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DIY Ruched Tree Skirt for $12

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, on purchases made after following an affiliate link. See my full disclosure here.

November 25, 2011 By Jackie

Like a Ball Gown for Your Christmas Tree

You can make this tree skirt for $12 and in less than an hour!  A tree skirt is an important part of Christmas decor.  It helps conceal the tree stand and ground the tree.  The fabric goodness under the tree looks great before there are presents under the tree.  The downside to tree skirts…they are expensive, often starting at around $30.  Seems silly for something you are going to throw on the floor.  So, I just walked right past the tree skirts and started looking for an alternative.

DIY Ruched Tablecloth Tree Skirt

Enter the 70″ round table cloth and a simple ruching technique.  Chances are you can find an inexpensive table cloth in a color or pattern to match your holiday decor.  I chose this beautiful blue.  I plan to decorate the tree in neutral tones this year, so the tree skirt will be a great place to introduce some color.  This blue goes well with my normal home decor and I am confident it will look great wherever we decide to put the tree.

Supplies/Tools:

  • 70″ round tablecloth
  • Needle
  • Heavy duty string
  • Scissors

Step by Step:

  1. Start with the tablecloth folded in quarters.Round Tablecloth Tree Skirt
  2. Use a small plate or bowl to trace a semicircle at the center of the tablecloth.  Place the plate with the center at the point of the quartered tablecloth.  Cut out the quarter circle to create a perfect hole in the center of the table cloth.Round Tablecloth Tree Skirt
  3. Open out the table cloth and cut a straight line from the edge to the hole in the center.Round Tablecloth Tree Skirt
  4. For the raw cut edges on the slit and the hole, I folded the fabric over about 1/4″, then over again another 1/4″ and stitched a hem.  If you want a large, plain tree skirt you can stop here.
  5. Round Tablecloth Tree SkirtIf you want to take it a step further, a simple way to dress up a plain tree skirt is to ruche the fabric.   (I finally ironed my tablecloth before this step.)  Thread your needle with heavy duty string and tie the ends of the string together in a knot.  Thread will not work for this.  It is too thin and will break easily.  Use string or embroidery floss.  Starting at the outer edge of the tree skirt, pull the needle up through your fabric and make large 1″ stitches in a straight line toward the center circle.  I stitched about halfway toward the center.  DIY Ruched Tablecloth Tree Skirt
  6. Start ruching by pulling the tail of the thread.  The fabric will start gathering toward the middle.  DIY Ruched Tablecloth Tree Skirt
  7. Once the gather is made, make a small stitch with the needle and pull the tail to the backside.  Tie a knot.
  8. Repeat the previous steps to make 9 ruched gathers around the table cloth.  The end goal is 8 evenly spaced gathers, but you will need to gather each side of the opening in the skirt.  The gathers at the slit are shown below.  I ruched each side separately.  They are not attached.  Around the tree you can overlap these two sides slightly to conceal the opening.DIY Ruched Tablecloth Tree Skirt
  9. When you lay the skirt around the tree, take a few minutes to play with the gathers to get the nice gathered ball gown look.  The tree will look all dressed up while it waits for the presents to arrive.

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Comments

  1. brandi says

    November 25, 2011 at 8:29 pm

    Wow, such a gorgeous tree skirt! You did such a beautiful job!

  2. caroline @ c.w.frosting says

    November 25, 2011 at 8:40 pm

    Great way to create a tree skirt for less! It will be so pretty with all the gathers!

  3. jenni says

    November 25, 2011 at 8:44 pm

    LOVE it! So simple, but so, so pretty! The color is beautiful!

  4. Tanya says

    November 25, 2011 at 10:33 pm

    This tree skirt is very pretty and elegant. Thank you so much for sharing.

  5. Justine says

    November 26, 2011 at 2:16 am

    This is a really cute idea! Would you like to link it up at Sew & Tell Saturday at my blog SewCountryChick? Thanks!

  6. leann says

    November 26, 2011 at 4:19 pm

    I would really love to try this idea. However, I am not much of a sewer…but I’m going to give this a try. Can you give me some more details for step 7, I’m not quite sure what it means.
    Thanks!

    • Jackie says

      November 26, 2011 at 7:04 pm

      Leann,

      I hope you do try this tree skirt. It is so easy. In step #7 all you need to do is push the needle back through the fabric after you make the gather. This way the tail of your thread is on the underside. Just cut the string from the needle and tie it in a knot. Hope this helps.

      • Nichole says

        January 24, 2014 at 11:01 pm

        this was my only confusion as well, thanks for the clear up! :) Where did you find this table cloth? i have a hard time finding much variety in stores as far as table cloths.

        • Jackie says

          January 25, 2014 at 11:16 am

          Nichole, Both the table cloths I used were from Target, bought in different seasons. Another good place to check is HomeGoods.

  7. Nicole says

    November 26, 2011 at 8:26 pm

    It is so pretty and elegant!

  8. sarah mckenna says

    November 26, 2011 at 9:08 pm

    Saw this on Pinterest. Fab idea! Can’t wait to do it!

  9. Rebecca says

    November 27, 2011 at 6:50 am

    oh my goodness – this is brilliant! I just found you from Pinterest. Thanks for sharing! I’ve been looking for years for a nice tree skirt because I don’t want to do tons of sewing and I also didn’t want to have a weird seam so I’ve been unable to find a nice pattern for what I wanted. This is beautiful! It doesn’t hurt that the color you did is almost exactly what I’m going for. I may try doing an iron on snowflake design or something on it too – I love it!

    • Jackie says

      November 27, 2011 at 2:31 pm

      Rebecca,

      An iron on design would be perfect. Stenciling might work too if you are braver than me :). Also for under $20 the patterned DwellStudio tablecloths at Target would be great for this.

  10. Sandi says

    November 27, 2011 at 10:09 am

    What an excellent idea to use a circular tablecloth! I like to change my Christmas theme often, and have improvised many different skirts, and made a few as well. I’ll keep this in mind!

  11. Bethany @ A Fish Who Likes Flowers says

    November 27, 2011 at 12:29 pm

    Using a round tablecloth is such a clever idea! I’ll definitely have to use this idea!

    I’d love for you to share this idea at my Christmas themed link party! http://afishwholikesflowers.blogspot.com/2011/11/help-save-my-christmas-spirit.html

    Hope to see you there!

  12. Lauren says

    November 27, 2011 at 2:54 pm

    This is stunning! I saw this on Pinterest and had to come check out the tutorial- fantastic idea!

  13. Catherine says

    November 27, 2011 at 9:40 pm

    This is so beautiful! Very simple yet so chic. I think I will make a mini one for the tiny tree we will be having this year!

  14. Catherine says

    November 27, 2011 at 11:05 pm

    Now, that’s what I’m talking about! Phew, you just saved me a ton of money and time…thanks!

  15. Susan says

    November 28, 2011 at 9:40 am

    Love it! I was looking for a new tree skirt (as I’ve painted my whole house finally (in Martha’s Driftwood Grey thanks to your inspiration) and I am accenting in red this year…but was dreading paying $30 or more for a new skirt. Definately making my own now…great DIY.

  16. Pam says

    November 28, 2011 at 8:08 pm

    Thanks so much for sharing this. So simple. Just what I am looking for!!

  17. Sarah says

    November 29, 2011 at 11:04 am

    I had picked up a red, white & green plaid table cloth on clearance a couple years ago for just this purpose, but I’ve not gotten around to making the tree skirt quite yet. I love the gathering detail that you added – it totally dresses up the skirt! Thanks for the inspiration! (Found you via Pinterest)

  18. April says

    November 30, 2011 at 12:45 am

    Love the color! What a great tutorial-thanks for sharing!

  19. Comeca says

    November 30, 2011 at 3:14 am

    Great idea~!

  20. Katie says

    November 30, 2011 at 8:39 am

    WOW–I’m loving the simplicity of this skirt!

  21. Daniela says

    December 1, 2011 at 8:14 am

    This is a brilliant idea! Your skirt looks fabulous and would be great for a Cinderella tree too!

  22. Emily says

    December 1, 2011 at 4:07 pm

    So Awesome! I found this on Pinterest and $7.99 (from TJ Maxx) and a 1/2 hour later I’ve got myself a lovely new tree skirt. I can’t wait to get our tree! Thanks so much!

  23. Kira says

    December 2, 2011 at 12:34 am

    Love this idea! My one question is how big is the skirt once it is gathered? The 48″ tree skirts are too small for my tree and I’m hoping this skirt will end up bigger. Thanks for sharing your creativity!

    • Jackie says

      December 2, 2011 at 3:26 pm

      Kira,

      I am jealous of your big Christmas tree. If you do not do any gathers it would be 70″ diameter (or size of your tablecloth). On mine with the gathers at the widest parts the tree skirt is still about 60″. You could do less or more gathers to change the fullness and diameter. Hope you give it a try.

  24. AmberLee says

    December 2, 2011 at 3:56 pm

    Jackie! I completely adore this project. Totally beautiful. And I think I could actually pull this one off. What a great project.

  25. Andi says

    December 2, 2011 at 4:56 pm

    Yay! I just made the “plain” version of this tree skirt, with the intention of embellishing with ruffles (next year!). Awesome idea, and I found my tablecloth on Amazon for $7!! The other tree skirts I saw around town were in the $50 dollar range, and sooo not my style; I was getting pissed! So glad I saw this on pinterest :)

  26. kathleen says

    December 2, 2011 at 11:16 pm

    I just made this! Thank you for the wonderful idea and great instructions. I am planning to make it two tiered. I just did the plain black for the underside and plan to make a green print for the top layer. However, the black by itself is very pretty. It looks almost like black velvet from a distance. Thank you!!!!

    • Jackie says

      December 3, 2011 at 8:36 am

      Wow Kathleen. The two tiered version sounds beautiful. I may just have to add another layer to mine too.

  27. Angie Emerson says

    December 4, 2011 at 5:31 pm

    Beautiful! And if you have pets who have accidents (like me), you can choose a washable tablecloth. You absolutely cannot purchase a washable tree skirt anywhere.
    Really creative and chic!

    • Jackie says

      December 5, 2011 at 10:26 pm

      Good idea Angie. I never thought of the washability. I do not have an issue with pet accidents, but my puppy (affectionately called that although she is 6 years old), does like to sleep under the tree.

  28. dalys says

    December 5, 2011 at 3:28 pm

    hi dear,

    tks for sharing this great tutorial.
    today I am making a post about christmas tree skirts and I am linking your tutorial, here is the link: http://burundanguitas.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-tree-skirt-ideas.html
    tks for visiting and sharing.
    rgds, dalys

  29. Cassi says

    December 8, 2011 at 9:27 am

    I love the color! Great tute.

  30. Sew-Whats-New.com says

    December 9, 2011 at 4:08 am

    This is absolutely gorgeous and your tutorial is very well done. We will be featuring you today.

  31. [email protected] Design for Living says

    December 9, 2011 at 8:42 am

    Fantastic idea! I’m totally doing this!

  32. Lucy says

    December 9, 2011 at 9:44 am

    I did this with a round tablecloth a few years ago, but the ruching would make it even prettier. Thanks!

  33. Jessica says

    December 9, 2011 at 9:58 am

    So cute!

    My current tree skirt was made from a vinylish tablecloth… And is too big for my tree location. I’m wondering if it would work for this… It’s a good deal stiffer than regular fabric…

    (BTW, I found you through Sew What’s New)

  34. Karen Pior says

    December 10, 2011 at 6:04 am

    Very cleverly done. Simple yet elegant. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with others.

  35. Pamela @ Pink Hammers & Sippy Cups says

    December 12, 2011 at 8:31 pm

    Wow this is beautiful! I have been loving the ruffled tree skirts but felt they were too girly for my man to love them as well, this may be the perfect balance!

  36. Laura Ingalls Gunn says

    December 12, 2011 at 8:52 pm

    Wow! You are a Christmas crafting genius! So glad I found your project via Centsational Girl.

    Please stop by for a visit to my blog. I am currently in the midst of a Gifts to Make series.

    Be Merry and Bright!

  37. Bethany says

    December 25, 2011 at 6:02 pm

    Wonderful, thank you! I tried it and shared your tutorial here: http://winkleravenue.blogspot.com/2011/12/oh-christmas-tree.html

  38. TenleyPants says

    July 5, 2012 at 10:55 pm

    I’m going to use this to make a regular skirt! it would look awesome with a bustle! Circles are a pain!

  39. Tara says

    July 24, 2012 at 12:05 am

    Not sure I understand step #8?

    • Jackie says

      July 24, 2012 at 4:17 pm

      Hi Tara, Step 8 is just referring to making eight gathers around the tree skirt following the above steps. If you look at the finished picture at the top of the post it might be more clear how the gathers should be arranged.

  40. The 36th AVENUE says

    August 21, 2012 at 7:17 pm

    This is so clever I had to share on my Facebook page… Thank you for the idea!

  41. Kristi @ Addicted 2 Decorating says

    August 22, 2012 at 1:07 pm

    This is absolutely gorgeous! And it doesn’t seem difficult at all. I’m a bit bummed because I don’t celebrate Christmas (I know…shocking) :-D so I don’t have a use for a Christmas tree skirt, but I want to adapt this design for a different use. Hmmmm…the wheels are turning in my head. :) Thanks for sharing!

    • Angela says

      November 16, 2012 at 1:01 pm

      Kristi, You could just leave it a tablecloth and do the ruching. It would be gorgeous as an overlay on a round table.

  42. Shelley says

    October 24, 2012 at 11:09 pm

    This is a great idea for a Christmas tree skirt, but when I first saw it I thought it would be an easy way to make a window valance. Thanks for the idea!

  43. Melody says

    November 9, 2012 at 2:44 pm

    This is perfect. Would a polyester tablecloth work just as well as cotton? They are so cheap on Amazon.

    • Jackie says

      November 10, 2012 at 10:38 am

      Melody, Yes the polyester would be just fine. I am sure the one I have is a cotton/polyester mix.

  44. Vanessa says

    November 27, 2012 at 8:27 pm

    I made one this weekend. Thanks for the tutorial!

    http://vanessabishop.blogspot.com/2012/11/i-made-tree-skirt.html

    • Jackie says

      November 27, 2012 at 11:45 pm

      Looks great Vanessa!

  45. Jen K. says

    November 27, 2012 at 11:27 pm

    I found your tutorial through Pinterest, and made my own tree skirt from a table cloth today!
    Thanks for making a super easy tutorial, I love all of the pictures of the process too :)

    I got my table cloth(now tree skirt) for $10.99 at my local Target, where the store bought tree skirts were going from $20-35!

    • Jen K. says

      November 28, 2012 at 10:26 pm

      Here is my tree skirt using the tutorial

      I think my plate was a little big, and my tree is pushed into a corner a bit.

      • Jen K. says

        November 28, 2012 at 10:27 pm

        the picture did not work
        http://i47.tinypic.com/33m9bu0.jpg

  46. Melanie says

    December 10, 2012 at 4:55 pm

    Thanks so much for this great idea! I’m having trouble finding a round tablecloth in my desired color scheme… I have found an oval one- how can I alter your plan so that my finished product looks as similar to yours as possible? Shall I gather the longer sides more to account for the extra fab? I just love your look and don’t want to make mine too much different.
    Thank you!!!

  47. Laura Faye says

    December 12, 2012 at 6:17 pm

    I found this on Pinterest and had to say thank you! I just made a tree skirt out of a $2 thrifted tablecloth. It looks lovely (bonus: my cloth has a ruffled edge) and works perfectly for my strict holiday decorating budget!

  48. Jacy says

    January 13, 2013 at 11:15 pm

    I followed your tutorial & posted about it: http://craftynerdynurse.blogspot.com/2013/01/christmas-tree-skirt.html
    Thanks!

  49. jaiden says

    July 31, 2013 at 4:39 pm

    With a little altering this would make a cute circle skirt

  50. Donna says

    October 15, 2013 at 8:20 pm

    Just found this wonderful tree skirt ! I’m going to make them for my family. Want to try not making the slit… Just make the center hole, put the trunk through and have the stand underneath. It should work. I love the gathering effects too. Thanks for your inspiring ideas!

  51. Katie says

    December 14, 2013 at 11:21 am

    Thanks for sharing this idea! I just made one with a 90″ ivory table cloth for $8.99! I am stoked :)

    • Jackie says

      December 14, 2013 at 12:13 pm

      Katie, Yay! Merry Christmas!

  52. Kristen says

    December 30, 2014 at 10:42 am

    I’m in love with this sweet simple tree skirt!

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