Turn an Old Quilt Into a Christmas Tree Skirt
Marian Parsons
Materials Needed:
- heirloom cutter quilt
- 2 packages double-fold quilt binding
- craft paper or cardboard (for template)
- tape
- all-purpose cotton thread that matches binding
- scissors
- pins
- 3-4 yards of coordinating ribbon
Make Template and Cut Quilt
Determine size of tree skirt and which portion of quilt to use for skirt. Make template by taping together several pieces of craft paper to make a square to desired size (Image 1). Fold square in half, then in quarters, then eights and cut curve at edge of paper and unfold to create a circle (Image 2). Pin paper to quilt, then cut around template with sharp scissors (Image 3).
Cut Slit in Tree Skirt
Find center point of tree skirt, then cut out a circular hole to allow for tree trunk (Image 1). Next, cut a straight line from edge to center of skirt to create a slit so sliding the skirt around the tree will be easy (Image 2).
Add Quilt Binding
Wrap double-fold quilt binding around raw edge of quilt and pin in place (Image 1). Cover the entire perimeter of quilt, slit and tree trunk hole. Sew along binding edge and remove pins (Image 2).
Add Personal Touches
If quilt has signatures or dates, cut them out and hand-stitch them to tree skirt to preserve the quilt's history. If quilt doesn't have any, hand-stitch a date and/or family names, if desired.
Make Ties
Cut ribbon into eight 12" lengths. Fold one end of each ribbon over twice and stitch on sewing machine to finish end (Image 1). Repeat on all eight ribbons. Pin unfinished side of ribbon to underside of skirt along slit, evenly spaced and paired with a ribbon on other side of slit, so they can be tied together (Image 2). Sew ribbons to skirt (Image 3). Remove all pins and trim threads, then slide skirt around Christmas tree and tie ribbons to secure it (Image 4).
Marian Parsons