If you have a cheap tinsel tree from the dollar store that doesn’t suit your style, don’t toss it. With a few fabric scraps and a handful of simple supplies you can transform it into a charming mini fabric Christmas tree that complements your holiday decor.
Earlier I experimented with a ribbon-wrapped mini tree. It was a decent try, but I wanted something more textured and organic. That led me to this easy dollar-store makeover: a fabric-scrap mini Christmas tree that feels boho, cozy, and handmade.
Below you’ll find a short materials list and a clear, simple method to make your own. This project is part of a dollar-store holiday craft collaboration I’m doing with friends—be sure to scroll to the bottom to see their ideas.
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Materials I Used:
- Mini tinsel Christmas tree (dollar store find)
- Fabric scraps
- Pins
- Bakers twine (for a tiny pompom topper)
- A short piece of craft wire (to secure the pompom)
- Scissors
This is definitely the dollar-store edition of mini tree projects. I wanted to refresh a small tinsel tree without spending much. When I found a plain gold tinsel tree it wasn’t my aesthetic, but it made an excellent base to cover with fabric.
How to Make a Mini Fabric Christmas Tree
Step 1 — Choose fabric and cut strips: Select fabric scraps that coordinate with your seasonal decor. I used a lightweight woven fabric I already had from other projects. Cut strips about 2 inches wide. For a textured, relaxed look, leave one long edge raw and fringe it by snipping short cuts along the edge.
Step 2 — Layer the strips: Starting at the bottom of the tinsel tree, wrap a fabric strip around to cover the tinsel and secure it with a pin at the back. Continue wrapping additional strips above, making each successive piece slightly shorter to create the tapered tree shape. Work in layers so the fabric overlaps neatly and hides most of the tinsel beneath.
Pin the fabric discreetly at the back; the pins do the job and keep this project quick and glue-free. If you prefer a cleaner reverse side, you can use hot glue or stitch closures into place, but for a small bookshelf tree the pins are perfectly fine.
Step 3 — Make a topper: For a playful finish, make a small pompom from bakers twine. Twist and wrap the twine until you have a tight little pompom, then secure it by twisting a short piece of craft wire into the center.
Step 4 — Create the final fabric cone: Cut a circular or cone-shaped piece of fabric to fit the top of the tree. Leave a small opening at the peak, slide the craft wire through that opening, and anchor the pompom in place. The fabric cone gives the tree a polished peak and hides the remaining tinsel top.
And that’s it — a small, handmade fabric mini tree ready to tuck on a shelf, mantle, or holiday vignette. The finished look is whimsical and slightly Dr. Seuss–like, which is part of the charm. Use different fabrics—plaid, velvet, linen, or patterned cotton—to create many variations and seasonal themes.
Tips and finishing thoughts: If the back of your tree looks messy because of visible pins, place the tree in a corner or on a shelf where the reverse side isn’t seen, or tidy the back by aligning pins in a straight pattern or covering them with a strip of fabric. The project is intentionally simple and quick, ideal for using leftover fabric and adding a handmade touch to your holiday display.
My little collection of mini trees has grown thanks to inexpensive bases and a few creative supplies. Would you guess there’s tinsel hiding underneath this fabric? The result looks cozy, boho-chic, and entirely unique.
If you’ve never tried making mini Christmas trees, this is a great starter project. It’s fast, budget-friendly, and perfect for using fabric remnants. Give it a try and see how many unique mini trees you can create.
Scroll down to see the other dollar-store Christmas craft ideas from my friends.
My Husband Has Too Many Hobbies • Across the Blvd • The Boondocks Blog
Stone Cottage Adventures • Sew Crafty Crochet • Purple Hues and Me
Cookies, Coffee, and Crafts • Domestic Deadline • Two Chicks and a Mom
Mom Home Guide
Additional Christmas Crafts You May Enjoy
