DIY Tree Skirts: 15 Easy Ideas That Make a Cheap Tree Look Designer

DIY Tree Skirts are the easiest way to make a plain, budget Christmas tree look like it came straight out of a designer showroom. The tree skirt is usually the last thing we think about and the first thing guests notice, because it sits right where every gift and every photo lands. The good news is that you do not need a sewing machine or a big budget. An old blanket, a thrifted quilt, a canvas drop cloth or a few yards of tulle can turn that bare stand into a soft, finished base in one evening. Below are 15 cozy ideas with simple supply lists and easy steps, from no sew flannel wraps to a ball gown tulle skirt and a pet friendly short version. Pick the look that fits your home, pour a warm drink and let’s make your tree feel finished..

DIY Tree Skirts Start With a Cream Ruffle Look

Of all the DIY Tree Skirts in this list, the cream ruffle is the one that makes people ask where you bought it. Soft tiers of fabric pool on the floor like a wedding gown, and suddenly a twenty dollar tree looks like it belongs in a boutique window. The secret is simple: gather long strips of cheap cream fabric and stitch or glue them in rows onto a plain round base. Gifts in white, sage and kraft paper look beautiful sitting on top. Would you keep it pure cream or add a little blush..

You will need: A plain round fabric base or an old flat sheet cut into a circle, 4 to 5 yards of cream cotton or linen look fabric cut into 6 inch strips, a needle and thread or fabric glue, scissors and pins.

How to make it: 1. Cut a circle about 48 inches across with a center hole and a slit to the edge. 2. Gather each strip with a loose running stitch and pin it in rows from the outer edge inward. 3. Stitch or glue each row in place, overlapping by a few inches, and fluff the ruffles once it sits under the tree.

No Sew Flannel Blanket Skirt

Sometimes the coziest answer is already in the linen closet. A big plaid flannel blanket gathered loosely around the stand gives you that warm cabin feeling with zero sewing and zero cost. Fold the edges under so the shape looks round, then tuck the extra fabric into soft folds. When Christmas is over, it goes right back on the couch. It is the perfect choice if you are short on time or just moved into a new home. Do you have a plaid throw that could pull double duty this year?

You will need: One large flannel or fleece blanket in plaid, a few safety pins and a lint roller.

How to make it: 1. Spread the blanket flat and set the tree stand in the center. 2. Bring the corners and edges up and under so the outline looks round. 3. Pin any loose folds underneath and roll off any lint before the gifts go down.

Faux Fur Throw Wrap

Faux fur instantly says luxury, and a single throw is often cheaper than a store bought fur skirt. Wrap it around the stand, fluff the pile with your fingers and you get a look that feels like fresh snow under a flocked tree. Silver and white ornaments make it glow even more. Many readers say this is the look that gets the most photos from guests. Check the clearance aisle in January for next year, because faux fur throws go on deep sale right after the holidays. Would you pair it with silver or gold?

You will need: One large faux fur throw, a soft brush or wide comb, and a few safety pins.

How to make it: 1. Lay the throw with the fur side up and set the stand in the middle. 2. Wrap and fold the edges under so it hugs the base in a soft circle. 3. Brush the fur in one direction and pin any slipping folds underneath.

DIY Tree Skirts With Ball Gown Tulle

This is one of the DIY Tree Skirts that has taken over craft videos this season, and it is easy to see why. Layers of tulle spread out like the skirt of a ball gown and make even a skinny tree look grand. Tulle rolls cost very little at any craft store, and you only need a waistband and a pair of scissors. Blush, champagne and ivory feel romantic, while white and silver feel like a winter wonderland. Thousands of people are watching tree skirt makeovers on YouTube right now. Which colors would your gown wear?

You will need: Six to eight 25 yard rolls of tulle in two or three colors, a long strip of elastic or ribbon for the waistband, scissors and a measuring tape.

How to make it: 1. Cut the tulle into strips about 36 inches long. 2. Fold each strip in half and tie it onto the ribbon or elastic with a slip knot, packing them tightly. 3. Tie the band around the stand and spread the layers out on the floor in a wide circle.

Painted Faux Marble Fabric Skirt

Marble is everywhere in high end holiday decor, and you can copy it with a plain white skirt and a little paint. Thin grey fabric paint with water, drag a feather or small brush across the fabric in wavy lines and add a few thin gold veins. It looks like a stone floor under the tree, but it is soft cotton you can fold away. This is a fun project for anyone who loves to paint. Practice on a scrap first so you get a feel for the veins. Grey and gold or black and white, which would you try?

You will need: A plain white cotton tree skirt or a circle of white canvas, grey fabric paint, metallic gold fabric paint, a cup of water, a feather or thin artist brush and a drop cloth.

How to make it: 1. Lay the skirt flat on a drop cloth. 2. Water down the grey paint and drag it across in loose, wavy diagonal lines, then soften them with a damp rag. 3. Add a few thin gold veins on top and let it dry fully before ironing on the back to set the paint.

Burlap and Lace Farmhouse Skirt

Burlap and lace never go out of style in a farmhouse home. Rough natural burlap gives a rustic base, and a wide white lace border softens the edge so it looks pretty, not plain. You can buy burlap by the yard for very little, and lace trim is often in the remnant bin. Hot glue it in place with adult hands, and you are done before dinner. Kraft paper gifts tied with twine finish the look perfectly. Would you add a little ruffle of lace or keep it flat and simple?

You will need: About 2 yards of natural burlap, 5 yards of wide white lace trim, a hot glue gun for adults or fabric glue, chalk, string and scissors.

How to make it: 1. Tie chalk to a 24 inch string, pin the end in the center and draw a circle on the burlap. 2. Cut the circle, a center hole and a slit to the edge, then fold the raw edges under. 3. Glue the lace around the outer edge, overlapping it slightly so it peeks out past the burlap.

DIY Tree Skirts in Buffalo Check

Buffalo check is the cabin classic, and these DIY Tree Skirts need no sewing at all. Cut two squares of flannel, snip short fringe all around the edges and tie the top and bottom strips together in little knots, just like a no sew fleece blanket. The knots make a fun, chunky border that looks handmade in the best way. Red and black feels like a lodge, while green and black feels a little more modern. Kids can help tie the knots too. Which color check would make your living room feel like a cabin?

You will need: Two pieces of buffalo check flannel or fleece, about 1.5 yards each, sharp scissors, a ruler and chalk.

How to make it: 1. Stack the two pieces and cut them into matching circles with a center hole and a slit. 2. Cut 4 inch fringe strips about 1 inch wide all around the edge. 3. Tie each top strip to the bottom strip under it with a double knot.

Chunky Knit Blanket Swirl

If you love that cozy Nordic look, coil a chunky knit blanket around the stand instead of laying it flat. The big loops catch the light and look like soft snowdrifts. You can buy a chunky knit throw, or make one in an afternoon with jumbo yarn and your own hands, no needles needed. The swirl hides the stand completely and feels lovely under bare feet on Christmas morning. Natural wood beads on the tree tie the whole look together. Would you knit your own or pick one up ready made?

You will need: One chunky knit throw, or 4 to 6 skeins of jumbo chenille yarn to hand knit one, plus a few safety pins.

How to make it: 1. If making your own, hand knit loose rows of loops with the jumbo yarn until the blanket is about 4 feet long. 2. Starting at the stand, coil the blanket around in a loose spiral. 3. Pin the end underneath and fluff the loops so the swirl looks full.

Thrifted Quilt Square Skirt

A thrifted quilt carries so much warmth and history. Spread one under the tree and it instantly feels like Grandma’s house. Look for quilts with a worn corner or a small stain in thrift stores, because they cost very little and you will only see the middle once gifts are on top. Fold it into a rough circle or cut a damaged quilt into a true skirt and bind the edge with bias tape. Vintage glass ornaments are the perfect match. Do you have a family quilt that deserves a place of honor this year?

You will need: One thrifted or family quilt, bias tape if cutting, pins, scissors and a needle and thread.

How to make it: 1. Wash the quilt on a gentle cycle and let it dry flat. 2. Either fold the corners under into a round shape, or cut a damaged quilt into a circle with a center hole. 3. If cut, pin bias tape around the raw edges and stitch it in place by hand.

DIY Tree Skirts From a Stenciled Drop Cloth

Painters’ drop cloths are the best kept secret behind many DIY Tree Skirts. Heavy cotton canvas costs a few dollars at the hardware store and looks like expensive linen once it is washed. Cut a circle, pull a few threads at the edge for a soft fringe and stencil simple snowflakes and stars in deep green or black. It is a calm, classic look that works in any room and lasts for years. Leftover canvas makes matching stockings too. What shapes would you stencil on yours?

You will need: A 6 by 9 foot canvas drop cloth, fabric paint in dark green, snowflake and star stencils, a stencil brush or sponge, painter’s tape, chalk and string.

How to make it: 1. Wash and dry the drop cloth to soften it, then cut a 50 inch circle with a center hole and slit. 2. Pull loose threads around the edge to make a 1 inch fringe. 3. Tape the stencils in place and dab the paint on lightly, working around the circle.

Pom Pom Trim Felt Skirt

Red felt and white pom poms feel just like Santa’s coat, cheerful and a little playful. Felt does not fray, so you can cut a perfect circle and skip hemming completely. Then glue a row of fluffy pom pom trim all the way around the edge. It is one of the fastest projects here and it brightens a corner instantly. Make a matching mini version for a tabletop tree in the kitchen. It also makes a sweet gift for a new homeowner. Would you go red and white, or green and white?

You will need: About 2 yards of thick red felt, 5 yards of white pom pom trim, fabric glue or a hot glue gun for adults, chalk, string and scissors.

How to make it: 1. Fold the felt in quarters, mark a 24 inch radius with chalk and string, and cut the circle. 2. Cut a small center hole and a slit to the edge. 3. Glue the pom pom trim around the outer edge and let it dry flat.

Old Sweater Patchwork Skirt

Old sweaters with a hole in the elbow can still make something wonderful. Cut the best parts into squares, mix creams, greys and forest green, and stitch them together into a cozy patchwork circle. The cable knits make it look like an expensive designer piece, but it costs nothing if you raid your closet or the thrift store bargain bin. Back it with a fleece circle so it lies flat. Every square has a story, which makes it extra special. Which sweater in your closet is ready for a second life?

You will need: Five to seven old knit sweaters, a fleece circle for the backing, a sewing machine or needle and thread, pins and a rotary cutter or scissors.

How to make it: 1. Cut the sweaters into 8 inch squares, avoiding holes and seams. 2. Sew the squares into rows, then join the rows into one large piece. 3. Pin the patchwork to the fleece, stitch around the edge and trim it into a circle with a center hole.

DIY Tree Skirts With Painted Snowflakes

For a winter look that can stay up into January, try one of the most relaxing DIY Tree Skirts: hand painted snowflakes. Use natural canvas and paint big, simple snowflakes in white and pale blue with a small brush. They do not need to be perfect, since real snowflakes are all different too. Pale blue and silver ornaments make the whole corner feel crisp and calm. Put on some music and paint one snowflake at a time. Would you paint big flakes or lots of tiny ones?

You will need: A natural canvas circle about 50 inches across, white and pale blue fabric paint, small flat and round brushes, a pencil and a plate for the paint.

How to make it: 1. Lightly sketch large snowflakes with a pencil, spacing them around the circle. 2. Paint the main lines in white, then add small pale blue details. 3. Let it dry for a day and iron the back on low to set the paint.

Woven Basket Base Instead of a Skirt

Not every tree needs fabric at all. A big woven basket slipped over the stand gives a clean, natural look that designers love right now. Seagrass and rattan baskets are easy to find at thrift stores, and you can set a small tree straight inside one. Set it on a chunky rug and the whole corner feels warm and finished. For more ways to finish your tree from the base all the way up, see our Christmas tree topper ideas. Would you keep the basket natural or paint it white?

You will need: One large woven basket wide enough to cover the stand, a few bricks or a block of wood to raise the tree if needed, and a rug for underneath.

How to make it: 1. Measure the stand and find a basket a few inches wider. 2. Cut a slit in the back of the basket if needed so it slips around the trunk. 3. Raise the stand on bricks so the tree sits at the right height and tuck the basket around it.

DIY Tree Skirts That Work With Pets

If you share your home with a curious dog or cat, keep your DIY Tree Skirts short and washable. A small round fleece skirt under a tree on a low table keeps paws and noses away from the branches and is easy to toss in the wash. Use wooden and felt ornaments instead of glass so nothing breaks if it gets knocked down. Your pet gets a cozy bed nearby, and you get a tree that stays tidy all season. How do your pets behave around the Christmas tree?

You will need: One yard of grey fleece, chalk, string, scissors, a sturdy low table and shatterproof wooden or felt ornaments.

How to make it: 1. Mark a 16 inch radius circle on the fleece with chalk and string and cut it out. 2. Cut a small center hole and a slit to the edge. 3. Set the tree on a sturdy table, wrap the skirt around the stand and hang soft ornaments on the lower branches.