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Create a Handmade Christmas Tradition
One of my favorite childhood memories leading up to Christmas was our family Advent calendar or Christmas countdown. I am the middle of 3 so every third day was extra exciting when it was my turn.
We had a mini tree on a box with 25 drawers so each day a new ornament was added to the tree. The closer we got to Christmas, the better the tree looked.
This year I wanted to make a Christmas Countdown calendar for my great nephew. This is a beginner friendly sewing project because it is all straight cutting and straight sewing. Watch the video below and you can get the pattern on Etsy.
Shortcuts to Specific Topics
00:56 Supplies
02:52 Why to starch fabric before cutting
03:42 Why to cover your ironing board when starching
05:11 Organize pocket squares
06:50 Sew pocket rows together
07:35 How to Daisy Chain sew
09:12 How to use a thread cutter
09:53 Press seams open
10:20 How to set a seam
11:14 Organize squares for rows
11:39 Sew pocket rows to backgrounds
12:59 What to do if the rows are too big
14:35 Sew row to white fabric
16:27 Sew all rows and white fabric together
17:35 Fold and iron to make pockets
20:41 Press dowel rod casings
12:40 Baste dowel rod casings to calendar
22:23 Layer pockets, back and batting
24:07 Trim 3 layers to match pockets
24:20 Trick to stop rulers from shifting while cutting
25:29 Sew layers together
25:44 Turn right side out and press
27:44 Sew to form pockets
28:23 How to pull up the bobbin thread
29:14 How to make advent calendar numbers
30:21 Add the dowel rods and hanging ribbon
Why I love scrap-friendly Christmas projects
Christmas is the perfect time to grab those fabric scraps and sew your stash! Mixing and matching the various greens and reds makes a fun, traditionally colored calendar.
Go more vintage or retro by using pinks and mint greens or choose colors to match your home decor. There are so many options to truly make it your own.
Why 3 ½" squares are perfect for this project
3 ½” squares are perfect for this project because they create pockets that can hold a variety of things and it isn’t hard to find leftover fabric that you can cut into 3 ½” x 3 ½” pieces.
These pockets are perfect for mini size candy, toy cars, small toys, gift cards and more. If you prefer activities to things, I have free printable Activity Cards that are sized perfectly for this too!
Get Free Printable Christmas Advent Activity Cards
I designed printable Advent Activity Cards with 42 family-friendly activities and blank cards for creating your own cards to use again every Christmas. They are sized to fit perfectly into the Advent calendar pockets.
They can also be used for a Christmas activity jar or basket and they are my gift to you – no strings attached. You don’t need to sign up for my email list, just click the button below.
NOTE: A new window will open to the PDF that is in GoogleDrive. You will need to have pop-up blockers turned off and you will need to have a gmail account. If you don’t, feel free to message me and I will send it to you directly.
How to make the numbers for the Advent Calendar
Sometimes the hardest part to figure out is how to add the numbers. It depends on two main factors: the tools or supplies you have and your personal preferences.
The pattern includes printable numbers in (2) styles and ideas for 7 other ways to add numbers to your Advent calendar.
• If you have an embroidery machine or love to hand embroider, that is a great way to add the numbers.
• I got out my shrink plastic and had a lot of fun making numbers! This is a great way to get kids involved and to preserve their handwriting for years to come. See the blog post with a video tutorial if you haven’t tried shrink plastic before.
• Rubber stamp numbers on fabric or ribbon.
• and more
Ready to Turn Fabric Scraps into Christmas Magic?
Watch the video, get the pattern on Etsy and sew up some Christmas fun!
I’d love to know who you will make an Advent Calendar for – leave me a comment and let me know!
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