DIY Memory Christmas Ornament
Create a memory Christmas ornament out of a loved one’s shirt.
One of my favorite sewing projects is the memory pillow made out of shirts. Instead of throwing out the sleeves or shirt fabric scraps, why not make an ornament to remember your loved one? Another idea for using the shirt fabric scraps is to make a small zipper pouch. Perfect as gifts this holiday season!
Here is my tutorial on how to make a memory Christmas ornament out of shirt scraps.
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***You can find the ad-free, printable PDF version of this sewing tutorial available for purchase HERE. Includes 6-pages of step-by-step instructions with pictures. Print a copy to keep next to your sewing machine for easy reference.***
Supplies needed:
- Shirt fabric or (any fabric)
- Download and print the Heart Template
- Straight pins
- Sewing scissors
- Pattern material (optional)
- Matching thread
- Ribbon or cording
- Poly-fil
- Embroidery floss
- Sewing machine
Cut out your heart template
Print the template and cut out your heart. I used the large one for this tutorial. Trace your heart template onto pattern material (optional.) The pattern material is easier to work with and you can easily pin to the shirt fabric. My go to brand is Pellon 830 Easy Pattern.
Pin your heart template to the fabric and cut out your hearts using your sewing scissors.
Keep track of your sewing projects, like this one, with a sewing planner. This sewing planner is specifically designed for non-clothing sewing projects and helps you stay organized – fabric used, measurements, hardware used, notes, etc. Also included are pages such as sewing tips and fabric shops. Get your sewing planner HERE.
Add your cording or ribbon
Next baste the cording or ribbon to the wrong side of one of your heart pieces. Basting will hold the cording in place while you sew.
Sew together
Now place the heart pieces wrong sides together. Pin around leaving a small opening for stuffing.
Using your sewing machine, straight stitch all around the heart using matching thread with a 1/2 seam allowance leaving a small opening of about 1 inch.
Fill with fiberfill
Stuff the heart ornament with fiberfill and machine or hand stitch the opening closed. I use Poly-fil for all my memory pillows and craft projects.
Add the decorative border
Create a decorative border by sewing the blanket stitch all around using matching embroidery floss. This step is optional but I think it dresses it up a little.
***You can find the ad-free, printable PDF version of this sewing tutorial available for purchase HERE. Includes 6-pages of step-by-step instructions with pictures. Print a copy to keep next to your sewing machine for easy reference.***
You are finished!
Now you can create your own Christmas ornaments out of your love one’s shirts or any Christmas fabric. Hope this sewing project adds a smile and helps keep those memories alive. Happy sewing!
Pin for later!
