This Christmas tree pillow sewing pattern gives you a soft, stuffed tree with a plump little star on top, in five sizes from a tiny shelf sitter to a big statement piece for the sofa. Here in the UK we'd call it a Christmas tree cushion, and it's one of the easiest festive projects I've designed. You get an instant download PDF sewing pattern, illustrated instructions and a full video tutorial, so you can print it this morning and have a tree on the sofa by teatime.
I made and tested this pattern myself. The one in my photos is a Large in russet linen, with an oatmeal linen back and an ochre linen star.
Five sizes of Christmas tree cushion
All measurements are the finished height and width of the tree.
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XS: 23.5 x 14cm (9 1/4 x 5 1/2in). Lovely on a windowsill or tucked into a bookshelf.
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Small: 34.5 x 21cm (13 1/2 x 8 1/4in)
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Medium: 45.5 x 28cm (18 x 11in)
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Large: 56.5 x 35cm (22 1/4 x 13 3/4in)
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XL: 70.5 x 44cm (27 1/2 x 17 1/4in). A proper show stopper on a bed or armchair.
Because the sizes nest so nicely, a lot of people make two or three and group them together as a little forest.
What's included in the PDF pattern
- Pattern pieces for all five tree sizes plus the star, in one layered file so you only print the size you want
- Print options for A4 or US Letter at home (4 pages) or a single A0 sheet at a copy shop
- A printing guide that shows you how to switch the size layers on and off in the free Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Illustrated step by step instructions
- A video tutorial on the House of Kimono YouTube channel, so you can watch each stage before you sew it
Sew it by hand or on a sewing machine
You don't need a sewing machine for this one. The seams are short and gently curved, which makes it a really relaxing hand sewing project for an evening in front of the telly. If you'd rather use your machine, it works brilliantly that way too and comes together very quickly. Either way, the star is stitched onto the point of the tree by hand, and the instructions show you how to get it sitting neatly.
How much fabric and stuffing you need
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XS: 0.22m (1/4yd) fabric, 30g (1oz) stuffing
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Small: 0.32m (3/8yd) fabric, 60g (2oz) stuffing
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Medium: 0.42m (1/2yd) fabric, 110g (4oz) stuffing
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Large: 0.52m (5/8yd) fabric, 170g (6oz) stuffing
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XL: 0.65m (3/4yd) fabric, 265g (9.3oz) stuffing
The star takes a small piece of contrast fabric, under 0.2m whichever size you choose, so it's a great way to use up offcuts. I use hollow fibre filling, but any polyester toy stuffing is fine. Apart from that you just need matching thread, scissors, pins or clips and a fabric marker.
The best fabrics for a Christmas tree pillow
Linen is my favourite. It gives a natural, earthy look that sits beautifully with neutral interiors, and two contrasting linens front and back make the outline seam really stand out.
Quilting cottons are perfect if you love a print. Try a non Christmas design, like a small floral or a holly sprig, for something a bit more grown up than the usual festive novelty fabric.
Tartan, plaid and checks look gorgeous paired with a plain neutral on the back. Classic, cosy and very luxurious looking.
Is this a good Christmas sewing pattern for beginners?
Yes, it's genuinely beginner friendly. There are no zips, no fastenings and no fiddly bits. You sew around the shape, turn it through, stuff it and close the gap, then add the star. If you've never made a stuffed shape before, this is a really satisfying first one, and it makes a lovely handmade Christmas gift too.
Questions about this sewing pattern
Will I receive a paper pattern?
No, this is a digital PDF sewing pattern. Nothing is posted, and your download link arrives as soon as you've paid.
Can I print it at home?
Yes. Choose the A4 or US Letter version, select "Actual size", print the first page and measure the scale before printing the rest.
Where do I find the video tutorial?
It's on the House of Kimono YouTube channel.
