Crafternoon DIY Christmas Garland

So, you know each year I love giving you a pattern or DIY to help you become more creative. Last year, I shared the DIY Christmas Tree Ornament. It has become quite popular, especially on Pinterest. I’m not sure if anyone is making them, but it’s being pinned a lot! Throughout this post, you will see me working on two different garlands. I tend to make in batches, which is quite time efficient.

Creating was my favorite Mom activity when my kids were little.
Can’t wait until the grand baby is ready to craft with grandma!!

Let’s get started! Here’s what you will need:
(You will find affiliate links located at the bottom of this post for various supplies.)
1. Stocking and mini tree template, located at the bottom of the post. I provided both a PDF for printing and SVG file link to use on your Cricut.
2. Printer or a Cricut machine.
3. Merino Wool felt – purchase options located at the bottom of this post.
4. Wonder Under iron on adhesive or white glue
5. Seed beads, sequins and thread
6. White felt or fabric or even a fluffy medium to make the stocking topper
7. Twill ribbon or any extra ribbon, you have on hand, to make the garland
8. Thread and needle to sew it all together
9. Optional: sewing machine. You can simply sew this whole thing by hand.

STEP ONE: Start by choosing your color palette in the colors you’d enjoy. I did a “primitive” color combination for my sister’s home and an aqua and pink color combination for my granddaughter’s room.

STEP TWO:
Hand Cut Method: Using the templates, located at the bottom of this post, print with your printer, at 100%, the stocking and mini tree PDF print template. Cut out the template and use it to guide you on hand cutting each shape. You will need seven stockings and mini trees for one garland.

Cricut Method: Using the SVG files, found on Cricut Design Space and follow the recommended way to cut wool felt. (Please see the help section within your Cricut Design Space for additional help.) I have a Cricut Explore Air 2 and it cuts the wool felt just fine. I normally have to use some sharp snips to cut through all the fibers of the felt. The shape is cut but you have to give it a little help to be completely cut out of the felt. If you have a Cricut Maker, you will have the best cutting. It’s definitely on my wish list!

TIP: Cut all the shapes you need first so you aren’t interrupting
each process by having to go backward.

Trace the mini tree stencil onto the non-glue side of Wonder Under.

After you trace them all, steam iron the traced Wonder Under onto your felt scrapes.

Hand cut each mini tree using your traced image. Do not remove the Wonder Under paper until you are ready to steam iron them onto your stocking.

Apparently, I forgot to photograph this step with all the mini trees ironed onto just the stocking, so pretend the beads aren’t there.

Next step is to embellish the front of the stockings.
I used seed, sequins and bugle beads with gold thread.

When stringing your beads, start in one corner and work your way around the stocking so your use of thread on the back is minimal. Plus, have fun, embellish as much or as little as you love!

Once your bead work is done, it’s time to sew together the front and back of the stockings.

I use clips to secure the pieces together. Add a folded twill ribbon tab to the back of the back piece. Make sure you measure the width of your garland ribbon so when you string the stockings onto the ribbon, your tab allows you enough width for stringing.

Also, sew your stockings from the top, so you don’t get stuck on a bead or even break your needle!

You can stop here and string your garland or you can continue on and add a white topper. I chose to use some faux suede in white I had left over. I lined it with a medium weight interfacing so it stood up to years of use. Since you are using felt, your easiest option will be to use white felt to create your topper. I’ve given you directions for both.

Directions to add a stocking topper by using any fabric or faux suede, as I did, that has a raw edge.

full disclosure: I forgot to photograph making the topper so I had to go back and photograph directions, you will see photos of an unfinished stocking, please use your finished beaded stockings to add your toppers.