The Christmas tree skirt is considered an heirloom in many families, usually handmade by a grandmother many generations ago. These heirloom tree skirts hold many memories of Christmases past, and are cherished for the memories they will make in the years to come. To create a prized keepsake such as this, gather the whole family and make your own Christmas tree skirt. Below is step-by-step instruction on how to make a Christmas tree skirt.

1. Fabric – Fabric is an important component of creating a long-lasting tree skirt. Sturdy fabrics are plain cottons, or you can buy special Christmas prints in a range of fabrics, including cottons and plush velvets. Depending on the thickness of your fabric, you may also need some heavy interfacing to sit between the two fabric layers. You will need two circles of fabric for top and bottom.

2. Edging - You will need ribbon or bias binding tape to finish off all of your edges. The ribbon or tape needs to be a minimum of 1- 2 inches wide. For closures, use Velcro tape.

3. Drawing Your Pattern - The trickiest part of this is drawing the circle. What works is to tie a tailor’s chalk pencil to a knitting needle. The length of the string is important because that determines the size of your circle.

Take one piece of fabric and fold it in half with right sides together. Using your measuring tape, find the exact center of the material. Mark the center with an "X". Do this separately on each piece of fabric. Now place the pointy end of the knitting needle in the center of the fabric, and extend your pencil to the end of the string. Smoothly draw your circle on the fabric.

When the circle is done, draw a straight line across the very centre of your circle. You need to cut an opening in the skirt. Cut along the straight line you drew earlier up to the inner circle, and then cut out the inner circle. Do not cut the material in half; only cut one side (radius) and the inner circle. Now cut away the excess fabric from the large circle.

4. To Make - Place your top fabric piece right-side down on your table. If you have interfacing, place this on top now. Now place your bottom fabric right side up on top of the other fabric pieces. Make sure all of the edges are aligned.

Pin on the ribbon or bias binding tape. Start at one of the outer edges where you cut the opening on the skirt. Fold the ribbon evenly over the edges of your fabrics and pin the ribbon or tape so that the pin goes through the ribbon on both sides of the fabric. Continue this all around the outer edge of the skirt. When you reach the other outer end of the skirt, snip the ribbon to fit. Stitch this section of ribbon or tape in place.

Now, using the same technique, pin the ribbon along the cut edges of the skirt, around the inner circle, and back down the other cut edge. You should be able to do this in one piece. Snip the ribbon to fit. Before you sew on the ribbon, cut two pieces of the Velcro fastener. Pin this on the opposing cut edges so that they will fasten neatly and keep the skirt closed when it’s on your tree. Stitch in place. If you have used a patterned fabric, your Christmas tree skirt is now complete.

5. Decorating Your Christmas Tree Skirt - If you have used plain fabrics, you can decorate it now by cutting out and sewing on angels, stars, Christmas trees, snowmen, Christmas parcels, holly, perhaps even Santa Claus! You can use felt or colorful cotton fabrics. Or, if you are not that crafty, use some fabric paint and write your own holiday message. Write or sew on the date you made the skirt.

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