Learn to make these traditional no-sew Christmas ornaments with ribbon and fabric. Add a modern flair with bright, fun fabrics, ribbons, and buttons.
As part of my red and white Christmas ornament project, I found several ideas for no-sew ornaments with folded ribbon and folded fabric. This technique – which has been around for decades – has stood the test of time because they are so pretty, easy, and fun to make.
The supplies used for these ornaments were:
- 7/8″ ribbon or 1-1/2″ ribbon – I used grosgrain ribbons but satin would work also
- Scissors or rotary cutter for cutting ribbons
- Ruler for measuring ribbon pieces for cutting
- Dressmaker pins – each ornament used about 175-200 (I used the Dritz box of 750)
- Magnetic pincushion for holding pins (optional)
- Styrofoam ball – I used the non-smooth type with a 3″ diameter
- A ramekin or a rolled up tape measure to stabilize the ornament while working (optional)
- Ribbons for decorating the top with bows and for hanging
- Fabric cut 2-1/2″ square for the folded points (if using fabric instead of ribbon)
- Fabric cut 2-1/2″ to 3″ square, fussy cut if desired (optional for center of each side)
- Christmas buttons (optional)
- Sequins or other embellishments (optional)
Folded Ribbon Ornaments
Here is one side of an ornament made with four different 7/8″ ribbons. I had to figure out what I was doing before I took photos. The next pictures will show completing the other side.
I found the center of the opposite side and pinned a 2″ white ribbon strip.
I learned, from doing the other side of the ornament, that for one of these ornaments with folded ribbon in the center I needed:
- Ten 2″ strips for the center (white ribbon)
- Sixteen 2″ strips for the second round of ribbon (red and white stripe)
- Sixteen 2″ strips for the third round of ribbon (white ribbon)
- Sixteen 2″ strips for the fourth round of ribbon (red and white polka dot)
Note: If a square of fabric is used in the center (see next ornament), only three rounds of ribbon are used)
The ribbon is folded in half, then a pin is placed in the center on the fold nestled into the space where the other points come together in the center. One side is pinned to hold the ribbon in the middle. Another pin may be used to secure the point on the side. Repeat on the other side.
This process is repeated with eight points formed on each the next three rounds of ribbons. Here is a view from the side. Please note how nicely the two sides meet in the middle – because this is the only time it happened while making the next few ornaments!
My first no-sew folded ribbon ornament finished and on the tree!
Wanting to try something different, I used 3″ pieces of 1-1/2″ ribbon with a piece of fabric centered on a 3″ Styrofoam ball. The sequins are from Buttons Galore 28 Lilac Lane Premium Sequins Candy Cane.
I added a cute snowflake button and red ribbon – number two is on the tree!
Folded Fabric Ornaments:
Next, I tried folded fabric ornaments using eight (16 for both sides) 2-1/2″ squares of three fabrics and a 3″ stryofoam ball. I chose a cute snowman fabric, cut 2-1/2″ square, to fussy cut for the center and added three rounds of fabric squares. A 3″ square for the center would have been better.
Similar to the folded ribbon ornaments, the following number of fabric squares in needed:
- Ten 2-1/2″ squares for the center if folded fabric points meet in the center; only two 2-1/2″ to 3″ squares if the centers are a fussy cut fabric such as the snowman above
- Sixteen 2-1/2″ squares for the second round
- Sixteen 2-1/2″ squares for the third round
- Sixteen 2″ strips for the fourth round (only for ornaments with folded points in the center)
The fabric is folded a bit different from the ribbon. Fold the square in half and half again. Finger press. Open the square and place a dressmaker pin in the center from the wrong side.
Fold in half once. Finding the center, fold each side to the center. If there is a stripe, pay attention to the way the square is folded. I chose the effect on the left.
Here are the first four squares in place. Note that I did not anchor the outer points with pins yet. This cut back on the number of pin used a lot.
Rounds 1-3 are finished – ready for the other side.
Knowing where to start the ribbons on the background fabric so that the folded ribbons meet halfway is tricky – hence the problem of going over the midline on one side. I found I could just trim what I needed to on the second side; the ribbon covers the mistake.
I was excited to find a matching snowman button and snowman ribbon!
I was on a roll, so I made one more folded fabric ornament with a fussy cut snowman in the center.
Number four is on the tree! These were a lot of fun to make – but I went through hundreds of dressmaker pins!
I have one of these ornaments that my husband’s aunt gave us 45 years ago. Now I am making them with my non-sewing friends. Thanks for sharing this pattern
I love your tutorial and your ornaments are so neat and pretty. I’ve made a few myself with both ribbon (wired edge work great!) and fabric. Thanks for mentioning that your edges don’t always meet perfectly. Mine sure don’t!
I would love to make the top ribbon ornament, however, the two inch ribbon doesn’t fold like what is pictured..can you let me know what I am doing wrong? These are beautiful and would love to make these as gifts.
Thank you!
How much ribbon is needed
I struggle with getting the ribbon around it neat enough. Any tips as yours look so good
I love these ideas thank you, I’m going to try it out.
I love these ideas thank you, I’m going to try it out with different characters.
What is the size of the center square (the white snowman on the red fabric? Also how far down do you start the white triangle?
I have made several of these ornaments and have enjoyed doing it and giving them as gifts. You have done a wonderful job demonstrating the technique. Let me thank you for the free tutorial on how to make the ornaments. There are so many sites out there that want to charge a ridiculous amount for one pattern. I appreciate the fact that they want to earn some money but with a little bit of trial and error in time when you learn the basics which you show here most people can figure it out. Thanks again for a great tutorial and your generosity to share the instructions.
Did I miss how to get the straight pins stuck in without killing my finger?
Every time I put an ornament on the tree, I not only remember where I got it and how much fun I had there but the fun shopping experiences as well. These are really cute bottle brush tree ornaments! Love the black & white plaid ribbon with them too. I love that you have ornaments that commemorate big moments in your life, and ornaments that remind you of places that you’ve visited.
Hello
I have made several of these ornaments and have enjoyed doing it and giving them as gifts. You have done a wonderful job demonstrating the technique. Let me thank you for the free tutorial on how to make the ornaments. There are so many sites out there that want to charge a ridiculous amount for one pattern. I appreciate the fact that they want to earn some money but with a little bit of trial and error in time when you learn the basics which you show here most people can figure it out. Thanks again for a great tutorial and your generosity to share the instructions.
Hello
I would love to make the top ribbon ornament, however, the two inch ribbon doesn’t fold like what is pictured..can you let me know what I am doing wrong? These are beautiful and would love to make these as gifts.
Hello
I have made several of these ornaments and have enjoyed doing it and giving them as gifts. You have done a wonderful job demonstrating the technique. Let me thank you for the free tutorial on how to make the ornaments. There are so many sites out there that want to charge a ridiculous amount for one pattern.
Hello
These are really cute bottle brush tree ornaments! Love the black & white plaid ribbon with them too. I love that you have ornaments that commemorate big moments in your life, and ornaments that remind you of places that you’ve visited.
I appreciate the fact that they want to earn some money but with a little bit of trial and error in time when you learn the basics which you show here most people can figure it out. Thanks again for a great tutorial and your generosity to share the instructions.monster truckz
I would love to make the top ribbon ornament, however, the two inch ribbon doesn’t fold like what is pictured..can you let me know what I am doing wrong? These are beautiful and would love to make these as gifts.kite developer
I love your tutorial and your ornaments are so neat and pretty. I’ve made a few myself with both ribbon (wired edge work great!) and fabric. Thanks for mentioning that your edges don’t always meet perfectly. Mine sure don’t!kite developer
I would love to make the top ribbon ornament, however, the two inch ribbon doesn’t fold like what is pictured..can you let me know what I am doing wrong? These are beautiful and would love to make these as gifts.qr code
I would love to make the top ribbon ornament, however, the two inch ribbon doesn’t fold like what is pictured..can you let me know what I am doing wrong? These are beautiful and would love to make these as gifts.fintech software solutionst