Learn how to make an easy fabric origami ornament for your Christmas tree with this step-by-step tutorial and free origami ornament pattern. It’s a fun and simple project that adds a unique, handmade touch to your holiday decor!
These origami Christmas ornaments pair beautifully with these poinsettia ornaments, both are included in our huge free Homemade Holidays pattern Bundle. Scroll down to grab all 18 patterns for free!
Table Of Contents
Why You'll Love These Fabric Origami Ornaments
What I love about this origami folded Christmas ornament is how you can create diversity with just two fabric pieces. And how the design looks so intricate but is simple to make. It's just sewing a circle and a few hand stitches. You'll be surprised!
I first spotted similar ornaments a while back, using a Japanese folding technique. But they involved some super precise measuring with multiple folds - definitely not my style! I wanted something simpler. And ta-daa!
The method I’m sharing here is much easier, and you don’t have to worry about being super precise. Sometimes, simpler is better, don’t you think?
Origami Fabric Ornament Video
First, take a quick look at the slideshow form of the tutorial, to get a feeling of what the project is like:
Supplies
- two 8-inch squares of fabric in contrasting Christmas prints
- a pompom for embellishment
- 7" - 10" ribbon for hanging
- matching thread, sewing machine, scissors, needle, iron
- Free circle template: Feel free to trace a plate or use the template from my Homemade Holidays FREE Patterns Bundle
HUGE Holiday Sewing Pattern BUNDLE - FREE!
17+ sewing patterns to craft your own, cozy holidays! (Updated - October 2024)
Origami Christmas ornaments step by step
Step 1 - Get the free template
Cut two circles out of the two fabric pieces. Either trace a plate or use the circle template that's included on page 4 of the free Homemade Holiday Patterns Bundle The template has quarter markings, which should make your project even easier:
If you opted for the Bundle, print page 4 and cut out two pieces of fabric using the template.
Step 2 - Sew the Circles Together
Place the circles with the right sides together and sew around using a ¼" (7 mm) seam allowance, leaving a few inches open for turning:
Step 3 - Edgestitch
Turn right side out, press and edgestitch all the way around, closing the turning hole too:
Step 4 - Fold in Quarters
Start folding: fold the circle in half so the main fabric will be on the inside of the fold. I wanted my RED fabric to show in the finished item, so I made sure to hide it into the fold. Press. Then fold again in half so you get quarters. Press well again:
Step 5 - Join the opposite sides
Quarter marks are visible now - you should have four folds. Then hand-stitch the ends at the opposite marks together; first two:
Step 6 - Fold the Fabric
Then the other two. Leave the needle on the thread, you'll need it to sew on a pompom:
Step 7 - How To Flatten the Origami ornament
What you have now is the central point - you'll want this one to lie flat. Place the piece on a flat surface, flattening the back and the sides:
Step 8 - Fold Back the Corners
You'll see some extra fabric on the corners - fold these to the back side:
Step 9 - Finishing touches
Use the (still threaded) needle and the remaining thread to sew on a pompom or some other embellishment - place it right above the center front the circle edges were sewn together:
Step 10 - Add ribbon
The last thing to do is attach the ribbon to one of the corners, hang and admire!
TIP: How do you stiffen fabric for origami?
If you want a crisp, stiff origami ornament, you could either use spray fabric stiffener, a starch spray, or iron-on interfacing like Pellon SF101, Vilene G700 (love it!), or SewFuse. Totally optional though! I did not use any stiffener, as the green fabric in the tutorial is decor-weight - that provided enough stability.
Conclusion
Aren't these little decorations adorably cute? Simple, too: scraps in two colors, this simple tutorial, and a plate to trace - or the free circle template from the free Homemade Holidays Bundle, that's all you need!
If we hadn't already made tons of other cute homemade ornaments before, this would be an easy way to decorate the whole Christmas tree - using just this single pattern.
Speaking of homemade Christmas ornaments, please remind me if I forget to post a whole list of links to my free tutorials. There are so many christmas projects here at AppleGreen Cottage!
Where can I get the free pattern?
Join our mailing list and get the template for free - and more, the entire (huge!) Homemade Holidays BUNDLE, with more than 18 templates to create your own cozy holiday decor:
Susan K says
Absolutely fascinated by how a circle becomes a square. I was never good at math, angles, etc. These are so cute. I plan to use them as decoration on gift packages/bags. Recipient can decide to use as tree ornament or pass along on gifts next year.
Damjana Jakos says
Susan hi,
I'm so glad you like the tutorial. Happy holiday season,
Tami says
Your origami Christmas ornament is a favorite of mine. Instead of Christmas cards. I give my friends a different ornament each year that I’ve made. I made 50 of them and everyone loved them.
Thank you for a great pattern and sharing it with all of us !!
Sharon Vance says
Looks so easy and I love the result. Thanks!
Giuliana says
Lavoretti molto piacevoli e di buon gusto
Damjana says
thank you!
Marty says
Was going to search for an "origami" ornament ~ you saved me the time with this cute and easy tutorial; thank you!
Damjana says
Yey, that's good! Happy holiday crafting,
xoxo Damjana