This isn’t a dupe per se as these little skirts do not cost much, but I have a ton of Christmas fabric leftover from some stockings I made years ago that I need to use. Also, the base of our tree is getting a little banged up, so it needs a cover. Our mini tree resides in the home office, and is where we put the silliest ornaments we own. Power Rangers, Pokemon, and ornaments from our favorite breweries are put here as they don’t really go with our big tree ornaments, but deserve to be on display. I highly recommend having a silly tree to celebrate the tacky side of Christmas!
- cotton fabric (at least 1/4 yard, I used two different patterns)
- thread, scissors, pins
- measuring tape, protractor
- To create a pattern for your skirt, use a measuring tape to measure from the base of the tree to where you want your skirt to end. For me it was about 7.5 inches. Next, on a piece of paper draw a horizontal line of 2 inches. (Or more if you are making a bigger tree skirt) Using a protractor, measure out an angle of 80 degrees, then draw at that angle the length of your first measurement. Repeat for the other side. Making another horizontal line, close the shape at the top.
- Cut out at least 8 rectangles from each pattern of fabric, for a total of 16 pieces. You can add more pieces if needed.
- Sew pieces of fabric together, alternating patterns.
- Once all are sewn together, lay your piece down on a piece of fabric large enough to cover the back, plus at least 1 inch on all sides. This overhang will become the trim . I laid the backing fabric wrong side up so I only had to pin once. I marked 1 inch all around to ensure I cut it correctly. Cut out the back part of the skirt.
- To make the tie that will hold your skirt in place, cut out a 1 inch piece of fabric the length of the outer circle of your skirt. Fold both the top and bottom lengthwise to make a sort of bias tape, and sew shut. I knotted mine at both ends.
- Beginning at the top (or the small circle) place your tie between the top and bottom, and fold both pieces of fabric inward. Pin in place. At the sides, fold both pieces inward equally. Once you get to the bottom, fold the bottom part over the top, tucking it in so there are no raw edges visible. You probably will have to pleat the bottom fabric. Through all this, you are pinning in place. Really, my least favorite thing to do whenever I’m sewing. So fiddly. So time consuming, but better than having to start over.
- Sew all the way around your skirt. I used my sewing machine for this part, although I hand pieced the top.
- Tie around your tree and enjoy!
If you don’t want to mess with having perfect edge, a fur or fleece trim all around your tree skirt will take care of that problem. I thought about it just now, and am kicking myself for not using that last bit of fleece from Halloween. Oh well!
The Dupery 