Make a Christmas tree advent calendar :: Free Christmas sewing pattern

Christmas tree advent calendar - Make a Christmas tree advent calendar - Advent Calendars to make - Craft - allaboutyou.com

This makes an advent calendar measuring approximately 76cm high by 65cm wide (at the widest point).

You will need

• A big piece of newspaper and a pen (for the template)
• 80cm green felt from the roll
• Red felt, 1 rectangle measuring 41cm x 28cm
• Different coloured felt scraps
• Sequins and sparkles for decorations
• Fabric glue (the kind that goes transparent when dry) or a glue gun
• A piece of ribbon for hanging
• Dark-coloured pipe cleaners (we used green)

How to make

1. Spread out a double sheet of newspaper on a flat surface and draw an acute triangle with a base of 65cm and sides of 70cm (image 1). Draw on a 15cm trunk. Then, draw on the branches (image 2). Cut out the tree template.

2. Using the template and the green felt, cut out your tree.

3. Pin your red pocket rectangle onto the tree and stitch around three sides, leaving the top edge open. Now you need to plan the stitching lines for the 24 pockets. Using a tape measure and pins, mark off 24 equal-sized pockets (our pockets measured approx 7cm wide x 6.5cm high). Stitch along the lines that you’ve marked. (We know you can’t get into the pockets. Don’t worry, we'll tackle the openings next!)

4. Take a small pair of sharp scissors and, right at the top of each closed pocket (you should have 20 closed pockets), snip into the red felt, making sure you don’t cut the green felt underneath. Carefully snip a letterbox-style opening into the top of each pocket.

5. Next, lay your tree on a flat surface. Using your fabric glue, stick the decorations to the tree and add a ribbon to the trunk.

6. Take your pipe cleaners and cut them into shorter lengths. Bend each shorter length into a number and glue onto your pockets. When all the glue is dry, handstitch a piece of ribbon to the centre top of your pudding for hanging and you’ve done it! Fill the pockets with little treats and bask in a warm pre-Christmas glow!