Last Minute Christmas Cape From Thrifted Tree Skirt + Headband

Christmas Cape and Headband

We are knee-deep in the Christmas season, and stuff is flying off the shelves faster than Santa’s reindeer can fly. So if you are on the hunt for an ugly Christmas sweater or some silly seasonal swag to wear for your holiday get-together – time is running out.

With no time to waste, I’m crafting one final look that you can throw together at the last minute.

If you saw my previous project, you know that I recently picked up these two tree skirts from the thrift.

I crafted an Ugly Christmas Sweater from the crochet piece and, today, I’m going to show you what I did with the felt skirt.

So let’s get to it.

First, we need our tree skirt, and some craft felt. I’m using Premium Felt in white from Hobby Lobby and some green craft felt leftover from the Elf Shoes made earlier in the season.

I’m winging this as we go, but I also want to add some embellishments, so I’ve pulled out embroidery floss, ribbon, craft bells, and pom-poms.

I also grabbed some felt glue (this one is my favorite), some hot glue, pins, and a needle and thread.

First, we need the free SVG cut files and PDF templates available in our Haunted Library.

I have several options for you today. Because, it may be the ninth hour, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have choices, right?

For my Christmas cape, I’m using the Santa and the Ho Ho Ho Group files, but you can use the large HO Letters if you want to keep it super simple.

To Cut By Hand

To cut by hand, download and print the PDF version of the template, resizing for your project as needed.

To Machine Cut

To cut with a cutting machine, download the SVG Cut File version of the template and upload it to your design software. Resize as necessary to fit your project.

A quick note for those using a cutting machine; gently pull the felt off of your cutting mat. Craft felt isn’t always the most sturdy, and you don’t want to tear some of the delicate cuts.

I cut three of the Santas in the white premium felt and two of the Ho Ho Ho’s from the green craft felt.

I took white and red embroidery floss and added some large straight stitches to the Ho Ho Ho to give it some interest. Gluing on some ribbon is another good alternative.

I laid the tree skirt flat and pinned the felt pieces into place for a test run. I then tried it on to ensure everything was where I wanted it to be.

Once I was satisfied, I began to glue on the pieces with felt glue.

For the tie, I stitched ribbon at the top edge and added bells onto the ends of the tails.

Finally, I hot glued a white pom-pom to each Santa’s hat.

And, we’re done!

This thrifted tree skirt is now a Christmas Cape ready for the Ugly Christmas Sweater party, holiday parade, or family festivity.

But, wait – there’s more!

I decided we might as well have a little extra something to go with our new Christmas cape, so I also crafted a headband using the Ho Ho Ho With Tabs file (also located in the Haunted Library).

For this project, we need a headband (mine is 3/4″ wide), glitter cardstock, hot glue, and embellishments.

Cut the Ho Ho Ho (with tabs) from the glitter cardstock.

Bend back the tabs and glue them to the underside of the headband.

I placed a red felt cover over my headband. If you want to do the same check out the quick and easy removable and no-sew cover tutorials.

Lastly, embellish as desired. I used tinsel garland and tiny bows, but small ornaments, bells, miniature gift packages, lights, and greenery will also work well.