Quilted Christmas Ornament Tutorial: Easy and Brilliant No-Sew DIY Project

These amazing quilted Christmas keepsake ornaments that look like intricate quilted designs don’t actually require any sewing! But how?? The secret is folded fabric, straight pins, and just a bit of time and patience!

This is a great way to use fabric scraps that are too small for other projects or to make a keepsake ornament out of really special scraps of material, like a christening gown or even clothes from a loved one that has passed. This is also a lovely way to upcycle your wedding dress!

These quilted Christmas keepsake ornaments truly look MUCH fancier and harder to make than they actually are! So don’t be intimated if you’re new to DIY projects or not a very experienced crafter.

Follow these step-by-step instructions to easily make your own quilted Christmas keepsake ornaments!

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Materials You’ll Need

• Foam ball (styrofoam or craft foam) – 3 to 4 inches in diameter works best
• Fabric scraps – Choose 3 to 5 complementary patterns or colors (holiday-themed fabrics look great!)
• Straight pins – 1-inch pins are ideal; look for pins with very small heads, like silk pins
• Ribbon – For hanging the ornament (about 8 inches per ornament)
• Scissors
• Ruler or measuring tape
• Optional: thimble or small pliers (for pushing pins), embellishments like buttons or mini bows

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Materials

• Cut the fabric: Cut your fabric into squares, about 2.5 inches by 2.5 inches. You’ll need around 40-50 squares for one ornament, depending on the size of your foam ball.
• Cut the ribbon: Cut an 8-inch length of ribbon for the ornament hanger.

2. Attach the Ribbon Hanger

• Find the “top” of your foam ball (pick a spot that will be the top).
• Fold the ribbon in half to create a loop.
• Secure the ends of the ribbon to the foam ball with 2-3 straight pins. Place the pins in a cluster so the ribbon is anchored firmly.

3. Start with the Center Design

• Choose one fabric pattern for the center of the star design.
• Take one square of fabric, fold it in half into a triangle, and then fold it in half again to create a smaller triangle.
• Pin this triangle to the ball at the bottom point of the ribbon, making sure the raw edges are hidden and the folded point faces outward.
• Repeat with 3 more triangles, pinning them around the first triangle to form a star-like shape.

4. Build the Layers

• Switch to a new fabric pattern for the next layer.
• Fold another square into a triangle as before. Place it slightly below the first layer, with the point facing outward, and pin it in place.
• Work your way around the ball, overlapping the triangles slightly, to complete the layer.
• Continue adding layers with different fabric patterns, working outward and down the ball. Alternate colors or patterns to create a striking star effect.
• Keep pinning the triangles evenly until you’ve covered the entire foam ball.

5. Finishing the Quilted Christmas Keepsake Ornament

• When you reach the bottom, trim any excess fabric or tuck the edges neatly. You can use additional pins to secure any loose folds.
• If desired, attach a button, small bow, or embellishment to the bottom of the ornament for extra flair.

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Tips for Success

• Use a consistent pattern: Alternate your fabric colors in a repeating order for a polished, quilt-like appearance.
• Work with small pins: Longer pins can poke through to the other side of the foam ball.
• Thimble or pliers help: If your fingers get tired from pushing pins, use a thimble or small pliers for extra leverage.
• Experiment with fabrics: Try metallic fabrics, velvet, or even scraps from old holiday clothing for unique textures.

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Quilted Ornament Variations to Try

• Mini quilted Christmas keepsake ornaments: Use smaller foam balls and tiny fabric scraps for mini versions, perfect for a tabletop tree or garland.
• Layer with lace: Add lace or tulle between fabric layers for an elegant touch.
• Themed ornaments: Use themed fabrics like snowflakes, candy canes, or plaid for cohesive holiday decor.
• Pinecones: Use egg-shaped foam “balls” to create pinecone shaped quilted Christmas keepsake ornaments!

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Why You’ll Love These Quilted Christmas Keepsake Ornaments

• Budget-Friendly: Perfect for using up leftover fabric scraps and inexpensive foam balls.
• Customizable: Match the colors and patterns to your holiday decor or gift theme.
• Heirloom Quality: These timeless ornaments are sturdy and can be used year after year.