Embroidered Christmas Ornaments: DIY Projects to Make Original Festive Decor and Gifts
Every year, I dedicate some time in December to make new Christmas ornaments for our tree. Of course, most of our decor is embroidered Christmas ornaments from felt or linen. But besides embroidery, I like to dive into paper crafts, carve the cork mushrooms, crochet the snowflakes, make felt acorns, and indulge in other fun activities.
I use these handmade ornaments not only as tree decor, but also as additions to small Christmas gifts I make for friends and family; as a result, they don’t stay at home for long, and each year I can spend some fun time crafting.
If you like to make ornaments too, take a look at the list of embroidery and sewing patterns I shortlisted for you.
Embroidered Christmas ornaments sewn from felt
Felt decorations are the most common type of embroidered Christmas ornaments. They can be super simple – just a star or bauble shape cut out from the fabric, decorated with simple stitches and sewn with a Blanket stitch. On the other hand, felt ornaments can be complex, highly embellished with stitching, beads, and sequins, and shaped into various objects like animals, houses, or plants.
Here are some of the ornaments I liked on Etsy:
Felt Christmas baubles
Embroidery pattern designed by TheHoopInHand
It includes detailed, step-by-step instructions with photos and diagrams so you can make these fun, retro-inspired wool felt ornaments yourself.
Wool Felt Moon & Star
Embroidered Christmas ornament pattern designed by SlowEvenings
This holiday season slow down and enjoy making this beaded Christmas ornament.
Snowflakes on Felt Christmas ornaments
Designed by DusiCrafts
Christmas ornaments with classic Snowflakes embroidery. There are four different shapes of ornaments and few different snowflakes included, with suggestions for variations.
Ugly Christmas Sweater Ornaments
Pattern designed by threadsofinspiration
These adorable sweater ornament patterns come in a classic Nordic theme or a more kitschy version, Christmas Lights! Directions for the tiny hangers are also included.
Embroidered Felt Initial Ornament
How-To Guide by LittleBoBeeCo
Learn to create your very own custom initial ornaments by hand. Though inspired by the charm and sparkle of vintage Christmas decor, these ornaments make for the perfect cozy craft any season of the year. Use them as a beautiful touch to your tree, a stocking marker, an adorable bag charm, a friendship token, or whatever your creative heart desires!
Embroidered Felt Christmas Trees
Sewing pattern designed by PatriciaWelchDesigns
This hand sewing pattern to make a set of four wool felt embroidered Christmas tree ornaments, two folk art style, and two rustic. These trees can be used as ornaments, gift tags, embellishments for door knobs, or hang them from windows or coat racks.
Embroidered felt ornaments
Designed by NellyMakesEmbroidery
Four perfect Christmas projects – hot chocolate, sticking, candy cane and Christmas pudding ornament.
A perfect little gift, mindful project and stocking filler once completed.
Felt Christmas tree Christmas ornaments
Designed by HandSewingPattern
Super simple and quick to make hand embroidery project.
Felt Christmas Winter Kitty
PDF Pattern by StitchesbyKlara
Learn how to create festive cute kitty in coat for your personal use, or business! This cute pattern has detailed easy to follow instructions that guarantee that you will create a lovely finished product.
This PDF pattern is suitable for all levels – perfect for beginner as it teaches all the basic stitches.
Embroidered felt Christmas ornament
Designed by NellyMakesEmbroidery
The perfect Christmas project!! A perfect little gift or mindful project. Size of finished ornament: approx 4″ x 4″
Snowman and Gingerbread Christmas felt ornaments
PDF pattern designed by simplyeilene
This pattern includes shapes and written instructions to make both of these darling Christmas felt ornaments – the snowman and gingerbread. They measure approximately 4” x 7”, not including the ribbon hanger.
Cross-stitch embroidered Christmas ornaments
We usually imagine cross-stitch technique as very conservative and mostly flat. But this widely used needlework technique is super versatile, and you can use it to create Christmas ornaments too.
Here are some of the patterns that look original and interesting to make:
Felt Cross-Stitch Heart Ornament
How-To guide and pattern designed by LittleBoBeeCo
This guide will teach you everything you need to know to make your very own felt heart ornament with a ruffle background, custom cross-stitched monogram, and the cutest pearl beads.
Christmas Gingerbread ornaments
Cross-stitch pattern by RedCatStitch
Set of 4 Christmas tree decorations made in the form of traditional Christmas gingerbread cookies: Christmas tree, Christmas Star, Bell and Heart. Easy to make mini embroidery for Christmas tree decoration or handmade gift. These Christmas tree decorations can be made on plastic canvas.
Fairisle Christmas Stars or Snowflakes
Cross stitch chart by TheMerryStitcher
Inspired by traditional Fairisle patterns, this trio of cross stitch stars or snowflakes (whichever you prefer) is perfect for stitched ornaments or to go in a Christmas card. The fully-illustrated instructions are suitable for beginners and include both colour and symbol charts. Each one is a fun, quick and easy project!
12 Little Christmas Decorations
PDF Cross Stitch pattern by MyFanny
Charming and easy cross stitch design for Christmas decor.
Blackwork Ornament Pattern Set
Designed by LooseThreadStitchery
Three ornaments decorated with delicate floral blackwork motifs. Each chart is 50 x 50 stitches; designs are 40 x 40 stitches. Pattern includes charts for all three ornaments, as well as assembly instructions with images.
Christmas Wreath Ornaments
Cross stitch pattern by TheSubRosaDesign
Set of 3 decorative Christmas ornaments. Finished pillow size: circa 12,5 cm x 12,5 cm/ piece
Oh, Christmas Tree – Set of three cross stitch ornaments
PDF Pattern Designed by Atelierpinandneedle
A set of three cross stitch designs — The Star of Noel, Winter’s Embrace, and Yuletide Bonbon. Each ornament can be stitched as a keepsake pillow, Christmas tree decoration, or small festive gift.
4 Christmas Ornaments
Cross Stitch Patterns PDF by SunflowerCrossStitch
Step by step finishing instruction file for making Ornaments is added to the PDF download.
Christmas Wishes Biscornu
Cross Stitch Pattern by SunStitchStudioShop
The Christmas Wishes Biscornu blends festive reds and golds with heartfelt words—Love, Peace, and Joy—for a piece full of holiday meaning. Designed for intermediate stitchers, it comes with clear instructions and special details that make every stitch feel intentional. Stitch it slowly and let the season unfold.
Cotton and linen embroidered Christmas ornaments
Natural fibers are pleasant to work with and can look more rustic and genuine. Making embroidered Christmas ornaments with cotton, linen, or a blend will require more sewing skill and different techniques for the edges and seams, but the extra effort pays off when you see the beautiful decor you created.
Here are some patterns and designs to draw inspiration and choose from:
Cotton Christmas Heart
Embroidery pattern by AmityFloralEmbroider
Cotton Christmas heart – embroidery pattern in PDF format + video tutorial on YouTube.
Perfect for DIY lovers, romantic gifts, or creating scented home decor using your own materials.
Jolly and Bright
Hand embroidery PDF designed by kathyschmitz
Stitch up 14 Redwork Christmas ornaments to decorate your holiday tree! Each ornament measures about 3″ in length. The pattern comes with stitching directions and very clear assembly directions to make them into special family treasures to pass down for years to come.
Christmas Ornament: Heart shape, with Family Decorating Tree
Embroidery pattern designed by WhyKnotStitches
This embroidery design captures the joyful moment of a family gathered around a glowing Christmas tree, each member joyfully engaged in decorating.
The project is for Intermediate Level and can be done by anyone who’s interested in crafting a handmade gift ornament for the holiday season.
Robin, Cabin, Noel – Mini Christmas Pendant Decorations
Embroidery pattern by TalesFromTheHoop
Featuring the cutest little robin, a super cosy winter cabin nestled amongst the winter pines and a gorgeous gold “Noel” typographic design, these decorations will help you to add a stunning and distinctive hand made touch to your festive decor.
Wooden ornaments with hand embroidery
Hand embroidery on wood isn’t a traditional craft, but it can be a fun project to create original, one-of-a-kind festive decor.
Here are some kits and wooden bases to choose from:
Christmas Ornament DIY Kit
Made by harlinanddoney
These ornaments are a wonderful gift for your loved ones or a great craft and keepsake for yourself (or both!). This kit includes everything you need to complete an embroidered wooden ornament (except for scissors).
Embroidered Name Ornament DIY Embroidery Kit
Made by harlinanddoney
These custom ornaments are a wonderful keepsake for the years to come. This is such a fun and unique way to embroider and create lasting keepsakes for the years to come.
Christmas Bauble Cross Stitch Blank
Made by HappyStitchingTime
Christmas bauble wood cross stitch blank — simple and unique Christmas DIY decor idea for the upcoming season. Maybe, fireplace decor or Christmas tree decor?
Christmas Garland Cross Stitch Kit on Wood
Made by DaridooStudio
Wooden embroidery kits are perfect as a thoughtful gift or a charming home decor accent. Each eco friendly cross stitch kit is designed for relaxation and creativity, combining a modern counted cross stitch set with a nature inspired wooden base.
Set of Wooden Ugly Sweater Blanks for Embroidery
Made by GeniusesOfWood
Add a cozy handmade touch to your holidays with these adorable wooden sweater blanks for cross stitch or embroidery!
Embroidered Christmas ornaments in a hoop
A hand embroidery hoop is the most natural frame for hand embroidery. Small wooden hoops are light and work great as frames for embroidered baubles you can hang on the tree.
Embroider traditional Christmas motifs, family names, and monograms, and don’t forget to add personalization on the back.
Christmas hand embroidery patterns for small hoops:
Christmas Ornament – Embroidery Frame
Print template Designed by StitchinWithSamantha
Stick and Stitch download features 6 different photograph Christmas Ornament designs (Lights, Snowflakes, Holly, Snowman, Greenery, and Presents) that you can print and stitch on ornaments, and add your personal family photos to display! You can reuse these patterns for years and years to come!
Christmas Tree Embroidery Pattern
Designed by AmityFloralEmbroider
This embroidered Christmas tree in a basket is filled with cozy holiday magic.
The finished embroidery can be turned into a small aroma sachet house by adding cinnamon sticks. It makes a charming home decoration or a heartfelt handmade gift.
Snowflake Embroidery Pattern for Ornaments
Designed by StitchinWithSamantha
Printable embroidery PDF image of a Snowflake stick and stitch design. All you need to do is download it, print the page on water soluble stabilizer, cut out the design, stick it onto your fabric, and embroider!
Xmas Baubles
Hand Embroidery Design by Kushimari
Decorate your home this winter with your hand-embroidered ornaments! These cozy hand embroidery patterns are very suitable for beginners.
Christmas Tree Ornament
Holiday Hand Embroidery Pattern by PigknitStudio
Make personalized handmade Christmas tree ornaments with this easy holiday hand embroidery PDF instant download! An easy diy handmade gift with basic instructions and DMC color suggestions — perfect for cozy crafting and a thoughtful hand-stitched Christmas present.
Note that turning small hoops into tree ornaments means that the back side of the hoop will be visible. Therefore, take good care of it and finish the embroidery in the hoop nicely. If you are not sure which method is best, read the blog post “How to Frame Embroidery in a Hoop: Six Methods of finishing the back of the hoop,” where you will find plenty of ideas and detailed tutorials for each method.
Mini hoop hand embroidery Christmas ornaments
If 8 cm (3 inches) are too big for your taste or your tree, opt for mini hoop embroidered Christmas ornaments. These mini hoops are not made for embroidery, but for framing and come with a convenient wooden back, so you do not need to solve the hoop butt problem.
Embroider small Christmas motifs you like, then frame them in mini hoops. These patterns will work great for mini hoop ornaments. Just leave enough space between the images for framing!
Christmas Mini Hoops
Embroidery pattern designed by ionaroseart
Seven designs for DIY mini Christmas embroidery hoop tree decorations / earrings / pendants / keychains / gifts. Patterns are suitable for beginners (easy versions included).
Tiny Christmas Motifs
Hand Embroidery Pattern by littledear
These super cute, mini Christmas motifs are so much fun to stitch. You can use this sweet little hand embroidery pattern to create a lovely piece of embroidery hoop art, or frame them each individually in cute mini frames to make Holiday ornaments and gifts!
Christmas Mini Embroideries
Digital PDF Pattern by twigandtale
These wee embroideries are the perfect size to frame in mini hoops, but they would be equally lovely on Wayfarer Shoes, table linens, or anywhere that you’d like to add a festive touch.
Other types of hand-embroidered Christmas ornaments
For those of us who not only embroider but also sew, here are a few more ideas for sewing and quilting Christmas ornaments. And of course, you can always add some decorative stitches on top!
Quilted Christmas Ornaments
5 patterns designed by JoeJuneandMae
The finished ornaments are 3″x 3″ . You can use these patterns as well for pin cushions and other Mini Sewing projects.
Star Ornaments
PDF Pattern by TheMakersStashShop
Fun, festive and beautiful EPP Star Ornaments make for a wonderful Christmas stitchy project to gift or decorate your home.
Large Fabric Bow
PDF and Video Tutorial by AnnaGanko
Make your own large fabric bow — a signature design by AnnaGanko, with a clear, step-by-step PDF tutorial you can follow at your own pace.
More hand embroidered Christmas home decor
Hand-embroidered Christmas ornaments and decorations aren’t the only way to adorn your living spaces for the festive season. Christmas-themed home textiles, mantle decorations, pillowcases, and other small and big details blend to create a cozy festive atmosphere.
These embroidery patterns catch my eye, and I think they would be a great addition to ornaments:
Felt Christmas trees
Embroidery pattern by TheHoopInHand
This is an unputdownable project you’re sure to want to add to each year – and if you switch up the colours and mix the interchangeable tiers, the possibilities are endless! The finished trees are sure to make a show-stopping tablescape or extra special gifts for your loved ones.
Heirloom Christmas Tree Topper
Pattern by ForeverHomeCreative
The Heirloom Tree Topper embroidery pattern is a wool felt Christmas star featuring hand-embroidered branches, pine needles, berries, and soft snow-like details. Designed with a nostalgic, collected feel, this project focuses on slow crafting and timeless holiday decor rather than seasonal trends.
Christmas Stitched Tales Napkins
Hand Embroidery Patterns by WhyKnotStitches
This bundle brings together the full Christmas Stitched Tales napkin collection, four carefully documented embroidery projects, plus two exclusive bonus designs offered as a creative experiment.
Each pattern in this bundle is more than a finished design. It’s a documented stitching process, created to guide you step by step while still leaving room for your own interpretation, rhythm, and creative decisions.
Deck the Halls
Satsuma Street modern Christmas bell pull – cross stitch pattern
Deck your halls in style this year with Satsuma Street’s festive Christmas wall hanging! This design features a colorful star, reindeer, bird, bell, and tree. You can stitch them all together in one long hanging, or as separate motifs as shown in the last photo. This unique holiday decor will be an instant family favorite, so download and start stitching yours today!
Free ornament-making patterns and tutorials on the Practical Embroidery blog
Making DIY Christmas decor is one of my favorite seasonal activities, so of course, I wrote some tutorials for this season:
- Monogrammed Velvet Ribbon Bow DIY: Hand Embroidered Ribbon for Holiday Decor
- DIY Christmas Gift Tags With Snowflake Embroidery: Step-by-Step Guide + Free PDF Templates
- Felt Embroidered Christmas Ornaments: PDF Pattern & DIY Tutorial
- How To Embroider Christmas Tree: 5 Simple Methods + Free PDF Pattern
- DIY Christmas ornaments with wreath embroidery
- Handmade Christmas decorations. Detailed step-by-step guide and free PDF pattern download
- Christmas Card Tutorial. Make a unique greeting card with your hand embroidery and surprise your loved ones with a real letter!
How will you adorn your home for Christmas?
So many cute patterns and so little time to embroider, I know!
If I had to choose only one of these projects to make my embroidered Christmas ornaments this year, I would first check the materials I have on hand and choose the project that requires the fewest new tools or materials. Maybe you already have felt, velvet ribbon, or colorful fabric scraps for a mini quilt. Or maybe you have some small hoops lying around unused. Start from there.
Another way to choose a suitable project is to honestly assess how much time you have for stitching and choose accordingly. A simple felt ornament can be stitched in an hour in front of the TV, while an elaborate linen heart with detailed embroidery will take more than one evening of dedicated stitching. So, check your commitments and choose the project you can comfortably finish on time.
Please share the project you would like to make with us in the comments!
More Christmas content on the Blog
Free Printable Christmas Embroidery Patterns: PDF Downloads and Tutorials
Hand Embroidery Gift Ideas to Make for Christmas: Inspiration, Patterns and Tutorials
Christmas Embroidery Ideas for Every Skill Level
