how to make a quilted fabric tree
Finally.
I’ve finally got my quilted fabric tree pattern finished.
The reason it took me so long is because I just kept coming up with more things I wanted to add to it. At first it was just going to be the basic instructions for making a quilted tree.
But then I wanted to add how to make stripes.
And then I wanted to add how to make swirls.
And then, I had the grand idea to figure out a way to add charms and jingle bells and little things like that, and I spent a few weeks just experimenting with that idea. In fact, I put the whole pattern writing thing on hold because I was so excited about it. (It doesn’t help that I’m a total scatterbrain…I have a tendency to start 37 things at once, and then it’s hard to finish just one of them.)
But, it was all worthwhile. Look at how cute this is with a little jingle bell dangling from the tree “branch”:
Since I started posting a few sneak peeks on facebook a few weeks ago, I’ve had some of you emailing me asking to know when it would be done. It’s done now! You can get it right here:
The no-sew tutorial is 45 pages long, with over 65 close up, professional photos, and it’s in PDF format. It is complete step by step, just like all my other tutorials, and teaches 2 different fabric folding methods, how to make horizontal, vertical, and swirling stripes, and will teach you my super simple “pin trick” for keeping your fabric and rows straight as you go up the tree. In other words, it’s an awesome pattern!
I wrote a short second tutorial to accompany the main pattern, which includes a bunch of ideas for embellishing your fabric tree. It also teaches exactly how to add those grommets I showed you above to the fabric points of the tree, so that you can add charms, bells, etc. (it’s easier than it looks). And, it shows how I added “garland” using jewelry chains, like this:
You’ll get that bonus tutorial free with the quilted tree pattern. Happy no-sewing!
Here’s what happens when you purchase a pattern from me:
My tutorials are in PDF format, which means they will be downloadable as soon as you purchase. No waiting!
As soon as you complete your payment, you will be re-directed to a special page on my site, where you will be able to immediately download your patterns. (It can take up to 10 seconds for you to be re-directed after payment, so please be patient and don’t click your back button!) You will also receive them by email (make sure your email address is entered correctly).
If for some reason, you do not receive your email, just fill out my contact form, and I will make sure you get it!
Would you please tell me where you purchase the pins for the ornaments or if you sell them, please send me quanity and price. Tnx.
Lynn, I don’t sell the pins separately, although they do come in the ornament kits that I sell.
I try to buy most of my pins at Walmart; they seem to have the cheapest price that I’ve found, although occasionally I buy them at Michael’s or JoAnn’s, if I absolutely have to. WalMart’s price will vary because they base all their prices on other stores in the area, but where I buy them, they are $2.39 for a package of 450.
I use applique pins, and I also try to get them from Walmart; they do have the best price. I used about 1600 pins in a wreath I made recently, so price matters to me! (800 1-1/2″ squares of fabric too!)
I buy sequin pins at Michaels – 800 for $3.99.
Thanks, Paula…that’s a great price! I use sequin pins occasionally, but my fingers are so used to the longer pins, that the sequin pins are a little more difficult for me. But at that price, maybe it’s time to re-train my fingers. ;)
I have purchased your tree pattern and look forward to making one. Do you have a photograph that shows what an entire tree looks like? The photos I see show parts, but I’d like to get a “total” look. Thanks very much.
I didn’t even realize I didn’t have a full tree photo on here, Paula…I will post one on this page today or tomorrow. Thank you! And thanks for purchasing the pattern. :)
Sorry it took so long Paula, but there is a new photo posted now. :)
I buy my straight pins at NASCO.com. They come in boxes of 2400 for $5.50/box and if you buy 6 boxes for more, the price decreases to $5.03/box. That’s the cheapest I have been able to find anywhere.
Wow, I will go check that out. That would be the cheapest I’ve ever seen them by far. Thanks for letting us know!
I tried nasco.com it didnt show correctly.. something wrong? Im i terested in buying the pins! And what size are they?
Can you please update the company you get your pins from. NASCO does not work. Thank you.
I would love to see a pic from the side of the whole tree too – my mind isn’t quite wrapping around what it looks like finished up near the top as far as the ‘branches’ go. Beautiful pics at the top looking straight down and all the other pics of the trees in pieces in the pattern, thanks.
Thanks, Charlotte, I’m going to try and get some new pictures taken tomorrow. Thanks for being patient with me!
Full length photo is posted now, Charlotte. :)
Hi,
I ordered a fabric tree pattern on 10/26 but have not received the PDF. I can send you the Paypal transaction number if you need it.
Thanks
Hi Karen,
I received your emails this week, and I have replied to each of them, but for some reason, my emails aren’t getting to you. I tried sending you an email with the PDF attached, and then I also tried without the attachment, hoping maybe that would reach you. Have you checked your spam folder by any chance? I am not sure what else to do to get my email and pattern to you, except perhaps trying another email address if you have one… I can send you a refund through PayPal if we can’t get it to you…
I checked my server and nothing is hiding in junk. This has happened to one other person and I can’t figure it out. Could you try sending to kferrande@gmail.com or cruisedfkf@yahoo.com. One of these is bound to work. Sorry you have a tough time getting this out. I appreciate your patience. I can’t wait to share with my mother (also a folded ornament fanatic). Thanks again.
Karen, no need to apologize at all, it’s NO problem…I just hope I can get this pattern to you! I just tried sending you an email…let me know if you get it, and if so, I’ll reply with the PDF attached. I’m crossing my fingers!
Hi,
Can you show us a full picture of the fabric tree? Thanks!
Hey Paula…yep, it’s on my to-do list; I just haven’t had the chance to snap new pictures this week, but I will try and get a few on here tomorrow. Thanks!
New photo up, Paula, thanks again for your patience :)
Thanks very much – beautiful!
Hi! I LOVE your pattern and am going to be making 4 of these beauties! My main question is that I am HORRIBLE at cutting the same thing over and over. I am afraid I won’t be able to get all of my squares 3 inches. Do you have any tips on how to cut them evenly and the same? It seems so simple, but for me I am scissor illiterate! Any help is greatly appreciated!
Erin
Erin, sorry for my slow reply… I’m running a little behind with just about everything right now. I agree with Cookie; I just finally invested in a rotary cutter and quilting mat a few weeks ago, and it makes things so much easier, that I can’t even believe I hadn’t done that years ago.
It’s so worth the expense. I bought my stuff at JoAnn’s with a 50% off coupon, so that really helped too. :)
:) for great pin prices try http://www.ccartwright.com
gorgeous work on here!
Thanks for that link, Cynthia. :)
I use a quilting ruler and a rotary cutter. Gets the squares very even.
I just started using a rotary cutter a few weeks ago… makes life SO much easier!
A sizzix or accuquilt Go! Big really make cutting a breeze
Thank you, Cookie!
Erin
Love the cream color fabric you used on the tree. May I ask where I can find it or something close. Bought the pattern some time ago. Thanks so much!
Mary
Hey! I hadn’t seen this and don’t know how I missed out! These trees are gorgeous, with their
little decorations! Just fabulous. I’d like to get the tutorials someday, but I need to finish up with
what I have, lots o’ ribbon and fabric too. Love all your creations.
[…] Click for tutorials on how to make Fabric Christmas Tree: #11 | #12 […]
Can you use silks and organzas. My sisters and I are looking for a way to use and share my mothers wedding dress with all of the family. There are 8 of us kids. This would be a timeless treasure. Thank you.
help! I purchased the package you offered several months ago and am wanting to start a “pinned” tree but cannot seem to find the tutorial for adding balls, etc. Would greatly appreciate your help. Thanks! Gotta get started on those Christmas gifts, Hoping to hear from you soon. RF
Hi Rose! I’m sending it to you right now. Please let me know if you don’t receive it! Thanks so much! :)
I have purchased both the tree and ornament patterns. Your instructions are so detailed and easy to understand. My question is where do you buy the cones for the tree. I made one and didn’t think about the top being flat instead of tapered at the top – kind of looks like a present instead of a tree! Thanks!
I purchased this and the fabric Christmas ball patterns and now I cannot download them. It tells me my page has expired. How can I download them and save them to my computer?
Hi Connie…. I am so sorry about that. I am going to email everything to you right now. Will you let me know if you do not see them in your email?
Love the looks of the Christmas Tree. What size is the Styrofoam form used to make it?
Do you have any ornaments or trees for sale?
Linda, I’m all sold out at the moment, but I will have a new collection of ornaments for sale sometime during the first or second week of December.
I purchased the pattern for these trees and my download link has expired. The email I received did not state how long the link would work. Can I get another link?
Hi Lisa…. I apologize for that! I’m re-sending your pattern right now. Thanks so much :)
I have ordered the Quilted Christmas tree pattern twice today. I was not redirected to the downloadable PDF nor did I receive the emails for them. I ordered the second time in case I did something wrong the first time. So now two orders but no pattern. I only need one of the tree patterns. Can you help?
Thank you,
Laura Uzzell
Laura, I’m so sorry about that. I will send you a refund for the 2nd pattern, and will email the pattern to you right now. Again, I’m so sorry for the trouble! My site has been a bit overloaded today.
Staci,
Thank you so much for your quick reply! I got the pattern and it is so very helpful. Next up after making these trees is to order your ornament patterns!
Your instructions indicate how to determine number of squares or triangles per row starting out. In my case we’ll say 12. But when the cone is much smaller at the top how many would I have per row? Sorry for the silly question. It may be that when I start the project I’ll be able to see the answer! If I don’t have twelve I won’t be able to match up the pins and keep the rows straight vertically I’m guessing. Thank you!
I am having the same problem as Laura, how to taper the triangles going up the cone. Can you help? Thank you.
Hi Laura & Barbara…. What I’ve been doing is gradually placing my pieces a little closer together as I go up the cone, so that you can keep using the same number of pieces and keep it all even. However, when you do get close to the very top, you won’t have the room to keep doing this, and that’s when you’ll start using less pieces, and keeping it as even as possible through simply eyeballing it. For a single color/pattern tree (or even multi-color if it’s random), you don’t need to be as perfect….. But when you’re doing a pattern (like vertical stripes, etc), what I do when I get up to the tip top of a tree (last 3 rows or so) is start halving the number of pieces on each new row. If that is a little bit too difficult (for example, if you have a really intricate pattern), you can really just place your pieces where they look right with the rest of your pattern. It’s actually pretty simple to eyeball once you are up at the top, and only a few pieces are fitting. I hope that makes sense, and that it helps!
I am having the same problem as Laura and Barbara
Hi Kathy….I just replied above. Hope it helps!
Thank you so much. I kept pulling the triangles off and started pinning again. Thank you again. I love your patterns and hope to order more.
Staci,
I’ve bought your tutorials and was wondering what size bell you have on this tree.
Thanks for your help,
Beverly
As you move up the cone, it gets narrower but in order to keep the pattern going, it seems you still need the same number of squares (or triangles) per row. Is that correct? If so, do you end up overlapping them more or is there a way to reduce the number of squares and still make the points line up properly to maintain the pattern? When I made my first tree I just overlapped them more but it seemed like a lot of fabric at the top of the tree. If you update your tutorial, it would be helpful to address this question there too. Thanks!
Hi Debbie…. Yes, they do overlap a little more, and the trick is to just keep making sure you are placing your points as shown in the tutorial – with each point between the 2 points from the previous layer. If you make sure to do this, your pieces will gradually start getting closer and closer together, but your pattern will stay intact. Hopefully I’m making sense!
Thank you for the suggestion to make this more clear in my next update! I am making a note of it now and will definitely make sure to do that. Thank you, Debbie! :)
I use sequin pins in the sequin department at Joann’s for $0.99 for 300. they are 3/4 inch and are perfect size and price for ornaments. Happy creating!!
perfect! :)
I love this little tree. You do such neat work. I just out of random picked up some cone the other day at the dollar store. I just might have to make one, or two. Merry Christmas Ornament girl!
Thank you, Penny… Merry Christmas to you, too! :)
What size is the xmas tree?
Thank you
Love those oranments and trees!!! One day i will come to these and have fun making those. Unfortunately i cannot afford to join as a member either way and also i cant afford to purchase PDF patterns. Im trying to see how these are actually made so i can send them as gifts for my family. If i had not come across your fb page.. i would have not seen any! One day ill add this to my hobby with my other stash. My hobby is always expanding and growing as i find new things to work on or make things! Loving reading and seeing all pictures you posted! If you have any questions. Feel free to contact me any time!
I constantly am coming to the computer and looking at your sight. Mother and I used to challenge one another to come up with a new ornament. She made beautiful bell towers out of the old cardboard egg cartons by cutting two – top and bottom and glueing them, painting and sprinkling with glitter. She would hang a tiny bell inside – or ball covered with glitter. She later lined the openings with gold string. Anyway, it has always been part of my Christmas to make ornaments. I keep thinking I can figure one out, but I guess my age has slowed my thought process. I keep trying and end up crying. I need to keep something that I love to do because my love is in his last stage of cancer and it is hard. I’m always in search of something to make new ones with. I too, with all the medical and medication bills and traveling so far for his treatments, cannot afford to join your club. I am now, very limited on computer access also. But I am going to order one of my favorites and see what I can do. I quilt also so fabric is no problem for others. I can order supplies if not too costly. You are a very gifted lady and I wished I were in your shoes. What a fabulous life, living a dream. I wish Mom could help me put my first one together. Bless you.
Are the pins you use stainless steel? I used regular pins many years ago but storing them in a humid climate they rusted. Now I only use stainless steel but I’ve never found them cheap. So I was wondering what you used.
What size eyelet do you use? 1/8″ or 1/4
Don’t you need to cover the very bottom- the flat part- of the cone??
Hello! I just placed an order for some supplies and noticed the only military fussy cuts are for the Navy . Will you be receiving more Air Force, Marines and Army fussy cuts are are you discontinuing them?
Thank you!
Verna
Hi Verna, we do have those fabrics on hand but just need to cut them and add them to the shop. yay! So, we should have them listed soon. Thank you! Have a nice day.
Hello. I have purchased the Quilted Tree pattern, and the Angel Mini Kit.
Are there instructions or a video to add the Angel pieces to the tree??
Thx!