Christmas in July: A Simple No-Sew Felt Ornament DIY
There’s something a little magical about Christmas in July — the days are long and hot, but for craft lovers, it’s the perfect excuse to slow down and start on handmade holiday projects before the December rush hits. And no material says “Christmas” quite like felt.
Felt has been a holiday craft staple for generations, and for good reason. It doesn’t fray, it holds its shape, it comes in every color you could want, and it’s forgiving enough for beginners while still looking polished in the hands of experienced crafters. Whether you’re making gifts, decorating your own tree, or getting a head start on a holiday market booth, felt is where to begin.
To kick off our Christmas in July series, we’re sharing one of the simplest, most satisfying projects out there: a no-sew felt ornament. No sewing machine, no fancy stitching — just a few basic supplies and about 20 minutes.
Why Felt Ornaments?
Felt ornaments are:
- Beginner-friendly — no sewing experience required
- Kid-friendly — a great activity for family craft nights
- Customizable — endless shapes, colors, and embellishment options
- Durable — unlike glass ornaments, they won’t shatter in storage or shipping
- Affordable — a little felt goes a long way
What You’ll Need
- Felt sheets (wool or wool-blend felt holds up best and gives the richest color)
- Fabric scissors or a craft die-cutter
- Fabric glue or a hot glue gun
- A simple ornament template (tree, star, stocking, or round bauble — anything with a basic outline works)
- Fiberfill or scrap felt for light stuffing (optional, for a plumper ornament)
- Twine, ribbon, or embroidery thread for hanging
- Optional: buttons, mini pom-poms, sequins, or contrasting felt scraps for decoration
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cut your shapes. Trace your template onto felt twice, so you have two matching pieces (front and back). Cut carefully along the lines — felt’s clean edges mean you don’t have to worry about fraying, so don’t stress about perfection here.
2. Decorate the front piece (optional but fun). Before assembling, this is the time to glue on any decorative details — a button “ornament ball,” a tiny felt bow, a name, or a contrasting felt cutout layered on top.
3. Add your hanging loop. Cut a 4–5 inch piece of twine or ribbon and fold it in half to form a loop. Set the raw ends between your two felt pieces at the top, where they’ll get glued in place in the next step.
4. Glue the edges. Apply a thin line of fabric glue (or hot glue, working in small sections) around the outer edge of the back piece, leaving a small gap open. Press the front piece on top, sandwiching the hanging loop ends into the glue at the top.
5. Stuff it (optional). For a slightly puffed, 3D look, tuck a small amount of fiberfill or felt scraps through the open gap before sealing it shut.
6. Seal and finish. Glue the remaining gap closed and let it dry fully before hanging.
That’s it — a handmade felt ornament, start to finish, with no sewing machine in sight.
Tips for Best Results
- Use quality felt. Thinner, lower-quality felt can look flimsy and glue unevenly. A sturdier wool-blend felt holds its shape and looks more finished.
- Work in batches. Cut a dozen shapes at once — it’s much more efficient than doing one ornament start to finish before moving to the next.
- Let dry completely before handling or hanging, especially with fabric glue, which can take longer to set than hot glue.
Get a Head Start on the Holidays
The beauty of Christmas in July is that there’s no pressure — no deadline breathing down your neck, no last-minute scramble. Whether you’re crafting for your own tree, building up holiday market inventory, or making handmade gifts, a few quiet hours now can save you a lot of stress in December.
Ready to start your own batch of felt ornaments? Browse our felt sheets and wool-blend felt to find the perfect colors and weights for your project.
