Tutorial: Quilted Tree Skirt using the Aster Quilt Pattern

  

Don't you just love when things come together in an unexpected way?  I wanted to make a poinsettia-inspired Aster Quilt all year.  I had purchased the fabrics, but kept putting it off to make other projects.  I finally started working on this quilt a few weeks back off and on while working on others, then put up our Christmas tree -- and guess what I didn't have? 

  

Yep, we've never had a tree skirt.  We never put our Christmas tree on the ground before this year - we had always placed it on top of a trunk to keep the dogs and baby away from the ornaments.  The baby isn't a baby anymore and we've learned our dog isn't interested in the ornaments.  Seriously...not even that incredibly fluffy llama at the very bottom!?!!

  

I started looking for tree skirts when I realized I already had the perfect project started!

  

  

You can get a copy of the Aster Quilt Pattern here!

  

To make your own quilted tree skirt using the Aster Quilt Pattern, you'll want to use the fabric requirements in the pattern for the small throw size.  You will have fabric left over as we are only making 9 blocks (I'm thinking a matching table runner with 3 or 4 additional blocks might be a good use of the left-over fabric!).

  

I used Kona Cotton, and if you'd like to use the same colors:

• Color 1:  Cream
• Color 2:  Sienna
• Color 3:  Paprika
• Color 4:  Green Tea
• Background:  Natural (not shown in picture above)

 

Follow the cutting instructions for each color and cut enough pieces to make 9 blocks.  You will need to cut all of the binding strips indicated for the Small Throw size.

  

You will need batting and backing fabric for a 45" x 45" quilt top.

    

  

Then, following the instructions in the pattern, make nine quilt blocks and assemble your quilt top in three rows of three blocks.  Then baste and quilt your quilt top as desired.

  

Once quilted, it is time to trim your quilt into your tree skirt.  You will trim the four corner blocks to create an octagon shape.

  

  

Using your ruler, measure from corner to corner of the blocks you are trimming, leaving a 1/4" seam allowance and trim.  The picture below shows a close up of the 1/4" seam allowance.  I line up my ruler so that the 1/4" line is on each corner and then trim.

  

  

Once all four corners are trimmed, you'll have an octagon shaped quilt.  I laid mine on the floor to snap a picture, where it was immediately stepped on and played on by Vanilla Bean and this new dead quilt bug.

  

  

Once I cleared away the quilt bug, I was able to snap a picture you can actually use as an example :)

  

  

Next, you will want to cut your center hole and slit up through to the center so you can place the skirt around your tree.  Take a look at your quilt and decide which side you would like to be the front.  I quilted mine rather quickly and had a few puckers.  Since this is going to sit on the floor around a tree, I decided to leave them in and make that the back of my skirt.

  

Mark a circle around the middle of the middle block.  Then from your back side of the skirt, cut a slit to the circle, and then cut out the circle.

  

  

  

Next, it's time to bind your tree skirt.  Sew your 2 1/2" strips together and bind all raw edges of the tree skirt.  

  

  

I machine bound this tree skirt.  I attached the binding to the front of the skirt, then flipped it over and attached it to the back.  Go slow and give yourself grace around all of the mild corners and especially the circle in the middle.  

  

Once finished, you could add closures to the back if you'd like; however, I find this skirt large enough to sit appropriately with its own weight.

  

Congratulations!  Enjoy your new tree skirt!!