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Learn how to DIY Christmas Ornaments with Fabric – the perfect no sew scrap fabric project for the holidays! Whether you are looking for scout craft projects, church craft ideas, this to make with the kids for Christmas or you just want to get creative and make some new ornaments for your tree – this quick and easy DIY is for you!
SHORTCUTS TO SPECIFIC TOPICS:
00:27 Supplies
00:58 Different color options
01:50 Prepare fabric pieces
02:53 Size to cut fabric scraps
03:34 How Mod Podge affects fabric color
03:54 Cutting icons
04:45 Attach fabric to ornament
05:54 How to avoid air bubbles
08:26 Adding images to ornament
09:15 Ways to store ornaments to dry
09:48 How to know if Mod Podge is dry
09:58 Ways to make ornament hangers
WHAT YOU NEED
- Clear glass or plastic ornaments
- Mod Podge
- Scrap fabric pieces (I used a my Come Let Us Adore Him nativity-themed fabric collection from Riley Blake Designs – released May 2025)
- Small paint brush for glue
- Fabric scissors
- Wax paper or protected workspace
- Optional: sewing machine and strip of fabric for a finished hanger, or ribbon
WHY THIS WORKS
This method is great because it is truly no sew. The Mod Podge acts as an adhesive and sealer, letting you apply fabric to a curved glass surface. It also darkens fabrics slightly when dry, giving a rich, finished look. Because the technique uses small pieces of fabric, it is ideal for using up scraps and for group activities like scouts, church groups, or classroom crafts.
STEP-BY-STEP: HOW TO MAKE NO SEW CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS
Prepare your workspace. Tape a sheet of wax paper down, use an old vinyl tablecloth or something else to protect the table.
Remove the ornament cap and set it aside.
Cut a variety of fabric pieces in different sizes, smaller pieces will conform to the curve better. For image icons, cut close to the motif (triangle or rounded shapes work better than squares).
Brush a generous layer of Mod Podge onto the ornament starting at the bottom half. Don’t put it on too thin because it dries quickly.
Place fabric pieces onto the are with glue and then apply glue on top of the fabric, starting in the center of each piece and smoothing toward the edges to push out air bubbles. Overlap pieces to fully cover the glass.
After the ball is entirely covered and seams are smoothed I added the nativity scenes on the ornaments in the same way I added the base fabric.
Stand the ornament upside down on the glass base or nest it in a ring or cupcake tray to keep it steady while the glue clears (white when wet, shiny and clear when dry).
Once dry, glue cut-out images or scenes on top (nativity, star, wise men). Start in the center of the image and smooth outward to reduce puckering.
Add a hanger. For a boho scrappy look, use a 1/4″-inch” fabric strip tied in a knot. For a polished look, sew a 1″-inch” strip into a tube, turn it right side out and thread through the cap hole. Ribbon or rick rack also works.
TIPS & VARIATIONS
– Cut image motifs close to the design to reduce folds and bubbles.
– Work in small sections if you find the Mod Podge drying too fast.
– Use a cupcake tray or ring to hold ornaments upright while drying if working with kids or groups.
– Try single-color coverage with several small scenes, or go scrappy and multicolored with a scene on each side.
These make lovely gifts from kids to grandparents and are excellent for group crafting sessions since no sewing is required.
FINAL THOUGHTS
These DIY Christmas Ornaments with Fabric are forgiving, fast, and customizable. Whether you make a set of coordinated ornaments or a colorful scrappy batch, they add handmade charm to any tree and are perfect for using up treasured fabric scraps. Grab your Mod Podge and fabric and have fun creating something special this holiday season.
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