Wrapping up a few last-minute holiday projects over here. There’s nothing like a last-minute DIY push to get you into the festive spirit. I wanted to share a special ornament project that means a lot to me this year.
This is Hayes’ first Christmas, and I wanted to make a meaningful ornament to commemorate it. His middle name is Moon—named after our dog Luna, who passed away and was our first “baby”—so creating a moon-shaped ornament felt right.
That idea turned into a tradition: a new moon ornament for Hayes every year until he turns 18. To get his collection started, we made a whole bunch of moon and star ornaments this season. Today I’m sharing the tutorial for the fabric moon and star ornaments we designed and sewed. (Emma stitched every one—thanks, Emma!)
If you need a quick gift idea, ornaments are perfect—handmade ornaments feel personal and thoughtful. These also work well beyond the holidays: hang them on doorknobs, use them as gift tags, or decorate a garland.
Materials
- Moon and star template (printable and resizable)
- Mustard-colored linen fabric
- Thread to match the fabric
- Polyfill for stuffing
- Scissors
- Pencil
- Straight pins
- Sewing machine
Instructions for Making Moon and Star Fabric Ornaments
1. Start by drawing a moon and a star directly onto your fabric, or print and trace the template to the size you want. Adjust the template size on your computer before printing if you want larger or smaller ornaments.
2. Add a 1/2-inch seam allowance around each shape, then cut them out. Use one cut shape as a template to trace the matching piece; you’ll need two identical pieces for each finished ornament.
3. With the right sides together, sew around the traced shape, following your moon or star outline. I like slightly imperfect star points—they feel handmade—so don’t worry about making every point perfectly even if you prefer a more organic look.
Leave a 1–3 inch opening unsewn for stuffing, and be sure to backstitch at both ends of that opening to secure the seam.
4. Turn the sewn piece right-side out. Use a pencil, small dowel, or turning tool to carefully push out the tips and curves. Lightly tease and then fill the shape with polyfill, working it into the points and curves so the ornament has even stuffing without lumps.
5. Close the opening with an invisible (ladder) stitch by hand for a neat finish. Attach a short length of string or cord through the top to hang the ornament—on your tree, a garland, or a doorknob.
Sewing (and modeling): Emma Spear
Photography: Amelia Lawrence
Have you ever made ornaments for your tree? Do you keep any ornament traditions—like giving a special ornament each year—or have a meaningful piece that’s passed down? I’d love to hear about the traditions and ornaments that make your holidays feel personal and memorable.