"Faux" Quilted Ornament

Are you looking for an easy-to-make ornament? Try this "Faux" Quilted Ornament! It's a great craft for all ages. Photos and step-by-step instructions are included. 

Materials and Equipment

Scraps of fabric (cotton or cotton/polyester preferred)

Styrofoam ball (about 3" or desired size)

White glue that dries clear (like Elmer's)

Tacky glue 

Glue Gun and glue sticks

Fray Check

15" Cord for hanging

Ribbon

Metal nail file

Optional embellishments (like small flowers and/or buttons)

Directions

Cut fabric into small shapes, such as  squares (about 2" x 2") and rectangles (about 1-3/4" x 2") .  

Patchwork fabrics are great for this craft!

You can store the cut shapes in a Zip-lock bag or in a craft organizer.

Cut, and ready to go!

Use the nail file to push the edges of a piece of fabric into the Styrofoam ball about 1/4". 

Use the nail file to add another piece of fabric with edges touching the first piece of fabric.

Use the same technique to continue adding fabric to the ball. 

Note: I usually start with squares and rectangles. However, some of the fabric pieces may need to be cut into irregular shapes "as you go" to make sure the entire Styrofoam ball is covered.

It's completely covered!

To hang the ornament, fold the 15" hanging cord in half, and tie an overhand knot in both ends.

Decide which will be the top of your ornament. Apply Tacky Glue to the knot on the folded end. Use the sharp end of the nail file to push the knot into the top of the ball. Let dry.

Working on a protected surface, apply glue to every "seam" where the fabrics "meet" where they was pushed into the Styrofoam ball. Hang to dry. 

This "Banana Hanger" is great
for holding ornaments!

Embellish with ribbons, small flowers, buttons, etc. I used 2-15" pieces of 1/8" satin ribbon for a double bow on my ornament.

Note: I always use Tacky Glue and Hot Glue to adhere ribbons, etc., to the ornament. The Fray Check can be applied to the cut ends of the ribbon to prevent fraying. 

It's done!

This craft is great for most ages. Granddaughter Mia made her "Faux" Quilted Ornament when she was 4! This was such a proud moment! She is going to be a crafter like her Mamaw! 

Note: Please supervise young children when using a nail file.

Crafter-in-training!