Wrap Your Tree in a Story: The Free Nutcracker Tree Skirt Sew-Along

Wrap your tree in a story

Before the first present is tucked beneath the branches, there is already a story waiting around your Christmas tree. Familiar Nutcracker characters circle its base, inviting little eyes to look closer and imaginations to wander into a favorite holiday tale.

The Nutcracker Tree Skirt beneath a snowy Christmas tree

I spent my early years training to be a professional ballet dancer, and the costume wardrobe was a world I never forgot. Putting on those costumes was like stepping inside a story. That memory inspired the Nutcracker Tradition collection, and this tree skirt is one of my favorite ways to share it.

A girl tying her ballet shoes on the Nutcracker tree skirt

Ballet shoes resting on the Nutcracker tree skirt

This November, I would love for you to sew one with me. Our free Nutcracker Tree Skirt Sew-Along turns the Nutcracker Tradition Christmas tree skirt panel into a keepsake you will bring out every Christmas, with 11 bonus fabric ornaments for your tree.

A Christmas Tree Skirt Panel with the Whole Story Printed On It

Everything you will stitch is printed right on the panel: a large round Nutcracker tree skirt and 11 little ornaments around the edge.

Illustration of the full Nutcracker Tree Skirt panel with 11 ornaments

Close-up of the Nutcracker characters on the tree skirt

Good to know

Prefer a centerpiece? The same panel makes a beautiful Christmas table topper. Simply bind the outer edge and skip the slit and center circle.

The Free Sew-Along Schedule

Date	What we sew
Wed, Nov 4	Week One: Plan, Prepare & Cut
Wed, Nov 11	Week Two: Embellish & Bonus Ornaments
Wed, Nov 18	Week Three: Quilt, Bind & Celebrate

Three Tips Before You Start Your Tree Skirt

Leave a little room. Cut the tree skirt about 1⁄4" outside the printed edge. You will trim it precisely after quilting.

Pick a few favorites. You do not need to embellish every character. A little sparkle goes a long way.

Make it yours. Bind only the outer edge and you have a table topper instead.

Tree skirt detail beneath the Christmas tree

What You Will Need

The Nutcracker Tree Skirt Panel (HD17679-PANEL), 31⁄2 yards of Nutcracker Toss in Pine for the backing, 1 yard of Christmas Magic in Berry for the binding and ties, 3⁄8 yard of Christmas Magic in Snow for the ornament backs, 62" × 62" batting, 2 yards of ribbon and a small bag of fiberfill. Optional: the Nutcracker Aurifil Embroidery Floss Box and the Nutcracker Sparkle Bundle.