DIY Felt Ornaments Tips, Tricks and Templates (Free)

Learn all about DIY Felt Ornaments Tips, Tricks, and Templates (Free). This quick, complete guide will show the ins and outs of working with Felt Christmas Tree Ornaments—including what tools are useful for cutting, how to glue or sew an ornament, and where to get free felt ornament patterns.

Felt ornaments are all the rage these days, a vintage classic that adds nostalgia to Christmas tree decorating. It’s always fun to add them to the tree—it gives it more meaning and connection to our loved ones. Felt ornaments can range from easy to very difficult. If you’re just getting started or want a quick refresher on felt ornament making, I have everything you need!

DIY Felt Ornaments Free Tips, Tricks, and Templates

Tip #1 – Use the GOOD Felt

I understand the temptation of felt ornaments is that you can really save some money on the material. You can literally buy a massive amount of felt off the bolt for a screaming deal! BUT not all felt is created equal. It’s better to spend a little more on the material and save elsewhere, (like on the pattern). 

Felt that has some wool in it costs a little more, but it can be ironed (a must for HTV, and also another tip is below). It cuts more nicely, stays together better, and lasts longer than cheap, basic acrylic felt. I have a whole drawer full of this felt in an array of colors. The best part is that there are shops that put together ready-made Christmas pallets, perfect for making a bunch of ornaments. This is where I like to buy my nice felt.

Tip #2 – Properly Prep the Felt for Cutting for the DIY ornamnents

It helps if the felt is flat and free of creases for cutting. Try to store your felt in a way that prevents creases from forming. If that’s not possible, be sure to give the pieces a quick once-over with an iron. If you’re using a machine like a Cricut Maker to cut the felt items (one of my favorite things to do), cut the felt sheets to the correct size for the mat.

Tip #3 – Use Sharp, Small Cutting Tools for your DIY Felt Ornaments

When cutting out a felt Christmas tree ornament, there are all kinds of small bits and intricate cuts. Using sharp, smaller scissors makes the cuts cleaner and more precise.

If you’re using a Cricut Maker cut out the ornaments, make sure that the rotary blade is new to get the cleanest, best cuts.

Tip #4 – The Freezer Paper Technique

While it’s easy to see how a Cricut Maker can cut out all those items precisely, how does a human do it with a PDF pattern? You use what is called the freezer paper technique. This handy paper isn’t just for making t-shirts, it is also a handy tool for cutting out tiny ornament bits correctly.  And I suppose people use it for food…but I always use it for crafting!

Start by tracing the pattern onto the freezer paper (make sure your tracing is NOT on the waxy side) with a marker or pencil.

Cut out the items from the freezer paper (but don’t cut them out exactly—leave a small border).

Iron onto the felt (see, there’s a reason why good felt is best).

As best as you can, take your time and cut out the outlines of the ornament with the paper still attached to the felt.

Once cut, gently peel the freezer paper off the felt ornament piece.

You can see the freezer paper technique in action at this felt ornament tutorial.

Tip #5 – Use a Cookie Sheet

This is one of my top tips – I use it all the time in my studio. If I’m not making the ornament right away, I store the pieces flat and neat on a cookie sheet. This prevents wrinkles in your nicely cut, flat pieces before you have a chance to bring the DIY Christmas ornament together.

Tip #6 – Use a Baggy

A lot of DIY felt ornaments have tiny bits and bobs to them. Use a clear baggy so you can easily see the pieces inside. It’s a good idea to put those tiny things into a baggy to keep track of them—they can easily get lost! Speaking of getting lost…

Tip #7 – Check your Sweater

As funny as this may sound, it’s true!  Felt loves to stick to clothing, especially sweaters!  If you’re missing a piece and can’t find it, check your clothing first!  I can’t tell you how many times this has happened to me, because it’s so common.

Tip #8 – Use a Small Iron

Many Felt ornaments have HTV added to them, and because the pieces are so tiny (like this gnome ornament hat) having a mini iron makes this process easier and more accurate.   Having the correct tiny tools makes putting the ornament together easier.

Tip #9 – Use a Fine Point Glue or Glue Gun to your DIY Felt Ornaments

If you are making a no-sew ornament, having the correct glue is key. When working with small ornament pieces, a fine point is essential. I like using both hot glue and tacky glue.

The key, no matter the glue used, is a fine point so you can control the glue. I like this tacky glue, and I love this glue gun for working with ornaments.

Tip #10 – Use Free Patterns and Templates!

The web is full of amazing tutorials with FREE templates for you to use and enjoy.  So while you might have to spend a little more money on nice felt, make up the difference by using one of the wonder free tutorials that blogger (like myself) off on their websites. I have over 20 free felt Christmas ornament patterns and templates for you to enjoy.

Tip #11 – Make it Fun!

Making should be a pleasure – especially around the holidays! 

While making your ornaments, turn on some Christmas music or a movie. Have friends over and create together. Get kids in on the fun! Make ornaments and create memories. Don’t put yourself in Santa’s sweatshop—just have fun with it!

Love these DIY Felt Ornaments? See more Christmas Crafts You’ll Like to Try

• Gingerbread House Ornaments DIY
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• Giant Holly Leaves
• See 40 Snow Ideas for Kids!
• You can see all of Handmade Ornament Tutorials on this page
• You can see just my Felt Christmas Ornaments here

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