♥︎ Christmas inspiration
Make your own Advent calendar
Sew a classic Advent calendar with little pockets, one for each day leading up to Christmas. Or make four lovely gift bags with a special surprise for each Sunday of Advent.
Whichever you choose, it’s a lovely way to create a family tradition and make the countdown to Christmas feel even more special.
The joy of Christmas anticipation
Inspiration for handmade Advent calendars
A handmade Advent calendar makes counting down to Christmas even more enjoyable. Choose your favourite Christmas fabrics, sewing accessories and craft supplies, and create a calendar that feels just right for your Christmas.
Sew 24 little pockets, bags or parcels for a surprise each day. When December is over, pack it away ready to bring out and enjoy all over again next year.
How to get started
Choose the Advent calendar that suits your family and make it your own. Our free DIY guides include patterns and instructions to help you from start to finish.
Play with colours, motifs and little details. Embroider a name on the calendar, add pretty ribbons or buttons, or use fabric scraps for pockets and decorations.
Find the fabric for your Advent calendar
Explore our Christmas fabrics and find a look you’ll love bringing out every December. Go for classic reds and greens, charming Christmas motifs or something completely different to suit your home.
A few tips
- Choose sturdy, hard-wearing fabrics, such as cotton or canvas, so your Advent calendar can be brought out year after year.
- Vary the size of the pockets to make room for both small and slightly bigger surprises.
- Use fabric scraps for pockets, numbers and little details. It gives the calendar a cosy, personal look.
- Add names or initials if each child is having their own Advent calendar.
- Sew a channel or loops along the top so the calendar is easy to hang, for example from a wooden dowel.
Even more ideas for Christmas
Fancy a little more inspiration? Explore even more creative Christmas ideas for decorations, gifts and cosy projects to make on your own or together with the family.
