2" smaller overall, providing a 1/4" difference along each edge.

Match the corners and pin in place. As you sew, make a small fold in the centre of each side of the Christmas fabric so its edges align evenly with the smaller calico backing piece.

Sew around all edges using a scant 1/4" seam allowance.

Repeat until all Template A, B, C and D pieces have been completed.

Step 2

Using the Panel Layout Diagram, sew the pieces together to create Panel A.

Repeat to make three Panel A's.

Repeat this process to make three Panel B's and three Panel C's, giving a total of nine panels.

Press all seams.

Step 3

Arrange the completed panels in the following order:

Panel A - Panel B - Panel C - Panel A - Panel B - Panel C - Panel A - Panel B - Panel C

Sew the panels together, leaving one panel seam open to create the opening in the tree skirt.

Press all seams.

Step 4

Lay the completed tree skirt top right side down onto the backing fabric.

Pin well around the outer edge, centre opening and straight opening edges.

Position three ribbon ties evenly along each side of the opening between the tree skirt top and backing, with the raw edges aligned. There will be six ribbon ties in total.

Sew around all edges using a 1/4" seam allowance, leaving an opening for turning.

Trim the backing fabric approximately 1/4" outside the stitching line to match the shape of the tree skirt.

Step 5

While the tree skirt is still wrong side out, carefully cut a small slit in the calico backing of each individual puff section only. Take care not to cut through the front fabric or the decorative backing fabric.

Stuff each puff evenly with polyester toy fill until the desired fullness is achieved.

Hand stitch each slit closed.

Step 6

Carefully turn the filled tree skirt right side out through the opening.

Use a wooden turning tool to gently push out the corners and shape the edges, taking care not to puncture the fabric.

Carefully press the outer edge, centre opening and straight opening edges only. Do not press the stuffed puff sections.

Hand stitch the turning opening closed.

Tie the ribbon closures together to secure the tree skirt around the base of the tree.