Description
Step into a world of Christmas enchantment with our Nutcracker Tree Skirt, a breathtaking in-the-hoop project filled with charm, movement, and the timeless magic of the classic tale. Designed to be stitched in a day yet treasured for years to come, this skirt is packed with carefully considered details that make it truly special.
The design features 10 beautifully embroidered panels:
? 2 graceful ballerinas, each with an optional 3D tulle overlay for their skirts, adding real movement and dimension
? 2 whimsical mice, ready to dance into your holiday décor
? 3 fully-embroidered 3D Christmas tree panels, stitched separately and treated with 3D ruffle effect (easy to do!!) for a sculpted look
? 2 different Nutcracker poses, each with 3D fringe shoulders for a regal, textured touch
Every panel includes an ornate embroidered pendant banner at the top and a delicate garland swag at the bottom, creating a cohesive, enchanting rhythm all around the skirt. Each panel is also quilted with three vertical stitch lines during construction for a soft, heirloom finish.
For my prototype, I stitched the skirt using a palette of muted mauves, creams, buttercreams, earthy browns, and small touches of aqua. The linen fabrics added incredible softness, drape, and natural texture—but feel free to personalize your palette! We recommend choosing 3–5 colors for your appliqués to create a harmonious, pulled-together look.
The finished skirt is created using the 8x12 hoop (my sample version shown is slightly smaller), and assembly is simple and enjoyable. You’ll need one yard for the top and one yard for the back, plus a little extra if you choose to add a ruffle.
Speaking of ruffles… I added a 2" soft, romantic ruffle to my sample, and it completely transforms the look—adding approximately 4 extra inches to the overall diameter. My sample skirt ended up being 27" in diameter WITH the added ruffle! The included tutorial will walk you through exactly how I did it, so you can recreate the same charming finish.
Whether you’re crafting a keepsake for your home or gifting a one-of-a-kind holiday heirloom, this Nutcracker Tree Skirt is the perfect blend of elegance, whimsy, and classic Christmas storytelling.
Finished Sizes by Hoop:
- 5x7 Hoop: 17" skirt
- 8x8 Hoop: 19" skirt
- 6x10 Hoop: 21" skirt
- 10x10 Hoop: 24" skirt
- 8x12 Hoop: 27" skirt
- 9x14 Hoop: 30" skirt
- 10x14 Hoop: 32" skirt
Supplies Needed:
- Embroidery machine
- Medium tear-away stabilizer
- Water-soluble topper
- Cotton Fabric
- Iron
- Temporary Spray Adhesive
- Scissors
- Thin ultra low loft batting or thin white flannel
- Backer Fabric
- Ribbon for Tieing
- Double Fold Bias Tape (Optional)
- Binding Quilt clips or straight pins
- Sewing Machine to combine the 10 wedges
