DIY Christmas Felt Heart Ornaments: Step-by-Step Sewing Tutorial

Have you ever found yourself staring at your sewing stash, thinking, What should I sew next? The fabric scraps are calling your name, the beads are begging for attention, and that lace ribbon you’ve been saving for “something special” is just sitting there, waiting for its big moment. Well, today, we’re going to give all those little odds and ends the spotlight they deserve – by making a cute sewing project that’s as festive as it is fun: a Felt Heart ornament!

But this isn’t just about sewing a heart. You’re about to unlock the secrets of beaded blanket stitches (they’re way easier than they look), discover how to turn a lace ribbon into the prettiest little flower, and create Christmas ornaments that are truly one-of-a-kind. The best part? You can use up those small scraps and still end up with something that looks boutique-worthy.

It’s the kind of project that makes you feel like a crafting genius while secretly being so simple you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.

So, whether you’re looking for your next sewing adventure, a festive DIY gift, or just something fun to hang on your tree, this project has everything you need. Grab your scraps, your thread, and let’s turn that what to sew dilemma into a handmade masterpiece you’ll love. 

What you’ll need

1. Felt sheet for large hearts
2. Coordinating cotton fabric for small hearts
3. Fabric glue stick
4. Embroidery thread (in coordinating colors)
5. Beads (small, uniform size)
6. Filling (polyfill or cotton)
7. Ribbon for hanging
8. Embroidery needle
9. Scissors

Well, calling all craft supply enthusiasts! It’s time to raid your stash for this adorable project. Chances are, you’ve got most of these materials already. Let’s see… felt sheets? Check! Cute cotton scraps? Double-check! Grab your trusty fabric glue stick (because who doesn’t have one of those lying around?), and that polyfill you swore you’d use someday. Oh, and don’t forget to snip a bit of ribbon from that endless supply you’ve been saving “just in case.” Your scissors are probably already in your hand, and I bet you can find an embroidery needle with your eyes closed.

Step 1. Cut Out the Shapes

Start by preparing your fabric. Take your felt sheets and cotton fabric, and decide on the color combinations. Choose two complementary colors for a cohesive and appealing design. For example, I used light pink felt for the large hearts and vibrant magenta cotton for the smaller hearts.

Using a heart-shaped stencil or freehand drawing, trace two large hearts onto the felt. Make sure your shapes are exactly the same by folding the felt and cutting through both layers at once. This ensures the hearts match perfectly when you sew them together later.

Next, repeat the process with the cotton fabric to create the two smaller hearts. These hearts should be proportionally smaller to fit neatly inside the larger felt hearts, leaving enough space for decorative stitching along the edges. 

Once cut, lay the smaller cotton hearts on top of the larger felt hearts to check their placement. Make sure the smaller hearts are centered. 

If you don’t have a stencil, try folding a piece of paper in half and cutting a heart shape. Unfold it to create a perfectly symmetrical stencil.

This project is a great opportunity to use scrap fabric from your stash. Small projects like this don’t require much material, so even the tiniest leftovers can shine. For the smaller hearts, I chose a beautiful cotton fabric with silver sparkles that I had left over from a previous project. 

✅ Related tutorial: 21 Scrap Fabric Projects to Transform Your Textile Trash into Treasure

The cotton fabric I used has a very tight weave, which prevents fraying, keeping the edges neat and clean. It also has a slightly stiff texture, likely due to sizing – a starch-like finish applied during manufacturing to give the fabric some stiffness. This feature makes cutting and stitching much easier because the fabric holds its shape well and doesn’t wrinkle or shift.

Step 2. Attach the Small Hearts

For this step, use a fabric glue stick to temporarily secure the pieces in place. Fabric glue sticks are a great tool for small projects like this because they hold the fabric firmly enough for stitching while remaining easy to sew through without gumming up your needle.

Apply a thin, even layer of glue to the back of the smaller heart. Focus on a few spots in the middle to create a secure bond. Don’t apply glue to the edges. Be careful not to use too much glue; a little goes a long way. Gently press the smaller heart onto the felt, smoothing it down with your fingers to ensure a firm attachment.

Repeat the process for the second heart, carefully centering and pressing the smaller cotton heart onto its felt base. Once both hearts are glued in place, let them sit for a few minutes to allow the glue to set.

By securing the cotton hearts first, you can focus on the fun part – stitching decorative blanket stitches – without worrying about the pieces moving out of place.

Note: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This means I will receive a commission if you order a product through one of my links. I only recommend products I believe in and use myself. 

Aleene’s Temporary Fabric Glue Sticks

✅ Related tutorial: How To Choose The Best Fabric Glue For Every Occasion

Step 3. Sew the Small Hearts with Blanket Stitch

For the first heart, I used a regular blanket stitch to sew the small cotton heart securely onto the larger felt heart. 

For this project, I chose pearl cotton thread in white for the blanket stitch. Pearl cotton is a fantastic alternative to regular embroidery floss because of its smooth, slightly glossy texture and its durability. Unlike embroidery floss, pearl cotton is non-stranded, meaning you don’t need to separate the threads. This makes it much easier to work with, especially for decorative stitches like the blanket stitch.

The thickness of pearl cotton gives the stitches a bold, raised appearance. The white color contrasts beautifully with the magenta sparkles and pink felt. If you’re looking for a thread that’s both easy to handle and visually striking, pearl cotton is an excellent choice for projects like this.

Soft 1500Y 15 Pearl Balls

How to Start the Blanket Stitch

Thread your needle with embroidery thread, using a length that feels manageable (about 18–24 inches is a good start).

Tie a small knot at the end of the thread. Insert the needle from the back of the felt heart, bringing it up through the edge of the smaller cotton heart near the starting point. This hides the knot between the layers.

Make the first stitch by inserting the needle into the fabric. Pull the thread through, leaving a loop at the surface.

This step anchors the stitch and begins the blanket stitch pattern.

✅ Related tutorial: Blanket Stitch Tutorial: Techniques, Tips, and Variations

Sew the Second Stitch

After completing the first blanket stitch, insert your needle into the fabric, decide what distance from the first stitch you want to use. Pull the thread through to secure the second stitch. The thread should now form a neat line connecting the first and second stitches, creating the characteristic shape of a blanket stitch.

Continue Stitching

Repeat the process for the next stitches. Insert the needle into the fabric at the same consistent distance from the edge and the previous stitch. Pull gently to tighten. By now, you’ll see the neat, evenly spaced stitches forming a decorative border along the heart. Continue maintaining equal spacing and tension for a uniform look.

Stitching Around the Corners and Curves

When stitching around curves, keep your stitches evenly spaced and consistent in size. For tight corners, such as the point of the heart, place one stitch directly at the tip to anchor it. Then, rotate the heart slightly and continue stitching along the new edge. At the top curves, use smaller, closer stitches to maintain a smooth, rounded look.

How to Change Thread

If you run out of thread while sewing:

1. Tie a small knot at the back of the felt to secure the end of your current thread.
2. Thread a new length of embroidery floss and tie a knot at the end.
3. Start the new thread by bringing the needle up through the fabric, just behind your last stitch. Continue sewing as usual, hiding the knot between the layers for a seamless finish.

The stitches form a neat border, adding both decoration and structure to the ornament.

Step 4. Use a Closed Blanket Stitch (Merrow Stitch) on the Second Heart

For the second heart, I  used a variation of the blanket stitch known as the closed blanket stitch or merrow stitch. This technique creates a decorative “V” pattern by working with a double thread. Instead of forming loops, the needle is inserted between the two strands of thread to produce the unique effect.

How to Sew the Closed Blanket Stitch

Use pearl cotton or embroidery floss and thread your needle with a double thread. Tie a knot to secure the thread.

#1. Start the First Stitch

Begin with a regular blanket stitch. Insert the needle through the felt just outside the edge of the cotton heart and pull the thread through, leaving the double strand flat against the fabric.

#2. Insert the Needle Between Threads

For the first stitch, insert the needle into the fabric as you normally would for a blanket stitch. Before pulling the thread tight, bring the needle up and pass it between the two strands of thread. This step creates the “V” shape that defines the closed blanket stitch.

#3. Continue Stitching

Repeat the process for each stitch. Insert the needle into the fabric, then guide it between the two strands before pulling tight. This creates evenly spaced “V” shapes along the edge of the heart.

#4. Maintain Consistency

Keep your stitches evenly spaced. This helps create a uniform design. This decorative variation not only secures the small heart but also adds a bold, textured edge to your ornament.

Step 5. Beaded Blanket Stitch Around the Edges

I remember seeing the beaded blanket stitch on Pinterest for the first time. It looked so intricate and beautiful that I assumed it must be very difficult to achieve. But when I gave it a try, I was pleasantly surprised! It’s much easier than it looks, and the result is absolutely stunning. If you’ve never tried this stitch before, trust me – you’ll love how simple it is to create something so elegant.

To start, take the two large felt hearts and pin them together, ensuring that the edges align perfectly. This step is important because it keeps the hearts stable while you sew.

Now, begin working the blanket stitch along the edges as usual. Here’s the fun part: before completing each stitch, thread a bead onto the needle and slide it down so it rests snugly against the fabric. Then pull the stitch tight, securing the bead in place.

Add a bead to every stitch as you sew around the heart’s edge.

I recommend using small beads that match or complement your thread and felt colors.

shynek 1400 Pieces 6mm Round Glass Beads

As you sew, leave a small opening at the side of the heart. This is where you’ll add the filling to give the ornament a 3D shape. Once the stitching is complete (except for the small opening), set your needle aside for a moment and prepare to fill the heart.

Step 6. Add Filling

Now it’s time to give the heart some dimension and make it look even more charming. For this step, I used polyfill, but you can also use cotton or any soft stuffing you have on hand.

Take a small amount of filling and gently insert it through the opening you left earlier. I found that using smaller handfuls of stuffing makes it easier to work it into the corners of the heart. Use your fingers or the blunt end of a pencil to distribute the filling evenly. Be careful not to overstuff; you want the heart to look full and plush but not stretched.

BUTUZE 150g Polyfill Stuffing Fiber Fill

Once the heart has its shape, pick up your needle and thread. Continue the beaded blanket stitch to close the opening. This step might feel a little tricky at first because you’ll need to hold the stuffing in place while stitching. Just take it slow and keep your stitches consistent with the rest of the heart.

With the filling added and the opening closed, the heart is nearly complete – just one last touch to make it truly unique!.

Step 7.  Decorate with Lace Ribbon Flower

While finishing the heart, I came across this stunning lace ribbon. It has sparkling magenta and gold threads woven into a sheer white base. The metallic accents catch the light beautifully, making it perfect for the ornament. The scalloped edges of the lace create a soft, decorative feel, which is ideal for crafting a flower.

To create the flower, cut a length of lace ribbon (about 6-8 inches works well) and gently gather it into a circle. Secure the base of the flower with a few hand stitches. This step holds the shape of the flower firmly in place.

For the center of the flower, sew a larger bead in a coordinating color to match the beaded edge. 

Position the completed flower on the upper left corner of the heart. Stitch it securely to the fabric, ensuring it is well-attached.

Step 8.  Add a Ribbon for Hanging

The final touch for your ornament is attaching a ribbon for hanging. Choose a thin ribbon that complements the colors of your design – I used a soft pink ribbon to match the felt and beads. Sew a small loop of ribbon at the top of the heart, making sure the stitches are strong enough to hold the ornament’s weight securely. Once attached, your ornament is ready to hang and shine on the Christmas tree.

✅ Related tutorial: Unique Homemade Christmas Ornaments for Every Skill Level: A Roundup of 62 Tutorials

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