DIY Sewing Tutorial: Make Your Own Fabric Advent Calendar

• 4 matching fabric pieces, each 50 x 140 cm
• 15–20 mm wide gold ribbon
• Thin ribbon or string
• Tree branches or wooden sticks for hanging
• 1 kraft paper sheet
• Felt-tip pens
• Pinking shears
• Thin cardboard (for templates)
• Matching thread, sewing machine (or needle and some patience!)
• Iron and pins

Step 1: Cut the Fabric

Cut the following fabric rectangles:

• 8 rectangles of 8 x 14 cm

• 8 rectangles of 12 x 20 cm

• 7 rectangles of 16 x 26 cm

• 1 rectangle of 19 x 30 cm (for December 24th!)

Distribute the different sizes across 3 fabric prints. Keep the last fabric for the largest rectangle.

Use pinking shears to cut the short edges of each rectangle.

Step 2: Draw Circular Templates

Draw 4 round templates on thin cardboard (cereal boxes work great):

• One with a 7 cm diameter

• One with an 11 cm diameter

• One with a 15 cm diameter

• One with an 18 cm diameter

Step 4: Fold the Fabric to Form Pockets

Fold each rectangle in thirds lengthwise, creating a flap:

• 2 cm flap for the small ones

• 3 cm for the medium

• 4 cm for the large

• 5 cm for the extra-large (Dec. 24)

Press the folds with an iron and pin in place.

Step 5: Round the Sides

Place the corresponding round template centered on the folded fabric. Trace rounded curves on both sides and cut along the lines with pinking shears.

Pro tip: Make sure the pinked edges of all fabric layers align neatly for a polished look.

Step 6: Sew the Pockets

Take one ribbon loop and insert it into the top right corner of each folded pocket.

Sew along the curved sides on the right side of the fabric, about 0.5 cm from the edge, securing the ribbon loop in the seam.

Step 7: Create the Paper Labels

Cut 24 small squares of kraft paper using pinking shears. Number them with markers. Punch a small hole in each label so they can be tied with the pockets.

Step 8: Build the Hanging Structure

Gather your branches or wooden sticks to form the frame. Tie them together nicely with your gold ribbon.

Step 9: Attach the Pockets

Use string or thin ribbon to hang the pockets from your frame, mixing sizes and prints for a balanced look.