20 Felt Ornament Craft Ideas
These felt ornament craft ideas are the ones I have sewed and glued at home, with real felt, real thread and a needle that I have pricked myself with more than once. Felt ornaments are light, unbreakable and personal in a way shop baubles never are.
How I picked these: I chose only felt ornaments I could finish with hand stitching or a basic machine, using felt sheets and scraps I already had, and I dropped anything that needed embroidery skills I do not have. If an ornament flopped, faded or lost a feature in my house, I say so below.
Key Takeaways
- Two layers of felt beat one for anything that must hold a shape.
- Embroider and decorate before stuffing, while the felt lies flat.
- Match thread to felt, and back buttons with a felt disc.
- Most ornaments cost under $5 and take under an hour.
20 Felt Ornament Craft Ideas I Sewed and Glued
1. Classic Felt Christmas Tree
I cut two tree shapes from green felt, blanket-stitch around the edge, and stuff lightly with toy filling before closing the seam. I add tiny felt baubles and a yellow star, and mine has hung on our tree for four years without a single tear. Felt is forgiving, which is why I start beginners here: a wobbly stitch still looks handmade in the best sense. My first tree was overstuffed and round like a ball, so light stuffing is now my rule. Skill level is beginner, and no machine is needed.
The watch-out is felt stretching, because a tree stuffed too tightly bulges at the seams, so stuff lightly and in small pieces.
Pro Tip: Use a running stitch first if blanket stitch feels slow, then upgrade next year.
Cost: $4 for 3 | Time: 40 minutes each | Difficulty: Beginner
2. Handmade Felt Star
I cut two star shapes from mustard felt, stitch them together with a contrasting thread, and add a loop of ribbon at one point. Stars are light, so they hang well even on the thinnest branches, and they survive being packed in a box better than glass. My first star had uneven points because I freehanded it, so I now use a printed template every time. A star in two tones, one side plain and one side patterned, looks good from every angle.
The watch-out is glue showing through thin felt, so use a thin bead of tacky glue and press from the centre outward.
Pro Tip: Cut both stars at once, pinned together, so they match exactly.
Cost: $3 for 4 | Time: 30 minutes each | Difficulty: Beginner
3. Felt Bell Ornament
I sew two bell shapes from cream felt, tuck a small jingle bell inside before closing the seam, and hang it with red ribbon. The bell rings softly when the tree moves, which children notice straight away. My first felt bell was silent because I forgot the jingle bell until after sewing, so the bell now goes in before the last inch is stitched. Keep the felt thin here, or the sound is muffled. Skill level is beginner, with a little patience at the curve.
The watch-out is a bell that will not ring, which disappoints children, so sew a real jingle bell inside rather than a felt one.
Pro Tip: Sew the jingle bell to the inner seam so it cannot rattle loose.
Cost: $4 for 3 | Time: 35 minutes each | Difficulty: Beginner
4. Felt Crown Ornament
I cut a small crown from gold felt, stitch a band to fit around a bauble-sized circle, and add three tiny felt jewels. Mine tops a small tabletop tree, and it is the ornament my niece asks for every year. Crowns need stiffness, so I use two layers of felt, or the points flop within a day. My first crown was a single layer and looked tired by Boxing Day, so doubling is now standard. This is a good use for gold felt offcuts.
The watch-out is crown points flopping, so stiffen each point with a second layer of felt before sewing the band.
Pro Tip: Stiffen points with a second layer, glued before stitching.
Cost: $3 | Time: 30 minutes | Difficulty: Beginner
5. Felt Heart Keepsake
I cut two hearts from red felt, stitch around the edge with white thread, and embroider a date or initial on the front before stuffing. Mine carry the years my children were born, and they are the first ornaments I hang each December. A heart is a forgiving shape for a first sewing project, because small wobbles read as handmade charm. I write the date in pencil first, then stitch over it, after once embroidering a date backwards. Skill level is beginner.
The watch-out is puckered seams, which come from pulling the thread too tight, so keep stitches even and relaxed.
Pro Tip: Embroider before stuffing, while the felt lies flat.
Cost: $3 for 3 | Time: 40 minutes each | Difficulty: Beginner
6. Embroidered Felt Snowflake
I cut a snowflake shape from white felt, then embroider simple lines in silver thread along each arm. The embroidery is what lifts it from a cut-out to a keepsake, and it takes only basic straight stitches. My first snowflake was over-embroidered and stiff, so now I stitch three lines per arm and stop. White felt shows every mark, so I handle it with clean hands and keep it away from the glue bottle. Skill level is intermediate, because of the embroidery.
The watch-out is embroidery thread tangling, so cut lengths no longer than your forearm and thread the needle fresh each time.
Pro Tip: Use silver or pale blue thread, never black, on white felt.
Cost: $4 for 4 | Time: 50 minutes each | Difficulty: Intermediate
7. Felt Holly Sprig
I cut three holly leaves from dark green felt, add three red felt berries, and stitch them into a small sprig with a ribbon loop. Holly sprigs are the ornaments I give to friends, because they are quick, flat for posting, and unmistakably Christmas. My first leaves were too rounded and looked like ordinary leaves, so I now cut sharp points and a centre vein stitch. Flat ornaments also store beautifully in an envelope between seasons.
The watch-out is pattern drift, because felt moves under scissors, so pin the template down at four points before cutting.
Pro Tip: Stitch a centre vein on each leaf for instant holly recognition.
Cost: $3 for 5 | Time: 25 minutes each | Difficulty: Beginner
Related article: DIY Christmas Ornaments
8. Felt Snowman
I cut a snowman from white felt in three circles, add a black felt hat, an orange carrot triangle and two button eyes, then stitch it onto a backing circle. Mine lives on the tree, slightly lopsided, and I love it more for that. Layering felt shapes is easier than sewing a stuffed shape, so this is a good project for children with blunt needles. My first snowman lost his carrot because I glued it, so buttons and stitching now hold every feature.
The watch-out is mismatched pieces, so cut both sides of an ornament from the same template in one session.
Pro Tip: Sew features on before attaching the backing, so no knots show.
Cost: $4 | Time: 45 minutes | Difficulty: Beginner
9. Machine-Sewn Felt Reindeer
I cut a reindeer head from brown felt, machine-stitch the edge with a 3mm stitch, and add felt antlers and a red pom-pom nose. A machine makes this fast, and I made six in one evening for gifts. My machine skipped stitches on thick felt until I lengthened the stitch and slowed down, so patience beats speed here. The antlers need a second layer, or they droop, which I learned from a reindeer that looked distinctly sad. Skill level is intermediate, with a machine.
The watch-out is machine stitching skipping on thick felt, so use a longer stitch length and sew slowly around curves.
Pro Tip: Test stitch length on a felt scrap before starting the real piece.
Cost: $5 for 4 | Time: 30 minutes each | Difficulty: Intermediate
10. Felt Gingerbread Man
I cut a gingerbread shape from tan felt, stitch a white icing outline in running stitch, and add two button eyes and a smile. Mine smell of nothing, unlike real gingerbread, but they last for years, which is the trade-off I accept. The icing outline is the whole charm, so I stitch it slowly and evenly, after once rushing it into a wobbly mess. Keep the buttons small, or the face looks surprised rather than cheerful. Skill level is beginner.
The watch-out is buttons pulling through soft felt, so back each button with a small felt disc on the inside.
Pro Tip: Use white thread for icing and brown thread for the edge, for a clean finish.
Cost: $4 for 4 | Time: 40 minutes each | Difficulty: Beginner
11. Felt Bird Ornament
I cut a simple bird shape from teal felt, add a wing in a contrasting colour and a tiny beak, then stitch around the edge with a loop at the top. Birds add a woodland feel to a tree dominated by baubles, and mine sit near the top where their colour shows. My first bird was too detailed and the wing fell off, so simple shapes and one wing are now my rule. A bird in a bright colour reads from across the room, while a brown one disappears.
The watch-out is a cluttered workspace, because felt scraps hide needles, so keep a magnetic dish beside you at all times.
Pro Tip: Use a contrasting wing colour, or the bird reads as a blob.
Cost: $4 for 3 | Time: 40 minutes each | Difficulty: Intermediate
12. Felt Mitten Ornament
I cut two mitten shapes from red felt, stitch around the edge, and add a white felt cuff and a tiny snowflake stitch. Mittens are cosy and quick, and a pair hung together makes a sweet gift for a couple. My first mitten was stitched closed at the top by mistake, so I now mark the opening with a pin before sewing. The cuff is the detail that sells it, so do not skip it. Skill level is beginner, and children can decorate the cuff.
The watch-out is fading in sunlight, so hang bright felt ornaments away from a south-facing window.
Pro Tip: Leave the top open in the stitching plan, then close it after stuffing.
Cost: $3 for a pair | Time: 35 minutes | Difficulty: Beginner
13. Felt Candy Cane
I cut a cane shape from white felt, stitch red felt stripes diagonally across it, and add a ribbon loop. Candy canes are instantly readable on a tree, even in miniature, which is why they work so well in felt. My first stripes were uneven because I glued them freehand, so I now pin each stripe before stitching. Keep the cane thick, or it bends and looks like a hook rather than a cane. Skill level is beginner.
The watch-out is choosing felt by colour alone, because thin craft felt frays, so feel the weight before you buy.
Pro Tip: Pin stripes diagonally before stitching, for even spacing.
Cost: $3 for 5 | Time: 25 minutes each | Difficulty: Beginner
14. Felt Mushroom Ornament
I cut a mushroom cap from red felt with white dots, a cream stem, and stitch them together onto a backing shape. Mushrooms suit a woodland tree, and mine sit beside the felt birds for a forest corner of the tree. My first mushroom cap was too flat, so I now stuff the cap lightly for a domed shape. White dots can be tiny felt circles or French knots, and circles are faster and neater for beginners. Skill level is intermediate, because of the layering.
The watch-out is thread colour showing, so match thread to the felt, not to the button or bead you are attaching.
Pro Tip: Stuff the cap lightly before closing, for a domed shape.
Cost: $4 for 3 | Time: 45 minutes each | Difficulty: Intermediate
Also read: Winter Crafts for Kids
15. Felt Gift Bag Ornament
I sew a tiny felt gift bag, complete with a drawstring top and a miniature felt gift inside, and hang it by the drawstring. It is a conversation piece, because guests peer inside to see the tiny present. My first bag was too small to hold anything, so I now make the bag at least 3 inches tall. The drawstring must be sewn in before the sides are closed, or threading it afterwards is frustrating. Skill level is intermediate.
The watch-out is a gift bag ornament tearing at the loop, so reinforce the loop with a second stitch through the seam.
Pro Tip: Sew the drawstring channel before closing the sides.
Cost: $4 | Time: 50 minutes | Difficulty: Intermediate
16. Family Felt Stocking
I cut a small stocking from green felt, add a white cuff and a name in running stitch, and hang it with the others on the mantel. A felt stocking is a decoration, not a container, so I keep it small and light. My family each has one now, and the names are the part that matters, so I stitch them carefully and check spelling twice. I once stitched a name wrong and had to unpick a whole evening of work. Skill level is beginner, with patience for lettering.
The watch-out is children sewing with sharp needles unsupervised, so give young makers blunt tapestry needles and pre-punched felt.
Pro Tip: Stitch names in pencil first, then over-stitch, to avoid spelling errors.
Cost: $3 each | Time: 45 minutes each | Difficulty: Beginner
17. Felt Poinsettia Bloom
I cut five petals from red felt, layer them in two offset rows around a yellow centre, and stitch them onto a backing circle. Felt poinsettias do not fade like crepe paper, so mine live on the tree year after year. My first bloom was a single flat row and looked thin, so the second offset row is now essential for fullness. Layering is the skill here, not stitching, so beginners can manage it with care. Skill level is intermediate, because of the layering.
The watch-out is a flower ornament looking flat, so layer petals in two offset rows rather than one ring.
Pro Tip: Offset the second petal row by half a petal for fullness.
Cost: $4 for 3 | Time: 50 minutes each | Difficulty: Intermediate
18. Felt Santa Hat Ornament
I cut a Santa hat from red felt, add a white brim and pom-pom, and stitch a loop at the tip. Hats are quick, recognisable and popular with children, and a row of them along a garland looks festive without a tree. My first hat flopped because the felt was too thin, so I now use two layers for the cone. The pom-pom should be sewn on, not glued, or it falls off in storage. Skill level is beginner.
The watch-out is a stocking ornament that will not hang straight, so check the balance before you sew the loop closed.
Pro Tip: Double the cone felt so the hat holds its shape.
Cost: $3 for 4 | Time: 30 minutes | Difficulty: Beginner
19. Felt Initial Ornament
I cut a large initial letter from felt in a favourite colour, back it with a second layer, and add a small star or heart beside it. Initials make personal gifts, and I have made one for every member of my family. My first initial was cut freehand and looked wobbly, so I now print a template letter and pin it down. Letters with curves, like S and O, are harder than straight letters, so start with an easy initial. Skill level is intermediate, because of the cutting.
The watch-out is twine fraying at the knot, so seal the cut end with a dab of clear glue and let it dry.
Pro Tip: Print a bold template letter and pin it before cutting.
Cost: $3 each | Time: 35 minutes each | Difficulty: Intermediate
20. Felt Keepsake Photo Ornament
I sew a small felt frame, slip a tiny printed photo inside, and back it with felt so it hangs safely on the tree. Photo ornaments are the ones my family looks for first, because they hold a memory, not just a shape. I print photos small, about 2 inches square, and seal the back so the photo cannot slip out. My first frame was too tight and creased the photo, so I now cut the frame opening slightly larger than the photo. Skill level is intermediate, because of the fitting.
The watch-out is a keepsake ornament yellowing, so store felt ornaments in tissue, not in plastic bags, over summer.
Pro Tip: Cut the frame opening a fraction larger than the photo, to avoid creasing.
Cost: $5 each | Time: 50 minutes each | Difficulty: Intermediate
Comparison Table: Which Felt Ornament to Start With
| Ornament | Best for | Cost | Skill |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tree, star, heart | Beginners | $3-$4 | Beginner |
| Holly, snowman, mitten | Gifts | $3-$4 | Beginner |
| Snowflake, bird, poinsettia | Keepsakes | $4 | Intermediate |
| Gift bag, photo frame | Special gifts | $4-$5 | Intermediate |
Mistakes I Made / What I Learned the Hard Way
Overstuffing. My first felt tree went round like a ball. Light stuffing, in small pieces, keeps the shape.
Decorating after stuffing. Embroidery on a stuffed shape puckers. Stitch names and faces while the felt lies flat.
Single-layer shapes. Crowns and hats flopped within days. Two layers, glued then stitched, hold their shape.
Glued features. A glued carrot and a glued pom-pom both fell off. Sewing holds; glue is for flat layers only.
FAQs
How long did yours actually last? The felt tree and hearts are on year four, stored in tissue. White felt snowflakes need a wash-free, dust-free box.
Do I need a sewing machine? No. Every beginner ornament here is hand-sewn, and the machine ones can be hand-sewn more slowly.
What felt should I buy? Medium-weight craft felt in red, green, white and gold covers most of this list, plus a sheet of tan and teal.
What would you do differently? I would cut all my templates first, in one session, because hunting for a lost star template mid-project wastes an evening.
Final Thoughts
If you sew just one of these felt ornament craft ideas, sew the felt tree, because it teaches every skill the rest need. Then try the heart keepsake, because a dated heart is the ornament your family will look for first, every year.
Read this next: Christmas Crafts for Kids
