The holidays aren’t just about gingerbread houses and twinkle lights (though we love those too). They’re also an invitation to gather, to slow down, and to make something with our hands that lights us up from the inside out.

There’s real magic in doing what makes you feel good. Whether that’s blasting your favorite playlist, dancing in your kitchen, playing board games with your family, sewing, painting, or crafting something just for the joy of it.

If you’re a passionate maker like me, you know the feeling. That moment when the world fades out and you’re simply in it all relaxed, focused, lit up by the act of creating. There’s peace in that. And right now? We could all use a little more of it.

The project I'm sharing today is a small-but-sweet one: a no-sew fabric ornament that adds a handmade touch to your house.

Originally I planned to just post a photo tutorial, but this little beauty deserved more. So I made you a quick video too. Inside this post, you’ll find both, a step-by-step pics and a video guide, so you can follow along and make one of your own.

Have so much fun with it. That’s my real wish for you. 💖

 

Materials you’ll need:

• Template printed on regular copy paper (download here)

• Poster board or thin cereal box (for structure)

• Scraps of fabrics (100% quilt cotton works best)

• Glue All (Elmer's), paint roller and paint brush

• Scissors, rotary cutter and cutting mat

• Ruler, corner miter tool (optional)

• Bone folder, scoring tool

• Thread or decorative thin cord for hanging

• Decorative tassel (optional)

Let's make it: 

Step 1 – Prepare and glue the template

Start by downloading and  printing the ornament template on regular paper. This will be your pattern. 
Apply a thin, even layer of glue to the back of the printed template using a foam paint roller, then place it onto a piece of poster board, or on the printed side of a thin cereal box. Smooth it out gently with a scraper or bone folder to remove bubbles and make sure it adheres well.

Let it dry for a few minutes, and then cut out the shape following the outer lines. This sturdy base will give your ornament the perfect structure and make it easy to fold later.

Step 2 – Cut and score the template

Once the glued template is dry, carefully cut along the outer lines using scissors. Take your time with this step to keep the edges neat and precise.

Next, use a ruler and a bone folder to score along all the inner lines of the design. Scoring makes it easier to fold later and helps your ornament keep its crisp, geometric shape.

At this point, your piece should be sturdy, neatly cut, and ready to be covered with fabric.

Step 3 – Prepare and glue the fabric

Choose a beautiful 100% cotton fabric that fits your theme. 

Cut a piece of fabric slightly larger than your ornament shape. Apply a thin, even layer of glue to the back side of your board template (not the side with lines) using a paint roller, then place it onto the wrong side of the fabric.

Press gently from the center outward to remove air bubbles and make sure the glue spreads evenly. Smooth the surface with your hand and let it dry for a few minutes before moving to the next step.

Step 4 – Cut the fabric around the template

Now trim the fabric around the shape, leaving about 1/2" of fabric in the edges that does not have the extra thin part that later will be used to attach the ornament all together. On those extra edges, cut the fabric straight with the poster board - check the video at the end of this page to see this in more details.

Use sharp scissors to keep your cuts smooth and even.

For clean and precise corners, use a craft knife and the corner miter tool (for the one triangle corner if you want, or just trim leaving a small edge of fabric there) it makes trimming much easier and helps your edges look perfectly neat.

Step 5 – Fold the fabric around

Brush a thin, even layer of glue along the fabric edges,. Work on one side at a time so the glue doesn’t dry before you fold.

Using a plastic spatula, press down gently on each edge to be sure the fabric is fully adhered to the board. This will create smooth, firm sides with no loose spots.

Trim any excess fabric that extends beyond the edge for a clean, professional finish - again, watch the video below for more reference of this process.

Step 6 – Fold on the lines

Use the bone folder to fold along each scored line.
You’ll see the geometric shape begin to form.  Keep folding until all sides move easily.

Step 7– Add the thread and tassel

Glue a thin decorative thread to the top corner to create a hanging loop.
Then, attach a tassel to the bottom for a festive touch. Add a small piece of masking tape to help secure them in place.
Let both dry before continuing.

Step 8 – Glue it all together

Apply glue to the flaps inside your ornament and press the sides together to close the shape - one side at a time!
Use masking tape to hold the panels while the glue dries completely. Leave the tapes for a few hours.

Once dry, remove the tape and enjoy your beautifully made ornament!

Download the template

Click here to download the template! It has 2 pages. The first page is this one you see pictures and the video, where each half has 3 sides. Make this one first to understand the process and practice. Then, if you want to add to the fun, I'm also providing the second page which is same process, but has 4 sides each half! All beautiful and unique!

🎥 Watch the quick video making

If you prefer to see every detail in action, I made a short video showing the entire process from start to finish. You will see how easy and relaxing it is to make this fabric ornament, from cutting and gluing to folding and adding the final tassel.

Take a few minutes to watch, follow along, and craft with me. Pause whenever you need, grab your favorite fabric, and enjoy this creative moment. It is simple, fun, and so rewarding.

🌟 The Joy of Handmade

Every step of this project, from cutting to folding, connects you to the heart of handmade art.
With same techniques and materials, cartonnage allows you to turn simple materials into something beautiful, meaningful, and long-lasting.

Take a moment to slow down, grab your favorite fabric, and enjoy crafting something special this holiday season.

Want to make more?

Join our Cartonnage Club and discover over 90 creative projects with full tutorials, tips, and a supportive community of fabric lovers.
👉 colorwayarts.com/club

Explore DIY kits, tools, and beautiful fabrics in our shop.
👉  colorwayarts.com/shop-all

Join our Facebook Group to be connected, share pictures, inspire and be inspired.
👉  facebook.com/groups/cartonnagefabricboxes

Thanks for stopping by and for bringing your creative spark with you. Happy holiday making!

Let me know in the comments how you liked this ornament, and if you want more quick/easy projects like this!

Much love,

Claudia