I was blessed to receive another generous box of Martha Stewart Crafts Paints and Tool by Plaid. I used the Martha Stewart Fabric Stiffener as well as their line of glitter to make the pinecones. It was also my first time trying out cutting fabric using my little Cricut machine. I cut out several sizes of a flower shape and stacked them up to form the pinecones.
Materials for DIY Fabric Pinecones Ornaments
To make your fabric pinecones, gather the following supplies. You can choose a combination of fabrics to match your holiday theme, from rustic burlap to gold shimmer.
- Fabric: Cotton fabrics work best. For the glittery pinecone, I used white fabric, and for the other two, I used two contrasting fabric colors each.
- Cricut cutting machine and Cricut supplies: Pagoda cartridge (though any flower shape would do) and a cutting mat (the stickier the better). Note: you can always cut the flower shape by hand.
- Heat n’ Bond Ultra fusible webbing.
- Painter’s tape.
- Wooden beads (to act as the core structure).
- Paints: Martha Stewart Multi-Surface Satin Paints in coordinating colors.
- Martha Stewart Fabric Stiffener.
- Glitter Paint and Pouncer brush.
- Natural twine and tapestry needle.
Step-by-Step Directions
Creating these fabric pinecone ornaments involves preparing the fabric, cutting the shapes, stiffening them, and assembling the stack. Here is the detailed instruction.
1. Preparing and Cutting the Shapes
First, I created a test pinecone with paper to figure out sizing and how many of each size I would need. I used a flower shape with slits in between each petal. I have a regular Cricut, which can cut shapes between 1 inch and 5.5 inches in size.
To ensure the fabric is stiff enough to cut and hold its shape, I used Heat n’ Bond. I cut out a piece of fabric for each color plus a piece of Heat N Bond in the same size to fit the cutting mat.
I wanted the pinecones to be two different colors on each side of the flower so that some of the contrasting print/color would show on the underside. I fused the Heat N Bond to the wrong side of one piece of fabric, peeled off the paper, and then fused a second piece of fabric on top. This creates a double-sided fabric that is stiff enough for the Cricut blade.
Tip: It is important to use a really sticky mat because fabric doesn’t stick as well as paper. Secure it further with painter’s tape around the edges.
2. Stiffening and Shaping
Now it’s time to apply the stiffener. I liberally covered both sides with the stiffener using a flat brush. Then, I pinched each petal downward to curl them like a real pinecone. This reveals the contrasting print underneath.
3. Assembly
Once your shapes are dry and your wooden beads are painted, it is time to put together the ornament. Here is the order of the flower sizes and beads to make the pinecone:
| Layer | Item/Size |
|---|---|
| Top | Bead |
| Layers 1-4 | 2″, 2.5″, 3.5″, 4.5″ flowers |
| Spacer | Bead |
| Middle | Two 4″ flowers with bead between |
| Lower | Two 3.5″ flowers with bead between |
| Bottom | 3″, 2.5″, 2″ flowers separated by beads |
Thread the pieces onto the natural twine using a tapestry needle. Start from the top, threading a bead, then the flowers, alternating with beads as needed to space them out properly. Tie a double knot at the end to secure, as well as above the top bead. Leave a length of twine at the top for hanging.
4. Adding Glitter
To make the glittery pinecones, I cut out white flowers and added the glitter on the edges. It reminded me of the pinecone tree I made with my mom. It was actually better to add the stiffener first, and then the glitter while it was still wet.
Variation: The Folded Fabric “Quilted” Pinecone
If you prefer a no-sew option that uses a styrofoam egg, the folded fabric pinecone (often called Kimekomi style) is a fantastic alternative. This method uses fabric scraps cut into squares to create a textured, quilted appearance.
Materials Needed:
- Styrofoam egg (approx. 3-inch size is standard).
- Fabric scraps cut into 2.5-inch squares.
- Dressmaker pins (sequin pins work well).
- Ribbon for the loop.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Fabric: Cut your fabric into squares. You will need a lot of them—usually around 40-50 squares for a standard foam egg.
- Fold the Scales: Take a square and fold in half to make a rectangle. Then, fold the top corner points down to the center bottom to form a triangle. Press the fold with your finger to keep it sharp.
- Start at the Bottom: Place a first square flat on the bottom of the egg to cover the white foam. Pin it in place.
- Pin Triangles: Take your folded triangle and pin it onto the egg near the bottom. Insert pins at the bottom two corners of the triangle.
- Create Rows: Continue pinning triangles around the egg to form an initial row. For the next row, place the triangle tip slightly higher, overlapping the gap between the triangles in the previous row. This creates the “pinecone” scale effect.
- Finish the Top: Continue until you reach the top of the egg. You may need to trim raw edges or cover the very top with a small circle of fabric or a ribbon bow. Attach a ribbon loop with a pin or glue to hang your ornament.
This technique allows you to create your own unique design by alternating fabric colors or mixing scraps to make a colorful pattern. It’s a great scraps to make project where you can explore different textures without needing to sew.
Conclusion
Whether you choose the stiffened stack method or the folded fabric styrofoam egg technique, DIY Fabric Pinecones Ornaments are a timeless addition to your holiday season decor. They are perfect to decorate your Christmas tree, hang on a doorknob, or share as a thoughtful handmade gift. I hung my pinecones at different lengths from the twine I wrapped around the top of the picture frame, which hangs from my wreath hook.
Once I figured everything out, creating the Fabric pinecones went really quickly. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned crafter, this project is sure to be a hit. Just follow our simple instructions and you’ll be on your way to making beautiful DIY fabric pinecones ornaments in no time! Let us know what you think in the comments below!
FAQs
Q: What are fabric pinecones ornaments and why choose them?
A: Fabric pinecone ornaments are handmade decor pieces that mimic real pinecones using fabric, stuffing, and embellishments. They offer a soft, customizable alternative to traditional pine or plastic decorations, allowing greater control over color, pattern, and size to match your holiday aesthetic or eco-friendly preference.
Q: How do I plan to make a fabric pine cone ornament?
A: A basic plan to make a fabric pine cone includes selecting fabric (cotton, felt, or printed quilting cotton), scissors, a stuffing ball or foam core, hot glue or needle and thread, and optional beads or ribbon. The straight steps are: cut petal-shaped pieces, mark their centers, attach them in overlapping rows onto the ball or foam core from the bottom up, and finish with a loop for hanging.
Q: Can I use a printable template?
A: You can use a printable template to ensure uniform petal sizes and consistent results, especially if you plan to make a count of multiple ornaments. Freehand cutting works too if you prefer a more organic look or want to vary shapes for visual interest. This is a great idea for consistency.
Q: How many fabric pine cone ornaments can I make in an afternoon?
A: The count depends on your experience and complexity of design. With a simple straight petal method and a printable template, a beginner can complete 1–3 ornaments in an afternoon; experienced crafters might finish 4–8 by working assembly-line style.
Q: What is the best way to mark and prepare fabric pieces?
A: Mark fabric with fabric chalk or a disappearing ink pen and use a single printable or traced template to cut each petal. Keep edges neat by trimming frayed threads and using a fray-preventing stitch or glue if needed to maintain straight, clean lines on each petal.
