Do It Yourself Christmas Tree Skirt: Easy Step by Step Guide

How Do You Make a Tree Skirt at a Glance

Here is the quick view of this project before you dive into the details.

The six main steps look like this:

1. Measure your tree and choose a skirt size.

2. Wash and press your fabric.

3. Fold, mark, and cut the circle, center hole, and slit.

4. Cut a matching lining.

5. Sew the layers together, turn, and topstitch.

6. Add ties and trim, then place the skirt under your tree.

Do It Yourself Christmas Tree Skirt

A tree skirt hides the stand, catches fallen needles, and gives your presents a soft place to rest. A handmade one lets you pick the exact size, fabric, and color for your room. It is a simple project, even if you have never sewn a circle before.

Materials Required for Tree Skirt

• Main fabric: cotton, linen, canvas, flannel, or felt (see the yardage chart below)

• Lining or backing fabric in the same amount

• Measuring tape or yardstick

• String and a pencil or fabric marker for drawing the circle

• Sharp fabric scissors or a rotary cutter with a cutting mat

• Pins or sewing clips

• Sewing machine and matching thread

• Iron and ironing board

• Ribbon, twill tape, Velcro, or snaps for the back closure

• Optional trim: piping, pom-pom fringe, bias tape, or lace

• Optional batting for a quilted look

How to Make a Tree Skirt: Step by Step Procedure

Step 1: Measure Your Tree and Choose a Size

Start with the tree. Measure its height and the width of the lowest branches. Then decide how far you want the skirt to reach past those branches. Most home makers like 6 to 12 extra inches on each side. This gives presents enough room to sit on the fabric. If you feel unsure, check the size chart in the next section. Write down your final skirt diameter. Half of that number is your radius, and you will need it in Step 3.

Step 2: Wash, Dry, and Press the Fabric

Wash and dry your fabric the same way you plan to care for the finished skirt. This stops shrinking later. Iron out every wrinkle, because smooth fabric folds flat and cuts cleaner. If you are using felt, skip the washing and press it lightly with a cool iron. Prepare your lining fabric the same way.

Step 3: Fold the Fabric and Mark the Circle

Fold the fabric in half, then in half again, to make a square with four layers. The folded corner is the center of your circle. Tie one end of a string to a fabric marker. Hold the other end at the folded corner and measure out your radius along the string. Swing the marker like a compass to draw a curved line across the fabric. Then draw a second small curve about 2 to 3 inches from the corner for the center hole. Use a larger hole if your trunk is thick. Pin the layers so they stay put.

Step 4: Cut the Circle, Center Hole, and Back Slit

Cut along the large curve first, then the small one. Unfold the fabric and you will see a big circle with a hole in the middle. Next, lay it flat and cut one straight line along a radius, joining the outer edge and the center hole. This is the back opening that lets you wrap the skirt around the trunk. Cut slowly and keep the blades flat for clean edges.

Step 5: Cut the Lining

Lay your finished circle on the lining fabric. Pin it down and cut around it, including the center hole and the slit. The lining adds weight, hides the seams, and helps the skirt lie flat. If you want a quilted skirt, cut a layer of batting the same way. You will find more on that in the quilted pattern section.

Step 6: Sew the Layers Together

Place the main fabric and lining right sides together, so the pretty sides face each other. Pin around the outer edge, the center hole, and both sides of the slit. Sew with a half inch seam allowance. Leave a gap of about 5 inches along the outer edge so you can turn the skirt right side out. Backstitch at the start and end. Clip small notches into the curves, taking care not to cut the stitches.

Step 7: Turn, Press, and Topstitch

Turn the skirt through the gap so the right sides face out. Push the seams out with a blunt tool, such as a chopstick. Press the whole skirt flat. Fold in the raw edges of the gap and pin them shut. Topstitch about 1/4 inch in from the outer edge all the way around. This closes the gap, keeps the edge crisp, and gives a clean finish.

Step 8: Add the Closure and Trim

Sew ribbon or twill tape ties on both sides of the back slit, one pair near the center hole and one near the outer edge. Velcro strips or snaps work well too. Add trim now if you like. Pom-pom fringe, piping, or lace can be stitched along the edge for extra holiday charm. Wrap the skirt around your tree stand and adjust the ties for a snug fit.

Step 9: Set the Skirt Under the Tree

Place the skirt under the tree before you add presents. Wrap it around the stand and close the back. Turn the opening toward the wall so it stays out of sight. Smooth the fabric with your hands and fluff the edges. After the season, fold it flat and store it in a dry spot, and it will be ready for next year.

What Size Tree Skirt Do I Need

The right size depends on your tree height and how wide the bottom branches spread. A good rule is to pick a skirt about 12 to 24 inches wider than the lowest branches. Use this chart as a starting point.

A few notes will help you shop for fabric with confidence:

• Yardage is approximate and based on the larger size in each range.

• Skirts wider than your fabric must be cut in sections and sewn together, which is why the yardage jumps for taller trees.

• Double the yardage if you plan to add a lining or backing.

• Add a few extra inches if you have many gifts or a wide tree stand.

• Always measure your own tree before you cut, since every tree has its own shape.

Not sure which size fits? Lay a tape measure on the floor around your stand and mark the spot where the lowest branches end. Measure across the full width of that space. Add your extra inches to that number, and you have your skirt diameter. This simple check works for real and artificial trees alike.

Pattern for a Quilted Christmas Tree Skirt

A quilted tree skirt has three layers: a pieced top, a layer of batting in the middle, and a backing. It feels soft and holds its shape well. The easiest pattern uses simple squares. Cut 5 inch squares from red, green, cream, and plaid cotton fabrics and sew them into rows. Join the rows into one large patchwork piece that is bigger than your skirt diameter. If you prefer a classic look, cut 12 wedge shaped pieces and sew them together like pie slices. Each wedge makes a 30 degree slice of the circle.

Next, build the quilt sandwich. Lay the backing wrong side up, add the batting, and place the patchwork top right side up. Smooth every layer and pin them together with safety pins about 4 to 6 inches apart. Stitch straight lines about an inch apart, following the seams of your patchwork. This adds texture and keeps the layers from shifting. Low loft cotton batting works best because it lies flat under the presents. Check the batting label for pre shrinking advice.

Once the quilting is done, mark and cut the circle, center hole, and back slit using the same method as Steps 3 and 4. Finish the raw edges with binding. Cut 2 1/2 inch wide fabric strips, fold them in half lengthwise, press, and sew them around the outer edge, the hole, and the slit. Fold the binding over to the back and stitch it down. Add ties or Velcro at the back, and you have a cozy heirloom style skirt. Small prints and plaids are forgiving, so they hide tiny stitching wobbles.

Where to Buy Tree Skirts for Christmas

Not ready to sew? A ready made skirt saves time and still looks lovely under the tree. For natural fabrics that feel good and wash well, All Cotton and Linen is a great place to start. Their cotton and linen tree skirts suit many holiday styles, such as cozy farmhouse and clean modern looks. Browse the full range here:

Shop Tree Skirts at All Cotton and Linen

When you shop, keep these points in mind:

• Check the diameter and match it to your tree size using the chart above.

• Look for a back opening with ties or Velcro so the skirt wraps easily.

• Choose washable fabric like cotton or linen for easy care after the season.

• Pick a color that works with your tree, ornaments, and the rest of your room.

Pair your skirt with matching table linens and kitchen textiles for a holiday look that flows through the whole house. Take a moment to compare a few options, and read each product page for size and care details. A skirt that fits well looks neat all season and is easy to store.

Key Takeaways

• A DIY tree skirt takes about one to two hours and suits beginners.

• Measure your tree first, then add 6 to 12 inches on each side of the lowest branches.

• Fold the fabric in quarters and use a string compass to cut a clean circle.

• A center hole and a back slit let the skirt wrap around the trunk.

• Match skirt size to tree height: about 36 inches for a 4 ft tree and about 90 inches for a 12 ft tree.

• A quilted skirt adds batting and binding for a soft, sturdy finish.

• If you would rather not sew, shop cotton and linen tree skirts at All Cotton and Linen.

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