About Fabric Christmas Ornaments

Fabric ornaments on a Christmas tree give it the feeling of an old-fashioned, homemade holiday. Fabric ornaments are easy to make, but if you're not handy with a needle, they can be purchased. The ornaments can also be glued or even put together with Velcro. Here are a few ideas for fabric ornaments you can make yourself or buy at a holiday craft fair.

Types

Ornaments for your Christmas tree can be made from felt, velvet, gingham, stripes, calico, tapestry, crocheted lace and any other fabric you can think of. A child can cut out a shape from felt and glue a photo inside. Ornaments can be made in any shape--stockings, gingerbread boys and girls, bells, stars, candy canes, mittens, Christmas trees and Santas, among other things. They can be as elaborate or as simple as you want, from a gingham candy cane or a snowflake made from crocheted lace to a Santa made from woven tapestry fabric.

Features

Details can be hand-embroidered on fabric ornaments. Buttons can be sewn on, and felt details can be cut and glued on. Any detail that enhances your ornament can be added in the way that fits with your skills. Ribbons and raffia can be tied in the crook of a candy cane. Yarn can be glued on for an angel's hair, and wings can also be glued on.

Size

Fabric ornaments should be made in proportion to the size of your Christmas tree. Small trees need smaller ornaments, but small ornaments would get lost on larger trees.

Geography

Some shapes and fabrics say Christmas all over, but other materials are favored in specific geographic regions. For example, toy soldiers made from fabric or any other material may be more popular in the original 13 colonies than they are in the other states of the U.S. Fabric skiers are especially popular in regions where skiing is a way of life.

Effects

An entire tree can be designed with fabric ornaments for a distinct effect or look. A tree for children can be hung with fabric ornaments made by children, using simple fabric shapes and bright colors. A Victorian style tree can be hung with fabric ornaments made from lace and ribbon. A candyland tree can be made using fabric candy canes, gingerbread people, gingerbread houses and fabric lollipops.