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Make a Fabric Origami Xmas Tree

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I promised the swapz group that I would share a tutorial on how to make a Fabric Origami Xmas Tree.  I have searched for an original of this design but have had no luck, so if you know the designer, please notify me.  There are a couple of versions on Pinterest, but neither appear to be by the original designer.  I firmly believe in giving credit where credit is due and will always credit the designer if I am able.  

I was shown how to make this by a friend and I made my adaptation to the method.

I like to hang mine in a doorway!




Finished Size: Approx 12″ x 10″

 
What you need:
 
A 5 and 1/4 ” strip of 2 contrasting  fabrics ( I used a Xmas fabric and a plain)- WOF (width of fabric)
A rule with 60 degree marking (to make equilateral triangles) OR a 60 degree rule 
Thread
Bells, beads, buttons etc for embellishment
 
Let’s Sew!
 
1.  Take the strips of  fabric  (I leave them doubled). You will be able to cut all triangles from one strip – the 11th will be formed with the folded cut off which is the left side in the photos.

Using a rule:  Find the 60 degree mark and put that along the long edge of the fabric.  You will need to turn the rule to continue completing the triangle (check next photos)

 

Using a 60 degree rule:  Place the 5 and 1/4 line along the edge.

 

You can see how you continue cutting – one up – one down (not leaving spaces that I have left to show you).  You can see that the 11th is formed when you start from the folded edge.

 

 
2.  Take one of each fabric and with RST (right sides together), starting about 1.5″ from the corner with a double stitch, sew to the corner and with needle down turn and continue up the other side, next corner, side and corner, finishing about 1.5″ after the corner with a double stitch.
 
3.  Trim the corners and turn to the right side. Push the corners out (carefully – I use the blunt end of a wooden skewer).  Press

 

 
4.  Using ladder stitch, close the opening.  Press

 

 
5.  Repeat this with all 11 triangles.
 
6.  Using a matching thread and tie a knot in the end.
Take one of the triangles and fold in half along one side and pinch – then repeat on another side.  

 

 
Where they cross, put the needle through and pull thread through to the knot.  

 

Fold each side and pinch to get the centre point.  Catch that point with the needle and bring it to the centre point.  Take a small stitch to secure and continue with the other sides.



 

 
Push the needle back through the centre and out at the knot. 



Fold a corner back to this side and stitch.

Continue to each of the other corners.  



Finish off.   I like to take the needle through to one of the edges and cut it off there.


That is the unit completed.  When you make the next one, make it the other way ie start on the other side.  This will help you decide which way you want your tree to look and the other one will be the trunk!

When you have decided, continue making the other 9 units.

Press the units and place in order. 

I am missing the top unit in this photo, but it will give you the idea!



You are going to join the units using a simple whip stitch – try to keep your stitches small.

Now it is time to embellish:  Use bells, beads, buttons – whatever you like!

Attach a little loop at the top for hanging and there you are – all done!

I have also made these for people in Aged Care – let’s them have their own little bit of Xmas decoration!

Please show me if you make one!

Until next time
Nanny xx

I will link up with Under The Xmas Tree at Clare’s Craftroom

Comments

  1. The Inner Chef says

    Oh my stars… that it just gorgeous. Is this a similar method to Cathedral Windows – I’ve always wanted to try making them but they look too technical for me.

    Thanks for sharing this – my husband just walked past and wants one for our front door. xxx

    Reply

  8. kathleen says

    i love making fabric tree decorations, and i am making this one now ..love the bells but might make one with baubles as well…
    a great tutorial
    thank you for sharing ..
    kathy

    Reply

    • Nanny says

      Thanks Kathy and thank you for taking the time to leave a comment – I love to hear from you! I hope you enjoy! 🙂

      Reply

  10. Sew Blessed says

    I found your link through Cute Embroidery. What a lovely project. I’ve just reorganized my sewing room and have tons of small pieces that I don’t want to throw away…this is where my scraps of Christmas fabric can be used! What a wonderful tutorial, too. Thanks “sew” much for sharing this with all of us. I’ve bookmarked your site so I’ll visit often. Merry Christmas from Canada.

    Reply

    • Nanny says

      Thank you and thank you for taking the time to say hello! I think I need some more projects to help us use up those scraps – I have a heap too! I hope you enjoy making your tree and may you have a very merry Christmas too! 🙂

      Reply

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All content and images belong to Nannycraft4u unless otherwise indicated. You are welcome to link back to my blog, but you may not copy whole posts, tutorials or photos without my permission. Please give credit for my work and link back to the original post at Nannycraft4u.com If you use one of my ideas, I would love to know about it. Designs and tutorials are for personal use only.