How to Make a Stitched Christmas Tree Card
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Time to read 5 min
Create a beautiful handmade Christmas card featuring a layered, stitched Christmas tree. In this step-by-step tutorial, you'll learn how to combine die-cutting and simple stitching techniques to build a dimensional holiday card complete with a decorative pot, layered tree sections, and sparkling embellishments.
This project is perfect for cardmakers who want to try stitching on cardstock. The stitching pattern is beginner-friendly, making it an excellent introduction to combining embroidery floss with die-cut designs. Once you complete one section of the tree, the remaining layers follow the same simple process.
Hello there, Michelle Short here to share a step-by-step tutorial with you using the Oh Christmas Stitch Etched Dies. This wonderful set features a four-tiered tree, a pot for it to stand in, and a star. There are several ways to use this set, with or without stitching, making it a versatile addition to your holiday crafting supplies.
Project Snapshot
| Project Details | A layered Christmas tree card featuring stitched die-cut elements, dimensional assembly, and sparkling gem embellishments. |
| Skill Level | Beginner to Intermediate |
| Approximate Time | 60–90 Minutes |
| Project Type | Handmade Christmas Card |
| Techniques | Die Cutting, Stitching on Cardstock, Layering, Stamping, Dimensional Adhesion |
| Occasion | Christmas, Holiday Greetings |
| Finished Size | A2 Card (4.25" × 5.5") |
| Featured Products | Oh Christmas Stitch Etched Dies, Chimney Caper Clear Stamp & Die Set, Prism AB Color Essentials Gems |
What You'll Need
Spellbinders Products
- Oh Christmas Stitch Etched Dies
- Chimney Caper Clear Stamp & Die Set
- Rainforest ColorWheel Cardstock
- Lavender ColorWheel Cardstock
- Fairy Tale ColorWheel Cardstock
- Silver Color Essentials Gems
- Prism AB Color Essentials Gems
- Platinum SIX Die Cutting Machine
- Handy Craft Tool Set
- Spellbinders 4" Detail Scissors
- Best Ever Craft Tape
- White Foam Squares Mix – 1mm
- Bearly Art Precision Craft Glue
- Mini MISTI
Other Supplies
- DMC BLANC Embroidery Floss
- DMC 208 Very Dark Lavender Embroidery Floss
- DMC Round End Size 24 Needles
- Versafine Clair Nocturne Ink
How to Make a Stitched Christmas Tree Card
Step 1 – Die Cut the Base Layers
Die-cut the base layers of the Christmas tree from Rainforest ColorWheel Cardstock.
Die-cut the base layer of the pot from Lavender ColorWheel Cardstock.
Please note that the dies are shown in the project photos facing upward so you can easily identify which cardstock is used for each piece. When die-cutting, place the cutting edge down against the cardstock.
Step 2 – Die-Cut the Stitching Layers
Place the stitching dies inside the matching base dies and secure them with low-tack tape.
Die-cut the stitching layers of the tree from Rainforest ColorWheel Cardstock.
Die-cut the stitching layer of the pot from Lavender ColorWheel Cardstock.
Step 3 – Die-Cut the Detail Layers
Die-cut the decorative detail layers of the tree from Rainforest ColorWheel Cardstock.
Secure dies with Best Ever Craft Tape and run them through the Platinum SIX Die Cutting Machine.
Use the following sandwich:
- Platform Base
- Platform Top
- Cutting Plate
- Cardstock with die
- Cutting Plate
Step 4 – Stitch the Tree Layers
Remove all of the tiny cardstock pieces from the stitching holes using a Precision Tool.
Cut a length of white embroidery floss and separate it into three strands.
Designer Tip: Use fewer strands for finer stitching or additional strands for a bolder stitched appearance.
Thread the floss onto a round-ended embroidery needle.
Begin stitching by bringing the needle up through the top hole and leaving a tail to tie later.
Work back down through the adjacent hole.
Continue working across the section, repeating the stitching pattern.
Repeat until the section is complete.
Flip the piece over and tie the thread ends together.
Trim excess thread with detail scissors.
Repeat the process for all remaining tree sections.
Designer Tip: You can continue with a single thread for an entire tier if preferred, although stitching in smaller sections reduces bulk behind the die cut.
Step 5 – Adhere the Tree Layers
Apply Bearly Art Glue to the back of the stitched layer.
Adhere the stitched layer to the coordinating base layer.
Apply adhesive to the decorative layer and adhere it on top.
Repeat the process for the remaining tree tiers.
Step 6 – Stitch the Pot
Cut a length of purple embroidery floss, separate into three strands, and thread the needle.
Start at one end of the pot and bring the needle through the top hole.
Secure the thread on the back using Best Ever Craft Tape.
Continue the stitching pattern across the pot.
Secure the thread on the reverse side and trim any excess.
Adhere the stitched layer to the pot base.
Step 7 – Stamp the Sentiment
Create an A2 card base from Fairy Tale ColorWheel Cardstock and place it inside a Mini MISTI.
Use the assembled tree as a guide to position the sentiment.
Place the "cozy wishes for a Merry Christmas" sentiment from the Chimney Caper Clear Stamp & Die Set onto the card.
Pick up the stamp using the lid of the Mini MISTI and ink it with Versafine Clair Nocturne Ink.
Stamp the sentiment onto the card base.
Step 8 – Assemble the Card
Adhere the completed pot to the card base using liquid glue.
Add foam squares to the back of the bottom tree tier.
Attach the bottom tier, overlapping the pot slightly.
Repeat for the remaining tree layers, building the tree upward.
Add Silver Color Essentials Gems to the stitched sections of the tree.
Finish the design with Prism AB Color Essentials Gems.
Tips for Better Stitched Card Projects
- Use round-end needles when stitching cardstock.
- Remove die-cut holes completely before beginning to stitch.
- Work one section at a time to reduce bulk behind the cardstock.
- Use foam adhesive to create depth between layered elements.
- Try metallic embroidery floss for an elegant holiday look.
Ways to Customize This Project
- Create a traditional green and red Christmas tree.
- Use metallic thread for extra sparkle.
- Try pastel holiday color palettes.
- Add additional gem embellishments.
- Change the sentiment for holiday thank-you cards.
- Create multiple trees in different sizes for a forest scene.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cardstock stitching beginner-friendly?
Yes. Because the die creates all of the stitching holes, the process is much easier than traditional embroidery and is perfect for beginners.
Do I need special needles?
Round-ended embroidery needles work well because the holes are already created by the dies.
Can I make this design without stitching?
Yes. The Oh Christmas Stitch Etched Dies can be used with or without thread depending on the look you prefer.
What thread works best for cardstock stitching?
Standard embroidery floss works beautifully and allows you to adjust thickness by changing the number of strands used.
More Christmas Card Ideas from Spellbinders
- Christmas Stitching Ideas
- More Christmas Stitched Cards
- Stitched Christmas Trees Inspiration
- 4 Stitching Die Methods Without Thread
- 12 Stitching Die Tips
Conclusion
This stitched Christmas tree design is a wonderful introduction to stitching on cardstock. The simple repetitive pattern makes it approachable for beginners, while the layered die cuts and sparkling embellishments create a beautifully finished holiday card.
Experiment with different cardstock colors, thread colors, and embellishments to make the design uniquely your own.
About the Designer
Michelle Short is known for elegant handmade card designs that combine die cutting, stamping, and detailed techniques in an approachable way. Her projects often showcase thoughtful layering and creative uses for Spellbinders products.
Thank you so much for stopping by the blog today, and happy holiday crafting!
