12 Easy Christmas Crafts for Adults (Free Embroidery Pattern)

December is busy, and a slow, hands-on project is one of the best ways to unwind. These Christmas crafts for adults are relaxing, beginner friendly and actually useful: most of them turn into ornaments, decorations or handmade gifts.

Start with the free holly embroidery pattern and stitch guide below. It’s an easy first project, even if you’ve never held an embroidery needle.

Needlework crafts

1. Embroidery hoop ornaments

Stitch a small design in a 3 or 4 inch wooden hoop, trim the fabric at the back, and add a ribbon loop. The hoop becomes the frame, so there’s no finishing work. A holly sprig, a snowflake or a tiny Christmas tree are perfect first projects.

How to transfer the pattern: tape the printed pattern to a sunny window, tape your fabric over it, and trace the lines with a water-soluble pen or a sharp pencil. Then put the fabric in the hoop and stitch.

2. Embroidered tote bag

A plain canvas tote and a wreath design make a lovely gift. Use a 7 inch hoop and work in sections.

3. Crochet ornaments

If you know single crochet, you can make a tree, a bauble or a mini stocking in an evening. Small projects are a nice way to use leftover yarn, and you can make a whole set for the tree.

4. Cross-stitch gift tags

Stitch initials on small squares of Aida cloth, back them with felt and tie them on presents. They double as ornaments after the gifts are opened.

Felt and paper crafts

5. Felt ornaments

Cut two matching shapes (a stocking, mitten, star or gingerbread friend), stitch around the edges with blanket stitch, and stuff lightly before closing. Felt doesn’t fray, so it’s very forgiving.

6. Printable gift tags

Print tags on cardstock, cut them out, punch a hole and add twine. Color-your-own tags are a fun job for guests or kids.

7. Printable wrapping paper

For small gifts like jewelry or gift cards, printed paper works perfectly and matches your tags.

8. Paper snowflakes

Old-fashioned and still beautiful. Use thin white paper and a sharp pair of scissors, and hang them in a window with clear thread.

Natural and home crafts

9. Dried orange garland

Slice oranges thinly, bake at a low temperature for a few hours until dry, and thread them on twine with cinnamon sticks.

10. Salt dough ornaments

Mix flour, salt and water, roll it out, cut shapes and bake. Paint them once they’re cool, or press a pattern into the dough before baking.

11. Pinecone fire starters

Dip pinecones in melted wax, let them dry, and pack them in a basket for a friend with a fireplace.

12. Simple wreath

Wrap a foam or wire ring with yarn or fabric strips and add a few felt leaves or crochet ornaments.

Tips for a cozy craft night

• Set up a table with good light. A small lamp makes embroidery much easier.
• Pre-cut fabric and felt so everyone can start right away.
• Put on a Christmas movie you’ve already seen, so you can look down at your work.
• Don’t aim for perfect. Handmade ornaments are charming because they look handmade.

Making a gift list too? Our free Christmas wish list and letter to Santa helps keep everyone’s wishes in one place.

FAQ

What is the easiest Christmas craft for beginners?

Felt ornaments and embroidery hoop ornaments are both very beginner friendly. Felt doesn’t fray, and the hoop frames your stitching with no extra finishing.

What do I need to start hand embroidery?

A 4 inch wooden hoop, cotton or linen fabric, embroidery floss, an embroidery needle, small scissors and a pen to trace the pattern.

Can I sell items made from the free pattern?

Yes, you can sell finished pieces you stitch by hand in small quantities. Please don’t share or sell the pattern file itself.