Whitney’s Drop Cloth Tree Skirt

December 5, 2009 By
Hello guys!! Hope everyone is having a great Friday.  We have had a fun week… It actually snowed here. Because this only happens about once every two years we were a bit excited!  Now to my project… I finally got sick of staring at the base holding my tree up.  I have had this planned in my head for a few weeks so I finally busted out the sewing machine.  Here’s what I did…
I used a 9×12 drop cloth from Lowe’s for my fabric.  This is larger than I needed but I will use the rest for an upcoming project.
I then used a $1 tree skirt I purchased at the Dollar Tree for my pattern.   I wanted mine just a bit larger so I added about two inches all around.
Then I cut my strips for my super cute ruffles… I cut 4 strips that were each 9′ long.
I wanted to do a fun edge rather than a usual hem so I decided to do a rolled hem using my serger.  You just run your fabric through and it does the rest… woohoo! If any of you want some tips on a rolled hem, you know where to find me.
Now to introduce you all to my favorite foot :)   This is my ruffler.  For those of you with a sewing machine that do not own one of these… it’s time to ask Santa.  This baby makes a ruffle in no time and had adjustments so you can pick how full you want it.
So I spent about 2 minutes running 12 yards of fabric through my ruffler and I was finished.  This is what my ruffle looked like before I attached it around the edge of the skirt.
I then attached my 12 yards of ruffles to my circle piece using a straight stitch.
I finished my raw edge where the skirt is cut to fit around the tree and added two pieces of twine for the ties.  My final step was to cover up the shanty tree stand and then take a bunch of pictures:) What do you think?? Not too shanty for $9 and 30 minutes I think!

90 Comments Filed Under: Holidays, Sewing

Follow Us Here



Subscribe

Get all of our posts delivered straight to your inbox!



  • Country Wings in Phoenix

    OMG..
    Shut Up..A ruffler that ruffled 12 yards in a snap. Santa we need to have a serious talk, I have been left out far to long. This skirt is just the sweetest thing ever. I love it. You did an outstanding job. Thank you so much for sharing.

    Your tree looks absolutely beautiful. Country hugs, Sherry

  • april francom

    That is darling…Great job!!

  • Carolyn @ My Backyard Eden

    I love sewing projects! I have a tree skirt that I like, but it would be so sweet with a ruffle. Thanks for the idea!

    ~Carolyn

  • mjs

    Beautiful! Posting this project on Etsy for sale by chance? ;)

  • Nori

    that is so stinkin cute!!!
    that ruffler is a crazy attachment and i want one! i'm totally adding this to my Christmas list. :o )

  • The Weathered Cottage

    a RUFFLER??? i Must have one!! this is adorable btw.

  • Darci & Devin Buhl

    Okay, seriously? A ruffler? Why don't I know about this foot? I'm not much of a seamstress, but I really think I need that. Is there a technical name for it, or do I just ask for the ruffler foot at the fabric store?
    Love your tree skirt. I've been wanting a cuter one but haven't seen anything that I love. Yours is PERFECT! Thanks for sharing.

  • Darci & Devin Buhl

    Okay, seriously? A ruffler? Why don't I know about this foot? I'm not much of a seamstress, but I really think I need that. Is there a technical name for it, or do I just ask for the ruffler foot at the fabric store?
    Love your tree skirt. I've been wanting a cuter one but haven't seen anything that I love. Yours is PERFECT! Thanks for sharing.

  • Funky Junk Interiors

    Oh my gosh… that is one killer ruffle. I had no idea a machine just DID that. Love the stitched detail on the edges!

    Another wonderful invention! Thanks for linking it up!

    FJ Donna

  • Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage

    I love this. So cute! It's times like this when I really wish I could sew.

  • Candace

    Your tree skirt is super cute!! Why have I not ever heard of a ruffler foot?!? I need to go out and get one AND I need to figure out how to do the rolled hem on my serger! You gals come up with the best ideas!

  • steffany

    Oh my goodness, that is so cute. Thanks for sharing.

  • House Elf

    What a wonderful project – love the edge :)

  • Jeanette

    You had me until I saw the sewing machine. What an incredible idea. Those ruffles are just beautiful.

  • Paula

    I think that this is my very favorite out of all of the great projects that you've posted. Love it! I've considered getting a ruffler foot and just have never done it. I may have to do so now! Great job!

  • Mom 2 Dom & Gigi

    I have my Grandma's old Singer. So old it only does a straight stitch and is has a sep foot for doing a zig-zag. LOL. It came with a box full of special feet and I am thinking that a ruffler is one of them. I am going to have to do some experimenting once the Christmas season is over.
    Thanks for the Inspiration.

  • Mom 2 Dom & Gigi

    I have my Grandma's old Singer. So old it only does a straight stitch and is has a sep foot for doing a zig-zag. LOL. It came with a box full of special feet and I am thinking that a ruffler is one of them. I am going to have to do some experimenting once the Christmas season is over.
    Thanks for the Inspiration.

    • Peggy

      The ruffler will look kinda like a dinosaur. Your grandmothers machine probably did come with one, I have my grandmothers old tredle and it came with one. If not you can get one, but it has to be the one for your machine. So have the modle number and brand name. I love mine and if you don’t have a serger, you could do a zig zag around the edge of both sides of the ruffle and then do your gather about an inch in from one side and then topstitch throught the gather stitches to the skirt, it would have a small stand up ruffle on the skirt itself and also at the very edge like hers. it would be very cute and I think that is what I will do, using my serger to do a rolled hem on both sides of the ruffle.

  • Heather@PixieDust

    that's so cute!! i think i need a sewing machine…

  • Valerie

    I am so making this for my themed tree! What a fab idea! Filing this one at thecraftersfilebox.com.

    Thanks for sharing!

  • Mid Century Madam

    I love drop cloths. I use them for everything, including cheap drapes that look great. Love your tree. Beautiful.

  • The Whimsical Princess

    SOOOO Cute I need a ruffler too! I love sewing!

  • Cindy (Applestone Cottage)

    That is good! I so love the skirt and could use one of those rufflers! Thanks for sharing, the tree looks beautiful! Cindy

  • Jill

    Cutest EVER!

  • the7daggetts

    Oh, I love it!! Your tree looks beautiful! :)

  • Pat & Ron Harris

    I love your tree skirt! I don't have a serger so I think it might be too much of a project for me to do it by hand! tee hee. That hand gathering is not my thing, not with my artritic fingers! Anyway, I love it. It's beautiful. thank you for visiting junkblossoms! I hope you'll visit again soon. Merry Christmas! Pat

  • Pat & Ron Harris

    I love your tree skirt! I don't have a serger so I think it might be too much of a project for me to do it by hand! tee hee. That hand gathering is not my thing, not with my artritic fingers! Anyway, I love it. It's beautiful. thank you for visiting junkblossoms! I hope you'll visit again soon. Merry Christmas! Pat

  • Lily’s Pad and Petals…

    I wish I could sew like that – I am in absolute awe of this tree skirt and your skills.
    Sylvia

  • Kim @ NewlyWoodwards

    A ruffler?????? I need one. Now.

    THanks for the inspiration. It's on my to-do list to make a tree skirt for my tree. I may be shamelessly copying your idea. =)

  • sissie

    Wow! I gotta get me one of them thingees! Makes ruffles that fast, get out of here!
    I love your tree skirt and who would have thought to use a drop cloth! Thanks for sharing.

  • elisabeth bova

    love it! love the ruffle. this would be great done in burlap too. beautiful tree!

  • Tammy of Yarborough House

    Love it. I have a serger and have never used it- I am afraid of it I guess. Might have to learn now. And the ruffler- never heard of one and I have sewn forever. Does it work on any machine?

    thanks for sharing all your projects but seriously – how do you find the time to do so many cool things?
    tammy

  • Tammy of Yarborough House

    Love it. I have a serger and have never used it- I am afraid of it I guess. Might have to learn now. And the ruffler- never heard of one and I have sewn forever. Does it work on any machine?

    thanks for sharing all your projects but seriously – how do you find the time to do so many cool things?
    tammy

  • Kim

    Just darling! I wish I would have thought of it.
    @cheapchichome.blogspot.com

  • ROSE VINE COTTAGE

    Wow I love the tree skirt and you made it sound and look so easy!
    Hugs~Kelly

  • Stephanie Lynn

    OK ~ I want to give you a big hug! I am going tomorrow to buy THE RUFFLER!! I have never heard of one – though I am just a self taught girl with a sewing machine! Thanks so much for posting and your tree and tree skirt look fabulous! Happy Holidays!

  • Tricia Anne

    Okie dokie! I am still a bit new to sewing and let me tell you … that ruffle foot will be on my list. Maybe not until my bday in May … but it will find it's way onto my list! :o )
    I just posted a question on my blog. If you have a change can you help me? Thanks! Trish

  • Jaimie

    I don't know anything about sewing machines. But yours looks great. Wow! : ) The skirt looks really great with your tree.

  • ♥ Karla ♥

    That is such a great idea! I strongly dislike the tree skirt we have now… it is more then aweful! I may have to sew one of these and wrap it up as a gift along with the ruffle footer… is there one available for regular sewing machines too, I am guessing yes. I will have to scope it out. Thanks for sharing! I love it!!

  • Happy Nester

    It turned out so wonderful, I wish I had better sewing skills:) Beautiful tree. Beautiful tree skirt.

  • Tori

    I so love this!! What a great job!
    Super chic!

  • Fawn@Party of Five

    Super cute! Love the ruffles!

  • Aja

    OMG, this is adorable!! I LOVE the ruffles! I had no idea there was such a thing as a ruffler foot, but I am adding it to my Christmas list!

  • Traci@ Beneath My Heart

    Whitney! I love it! You know I love dropcloths! I love the ruffle so much. It looks gorg.
    Mom told me she wanted me to have her sewing machine and serger before she passed away. I am so thrilled to have them, but I don't know how to use the serger yet. I am hoping to figure it out after Christmas when things settle down. I know it will save me tons of time. Great job girl!
    Traci

  • Andie

    Oh I love it! I've GOT to figure out the rolled hem on my surger. A drop cloth may be in my tree's future.

  • Kimm at Reinvented

    So cute! I love it. I have already asked/begged Santa for a sewing machine, do you get the ruffler thingy separately?

  • Nancy @ La Chambre Rose

    Excellent. You know it's good when:

    Okay, it is official…I want a NEW sewing machine that actually sews without the thread breaking! I'm asking poor Santa for one. Of course, I want a ruffler, too.

  • Destination Seaborn

    You girls are "sew" creative! Projects like this is why I am teaching myself to sew…I love this tree skirt! Just beautiful!

  • Kari @ Ucreate

    Whitney! This is so AMAZING!!

  • Jen

    I am speechless that is such a gorgeous tree skirt!!

  • Always Inspire

    I absolutely LOVE this! It's gorgeous, you did an amazing job!

  • kirstin & jordan

    I love this on so many levels!

  • kirstin & jordan

    I love this on so many levels!

  • Beth@The Stories of A to Z

    It's totally cute. Love it.

  • Richella

    This is really cool. . . Fun and chic AND functional! Good for you!

  • Kristi @ Addicted 2 Decorating

    This is, without a doubt, my favorite project I've ever seen on here. Amazing! You've inspired me. I've had a serger sitting in my closet for about three years now, and have never learned to use it. It's time to learn…if for no other reason than those ruffles!!

  • jenjen

    I love the ruffles. Darling. So so cute!

    XOXO
    Jen

  • Jess

    ~Love~
    What can't you use a drop cloth for? Great idea!

  • Invited In

    So cute! I have been wanting to make one for a while now…..just needed someone to show me how:) Thanks for sharing!
    Blessings,
    Melissa

  • sweetjeanette

    I love this!!!! It's beautiful – and I'm all about ruffles!!!! Those tree skirts (out there!) are so expensive, and this is the perfect frugal-yet-elegant project!

    Christmas Goodies Recipe Exchange

  • do it yourselfer

    luv this skirt…and now i know what to ask for christmas…a ruffler? who knew! thx!

  • casserole

    What a lovely tree skirt!! I linked to your tutorial on Craft Gossip Sewing:
    http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-christmas-tree-skirt-from-a-dropcloth/2009/12/08/

    –Anne

  • Rowanmayfairs

    I love your tree skirt !

    I wanted to try a patchwork tree skirt, but your idea looks MUCH MUCH SIMPLIER !

  • Karen

    Love the tree skirt. In case no one knows you can sew and ruffle in one step, give it a try!! I think your blog is great!!

  • astarterhouse

    That is absolutely beautiful! As silly as it seems, I had never considered sewing my own tree skirt, you've truly inspired me! Thanks for sharing:)

  • astarterhouse

    That is absolutely beautiful! As silly as it seems, I had never considered sewing my own tree skirt, you've truly inspired me! Thanks for sharing:)

  • ~Rhen @yestheyareallmine

    What a fabulous idea and even better outcome. Beautiful!

  • PaulaDawn

    Great idea. I have one of those rufflers for my machine, if I could only figure out how to use the thing!!! I just can't seem to get it right, but seeing your results I am going to try again.

  • Sandy

    LOVE the tree skirt. It really adds a lot to the tree. Cute, cute!!

  • Rue

    That skirt is adorable! If only I could sew… darn it!

    rue

  • Shelia

    You did a super job on your tree skirt! The ruffle just makes it! I had a ruffler once for my sewing machine – but I burned it up making a ruffle for my mother to put on a bedspread she's made! I never bought another one.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

  • Jennifer Dawn

    Love it! And I need a tree skirt too! I think I know what kind I am going to make. :)

  • Megan @ Megity’s Handmade

    MUST HAVE THIS! I'm sure I could make it, but don't want to take the time. Will you make it for me?? :)

  • michelle@somedaycrafts

    love it! Featured at somedaycrafts.blogspot.com

  • Merrie

    Love it. Pure simple perfection.

  • Norma Lee @ Norma Lee Good

    Oh now I need to add a sewing machine to my Christmas list! I think this skirt is absolutely fabulous. I love the ruffles! We had snow in Houston and of course everything shut down here. Merry Christmas!

  • Tricia

    Hi there girls.
    I'm adding this tut. to my Inspire My Saturday post. Thanks so much for sharing. It's lovely.

    XO*Tricia

  • Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality

    Hey, Shanty girls!! I adore that skirt you made, it is genius. Thanks for joining the party!

  • The Style Sister

    I am soooo loving the skirt!!! Wow it looks so good! So dang creative you two are!

    I am hosting a chocolate giveaway on my blog…stop on by to enter.

    Karin

  • A Hint of Home

    Turned out great and looks wonderful on the tree.

  • Triana Ord

    I absolutely adore this idea!!! you're so creative! Thanks for sharing! So glad I came across your blog in the party!

  • 6p00e3933556758834

    What a beautiful tree skirt! Thank you for sharing. This has been added to my "things I want to do but will probably never get to list… " though I hope that I actually get to it before next Christmas!

  • Heather

    Wow, what a great idea!! Thanks for sharing your tip!! Merry Christmas!

  • Rita Kent at TesoroFino.Com

    Ok by the amount of comments you've received, you've got to already know that you've outdone yourself on this lovely tree skirt!

  • ~ ~ Ahrisha ~ ~

    Love the natural look of the canvas under the tree. How cool. Beautiful tree.

  • Wendy @ The Shabby Nest

    It's perfect!

  • Danie

    Just wanted to let you know I featured your tree skirt photo on my drop cloth post here…
    http://danielleholtzinger.blogspot.com/2010/09/so-i-have-been-reading-various-blogs.html

    Thanks for the inspiration!

  • http://trustonlinedrugstore.com/products/apcalis-sx.htm speestalp

    promanade pharmacy riverdale georgia http://trustonlinedrugstore.com/products/alavert.htm lifecheck pharmacy

  • Pingback: Main Ingredient Monday- Drop Cloths

  • sarah

    I’m guessing you’ve been asked before! Bu,t what is your paint color? I love it!