Let's learn how to finish Santa & Mrs Claus pillows as a free-standing tree, using materials you might have already or can source easily from a craft shop. You can also use this tutorial to finish the Nordic Ornament Tree in the same manner.
Materials List
~ Finished stitching
~ Coordinating cotton fabric or linen for backing
~ Sewing Machine
~ Air Dry Clay
~ 8” dowel or small stick
~ Sewing needle and thread
~ Craft felt or burlap
~ Elastic and 3/8” ribbon or twine
Step 1
Finish all cross stitching, clean and press your fabric. Carefully cut around your stitching, leaving about 1 1/4” extra fabric around the edge.
Step 2
Cut a second piece of fabric the same size for the back (from the same linen or in a coordinating cotton fabric). Iron interfacing onto the back side of both fabric pieces (See Fig. 1).
Step 3
Place the two pieces together, with the right sides together. Using a sewing machine, start along the bottom edge, stitching all the way around using a 1/2” seam allowance. Leave a 2” hole in the bottom (See Fig. 2).
Step 4
Trim the seam allowance to 1/4“, clip the the 3 corners, and flip the pillow shape right side out. Stuff the pillow with polyester filling (See Fig. 3).
Step 5
Insert an 8” dowel or long stick into the 2” hole in the bottom. Whip stitch the hole closed around the dowel (See Fig. 3).
Step 6
To make the tree base, form a large 3“ ball out of air-dry clay, stick the bottom of the dowel into it, and shape the clay bottom so the pillow stands up on its own. Allow the clay to dry (See Fig. 4).
Step 7
Cut an 8” circle out of burlap or felt, and wrap around the clay ball, securing tightly with an elastic. Tie a bow using 3/8” red ribbon or twine (See Fig. 5).