Tree Skirt and Scarf

Sew Much More : Episode SMM-165 -- More Projects »

Host Susan Khalje is joined by Mary Meyer who shares ideas for decorating the home during the holidays. Meyers fashions tapered wedges of damask and organza into a matching tree skirt and mantel scarf that can be adjusted to fit any tree base or mantel. Each point of the scarf and skirt can be embellished with a tassel, beads or a bell.

Christmas tree skirt

Tree skirt

Materials:
paper to create a pattern at least 18" x 28"
3-1/4 yards damask fabric or fabric of choice (same yardage for 45- to 54-inch widths)
matching thread
8 bells, beads or tassels
1/8 yard of paper-backed fusible web
1-5/8 yards of organza for overlay (same yardage for 45- to 54-inch widths)
1 yard of coordinating ribbon for ties
point turner
Note: Tree skirt center hole will accommodate at least a 6-inch-diameter tree trunk and at least an 8- to 10-foot or taller tree.

Figure A

Steps:

1. Create a pattern from paper by cutting a rectangle 18" x 28" (figure A). Fold down 1 inch on the top edge (18-inch side) of the rectangle. (This folded edge will now be referred to as the top edge.) Leave this fold in while creating the pattern.

Figure B

2. Fold the paper pattern in half lengthwise so that the paper pattern now measures 9" x 27". Lay the pattern on the table with the 1-inch fold on top, lengthwise fold on the left, and loose edges on the right.

3. From the bottom right-hand edge, measure up 9 inches and make a mark.

4. At the top, measure in 1-7/8 inch from the lengthwise fold and mark (figure B). Connect the two dots and cut the pattern on this line through both layers. Unfold all folds before using to cut tree skirt fabric.

Figure C

5. Using the pattern created (figure C) in steps 1 through 4, cut a total of eight wedges from the damask fabric and four from the organza for the overlay.

6. To create the four wedges with organza overlay, pin an organza wedge right-side-up facing the right side of one of the damask wedges, matching all cut edges. Repeat for the other three wedges. The wedges with overlays will now be treated as if they are one layer of fabric.

7. Serge across the narrow top edge of each wedge first. Press a 1-inch hem to the wrong side of each wedge.

8. Serge the edges of all eight wedges (do not unfold the top hem--serge through both layers).

9. To create the bottom point on each wedge: Starting with the first wedge, fold the fabric in half lengthwise with right sides together, matching up the sides and bottom edges. Pin the bottom edge together only.

10. Stitch a 1/2-inch seam allowance across the bottom edge of the folded wedge from step 9 above, starting at the raw edge. Stitch to the fold, backstitching ends.

Figure D

11. Clip the seam allowance at an angle (figure D)--being careful not to cut through the seam allowance--at the folded edge only. This will reduce bulk when the point is turned.

Figure E

12. Press the seam open and press up the center for a reference line to create the point (figure E). Turn this seam right-side-out and press. Use a point turner to poke out the point. The seam that was just stitched will be centered vertically in the wedge and will create the point. Press flat.

13. Repeat steps 9 through 12 for the remaining seven wedges.

14. With right sides together, pin a damask wedge and an organza wedge together along the angular seam, matching the top and bottom edges. Stitch with a 1/2-inch seam allowance, backstitching at both ends. Press the seam open.

Figure F

15. Continue sewing the wedges, alternating organza and damask wedges (figure F) until all eight wedges are connected.

16. Do not stitch the last seam. This opening is necessary to place the skirt around the tree.

17. Cut eight 1/2" x 2" strips of paper-backed fusible web. Fuse to the inside of each point in the center at the seam to secure the points in place on the wrong side.

18. To finish the opening edges, cut two 1/2-inch-wide strips of paper-backed fusible web the length of the unfinished angled back edge of the tree skirt. Fuse to the wrong side of the fabric edge. Peel the paper backing off and press down a 1/2-inch hem to create the finished back edge. Repeat for the remaining side.

19. Cut the 1-yard piece of coordinating ribbon in half. Pin one end of the ribbon near the top folded edge of the tree skirt opening on the right side of the fabric. Stitch the ribbon in place to secure. Repeat with the remaining ribbon on the other side of the skirt opening.

20. Sew bells, tassels or beads on each point.

Next >>

1 | 2

Also in this Episode

Sew Much More : Episode SMM-165
•	Tree Skirt and Scarf
•	Christmas Characters

Decorating

Tree Skirt and Scarf

Tools

MOST POPULAR

Decorating

Tree Skirt and Scarf

Tools

MOST POPULAR

Home and Garden Ideas from our sponsors