Tree Trimmings - finishing your ornaments

October 30, 2025

Getting a professional looking finish for your ornaments is easier than you may think. Follow these simple steps and you'll have a great set of ornaments ready for the tree!

STEP ONE
Download the ORNAMENT TEMPLATES. (A PDF file will open in a new tab.)

STEP TWO
Finish all the stitching on your ornament then give it a good pressing.
Trim the edges, leaving 3/4" from the stitching all around.

STEP THREE
Trace and cut out the ornament templates at the exact size:
-1 from thin cardboard (such as comic book board)
-1 from matte board or foamboard (you could use comic book board for this, too)
-2 from thin quilt batting

You can use these templates even if you're stitching on 36 or 40 count fabric. Print out or copy the PDF at a 10-20% smaller size.

STEP FOUR
Cut your backing fabric.
Trace and cut out your backing fabric, adding 3/4" all around. 

STEP FIVE
Assemble the back. Lay your backing fabric piece down wrong side up. Layer a batting shape, then a thin cardboard shape on top of that. 

Using a needle and strong thread, run a basting stitch all around the edge of the backing fabric, about 1/2" in from the edge. I usually start at the bottom in the center.

Pull the threads to gather the fabric around the cardboard. Knot the threads to hold the gathers in place. Turn it over and take a look at the front. If it looks smooth, you're ready to move on to step six. 

If it looks loose in spots, I will lace across the back to smooth out any "loosey goosey" areas when you turn it over and look at the right side.

STEP SIX
Now, you're going to repeat that simple process for the front. The only difference is you want to make sure your design is centered on the ornament. It may help to secure the edges with a few pins to hold the design in the right place until your lacing is completed.

STEP SEVEN
Add your hanger to the back side of the front piece, securing it with a few stitches or a drop of glue. I usually cut the ribbon for my hanger at 6 or 7 inches, then fold in half and secure.

STEP EIGHT
Place the back and front together (wrong sides facing) and whipstitch all the way around, using a strong thread such as glazed quilting thread. (I usually begin at the bottom center of the ornament.) 

STEP NINE
Add an edging of baker's twine, couching it into place the same way you would cording or chenille. I generally use a white thread for this and it blends into the white areas of the twine.

FINISHED!
And that's it! A sweet little ornament ready for the tree.

PS
If you need a more detailed tutorial, check out my Woolly Fobs finishing tutorial. The finishing steps are the same.

---

Also in Tutorials and Extras