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patchwork and button Christmas tree wall hanging in a frame

Patchwork & Button Christmas Picture

Homestead Lady Tessa Zundel
Use upcycled fabric scraps and buttons to make this simple pathwork Christmas wall hanging or picture. This is one of several easy handmade gifts that kids can make.
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Equipment

  • Piece of Background Fabric - Rectangle To fit a 4x6 or 8x10 frame
  • Scrap Fabric in 5 Different Colors 6" x 6" fabric scraps will do
  • Mixed Buttons Various sizes and colors, optional
  • Sewing Needle & Thread
  • Straight Pins & Scissors

Instructions
 

Prepare the Fabric

  • Cut a scrap rectangle of a plain colored fabric; I suggest acream or white so that the details of your following work can be easily seen. If you want to frame your completed piece, then cut this plain colored fabric 4x6 or 8x10, whichever frame size you'd like to use.
  • Collect scraps of fabric in complementing colors - about five different fabrics.
  • Turn the fabric scraps right sides together and iron them to help them lie flat while you cut them.
  • Using a quarter and a nickel, trace around each of the with a pencil or washable fabric pen. (Step 1 in the photo below). Collect a few colored buttons, if you'd like to add those to your piece.

Assemble & Sew the Christmas Picture

  • Visualize the shape you want to create. Start with the center of your plain colored fabric and place the fabric circles to fill the image in your mind. You can sketch a light outline of the shape on the background fabric, but it's not necessary.*
  • Use a pin to keep each circle in place. Or you can take a digital picture and keep referencing it while you sew.
  • Pick up the whole piece - background and pinned fabric scrap cutouts. Cross stitch each circle in rows until each one is placed. Stitch the buttons on, if you're using them.
  • You can use a scrap piece of fabric or a large button to represent the trunk. (Step 3.)
  • Embroider the year at the very top, if you'd like.
  • Run a hot iron over the piece once its finished, if you'd like to give it a crisp look. Frame the finished piece with a matte or without.

Notes

Bear in mind that a larger picture is, the more time it will require to complete. However, the work is simple.
I like to have at least four circles of colored fabric scraps in both nickel and quarter sizes of each fabric so that I have a good variety from which to choose.
You can create any holiday image but I like the ever popular Christmas tree. If you're doing a tree, visualize a triangle in the center of your plain colored fabric while you place your fabric circles in various shapes to fill in that triangle image in your mind.
  • If you're doing a tree, arrange the circles in rows so that they form a kind of pyramid (Step 2 in the photo). Fill in with buttons or sequins, if you're using them.
I like the dimension of slightly crumpled fabrics, especially once the picture is framed, so I don't always iron the finished piece.
To make the whole thing go quicker, you can also use a hot glue gun to affix the fabric circles and buttons.
Keyword food gifts, handmade, upcycled
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