{DIY} Faux Fur Tree Skirt

I’m totally into faux fur these days. Toss pillows, blankets, you name it. I think it’s so cozy glam, and just perfect for holiday decor. Last week, I even made myself a faux fur Christmas tree skirt, inspired by some I saw on pinterest and a gorgeous one I’d been eyeing from West Elm.

This West Elm gem retailed for $60 (it’s no longer available online). The soft fuzzy fur is reminiscent of snow, and seeing as how I’m lacking a white Christmas in L.A., it was just what my home was missing. I also loved the covered button detailing I saw on other tree skirts on pinterest, so I decided to combine the two looks. Off to the fabric store I went. $20 later, I had everything I needed to sew myself my very own custom design.

What you need

• 1 piece of faux fur fabric, cut into a square. The fur bolt I selected came in a 60″ width, so I had the store measure 60″ in length, which is just over 1.5 yards. That size worked ideally. Any smaller, and I would have had very small tree skirt on my hands. I also had 40% off coupon, so the fabric was a steal.
• 1 piece of satin lining, cut into the same size square. Be sure to select a lining that comes in the same width as the fur, for easy measuring.
• 1 Covered button kit (I already had these leftover from my DIY tufted bench project, but they should run you between $2-$3)
• 1/2 yard of pretty cording or ribbon, cut into 3.5 inch strips. I already had this as well, but this should also cost just a couple bucks.
• Thread. For the most accuracy, match your thread to the fabric using an individual piece, not the whole spool (My mom taught me that).

How to DIY a Faux Fur Tree Skirt

Step 1: I folded an old tree skirt in half, then in half again. Do the same with your faux fur fabric. Using the old tree skirt as a guide, cut along the outer rounded side. If you don’t have an old tree skirt, you can eye-ball it. Then, cut along the inner circle (This will be the opening for the tree). What you’ll have when you’re done is a gigantic donut.

Step 2: Do the same for your lining, except using the actual faux fur fabric as your guide, for the best fit.

Step 3: Pin the lining to the fur fabric. I found it easiest to unfold the fabric and spread it (fur side up) on the floor. Then, line-up your lining with the face side down, (toward the fur), before adding the pins. The sides of the fabric that you will want to see when you’re finished will be on the inside at this point.

Step 4: Cut a straight line from the outer circle, to the inner circle, opening up your donut. pin the lining to the fur on these newly cut sides.

Step 5: Sew the outside edges of your skirt together, along with one side of your slit. You will leave the smaller opening un-sewn at this point.

Step 6: On the un-sewn edge of your slit, measure out where you will want your button loops. Start by looping the ends of each individual piece of cording together, then insert the looped end inside your fabric sandwich  so you can only see the raw ends sticking out. Pin in place.

Step 7: Sew the edges of the slit together, making sure the loop ends are securely fastened to the tree skirt

Step 8: Using the opening of the small circle, turn your project inside out, so now your fur and satin are facing outward. Tuck the raw edges of the small circle opening in, pin in place, then sew a straight seam to close up the skirt.

Step 9: Using the instructions on the back of your covered button kit and scraps of fur fabric, assemble your covered buttons. Line up your buttons with your loops, then hand sew them to the project with a needle and thread.

Step 10: Spread your new tree skirt out underneath your tree, and admire your handy work!