3 Christmas tree shaped tree decorations made with tiny scraps iof fabric

Don’t waste those teeny tiny scraps of cute fabric, you can turn them into fun Christmas tree shapes to hang on your tree or use as beautiful unique gift tags.

Anyone who sews will inevitably acquire tiny fabric scraps or crumbs as they are often called. There are lots of idea out there to use larger size leftover pieces (I have plenty here at Sum of their Stories!) but even the tiniest scraps can be used and not wasted.

A while ago I shared a couple of ways to turn tiny fabric crumbs into useable new fabric. It’s such a satisfying thing to do and perfect if you want a simple sewing project that doesn’t require too much thinking.

I followed that up with some hanging hearts that I made with some of my scrappy fabric. These hearts can be purely decorative or have a little dried lavender added to make them into scented sachets.

For our tree this Christmas I’ve now made some of my most vibrant coloured scrappy fabric into Christmas tree shaped ornaments. Trees for the tree!

How to make scrap fabric Christmas trees

You will need:

Scrappy fabric - find out how to make that here: How to make scrappy fabric
Interfacing - any kind will work, this is a great chance to use up odd bits and leftovers
A sewing machine and thread
Scrap paper to make a template
Metallic embroidery thread for hanging

Christmas Tree Template

Start by making a tree template. Draw your own in the size and shape you like or you can use my template here:

Christmas Tree Template

Cut out your tree shapes

cutting Christmas tree shapes from scrappy fabric

Use your template to cut tree shapes from your scrappy fabric. Squeeze as many out as you can, there is no right or wrong way up for your scrappy fabric so you can move the template around to maximise the number of tree you can make. You’ll need 2 scrappy trees for each ornament.

Using the template again cut tree shapes from your interfacing. Exactly how many you need will depend on your interfacing. I took the chance to use up some VERY old sew in interfacing. I think this was from my mum’s fabric stash, maybe even my grandma’s. It was looking a little tatty to be honest so perfect to use up making ornaments.

The interfacing I used is a medium weight so I cut 2 interfacing trees for each ornament. If you have a heavy weight interfacing then 1 layer might be sufficient, likewise if your interfacing is very thin then maybe 3 or even 4 layers might be necessary.

Sew the Christmas tree decorations

Layer up your fabric tree:

one scrappy fabric tree right side down
the interfacing layer/layers
topped by another scrappy fabric tree right side up

It’s like a sandwich where the scrappy fabric is the bread and the interfacing is the filling! Use a few pins to secure it in place.

Stitch all around the edge of the tree. This is a great chance to use up any leftover threads in colours you don’t use very often, or even really old threads which you might not be confident will be strong enough to use on a garment or quilt but that seem ok.

trimming any overhang from a scrappy fabric Christmas tree ornament

There’s a lot of debate about old thread and whether it’s ok to sew with it. Personally I don’t like to use very old thread for garments, but for something like this where there is going to be no pressure on any seams and it won’t be regularly washed I think it’s fine.

Neaten up your tree decoration if it needs it by trimming any overhang.

If you want to leave your scrappy fabric Christmas tree ornaments as they are then you can skip the next step and go straight on to adding the cord for hanging.

a pile of vibrant christmas tree shaped decorations made from tiny scraps of fabric

Adding a Christmas word label

If you’d like to add a little label with a Christmassy word you can make them quite simply.

You’ll need some plain fabric, a permanent ink pad and alphabet stamps.

Stamp your chosen words onto the fabric, press with an iron to set the ink and smooth the fabric and then cut out with sharp scissors.

I like to fray the edges of my words a little too.

Sew the labels to your trees by stitching all around the edge.

Adding thread to hang your decorations

threading a hanging loop on a scrappy fabric ornament

Finish by sewing a length of metallic embroidery thread through the top to form a hanging loop and tie in a knot.

2 tree shaped christmas ornaments made of colourful fabric scraps with the words peace and joy stamped on them

More ideas for your scrap fabric Christmas trees

To get more tree ornaments out of your scrappy fabric you could back each tree in a solid fabric instead of making it scrappy on both sides.
Use your scrap fabric Christmas trees as special gift tags.
You could glue a tree onto a blank card to make a special Christmas greeting card.
Punch a hole at the top of a greeting card and thread one of your scrappy tree ornament through as a “Christmas card plus tree ornament gift” all in one. (you can see a similar idea with these ribbon gift tag card toppers)
Instead of the hanging loops you could attach all the trees onto ribbon or cord to make a festive garland.