28/10/25
Sew & Embroider Your Own Advent Calendar
Sew & Embroider Your Own Advent Calendar
Stitch your way into the holiday season
December always seems to come faster than we think – and you wanted to make your own Advent calendar this year? No worries! With this easy step-by-step guide, you’ll sew and embroider a beautiful, reusable calendar – complete with little fabric bags and decorative details. We’ll show you how to create each pouch, add embroidered numbers and festive accents, and finish everything neatly. A creative project that turns your countdown to Christmas into a handmade tradition. Tip: Short on time? You can also embroider ready-made fabric bags!
Required Materials
- Stork” embroidery scissors
- Gütermann all-purpose thread
- Creative interlining
- Marking & erasing pen
- Linen fabric, plain: pine green, bordeaux, beige (0.5 m each)
- Cotton cord, 4 mm, natural
- Transfer paper
- Embroidery needles, assorted No. 18–22
- Aqua Trick Marker, white
- Grip pins
- Embroidery hoop Ø 13 cm
- Mini steam iron (
- Corner and edge shaper
- Needle twister with sewing & darning needles
- Fray check
- Threading needles
- Embroidery floss in your chosen colours
Technique Notes
Each bag is embroidered using three simple stitches: the stem stitch, the satin stitch, and the backstitch.
All you need is a sewing machine and the listed materials – then you’re ready to start! Short on time? You can also embroider ready-made fabric bags.
Tip: Read through the entire tutorial before you start sewing – it makes everything easier.
Step 1: Prepare the pattern
Print the template, place it on the fabric and cut out front and back pieces. Transfer the notch marking for the drawstring casing.
Step 2: Transfer the embroidery design
Place transfer paper (colour side down) on the fabric, the template on top and trace it carefully. Don’t worry – the lines will wash out later.
Step 3: Hoop and thread preparation
Place your fabric in the hoop, cut about 25 cm of embroidery floss, tie a knot at one end and thread the needle. Use all 6 strands for stitching.
Step 4: Fix the linen edges
Linen frays easily – apply fray check or leave extra seam allowance and trim neatly after stitching.
Step 5: Stem stitch - for branches
Use small, even curves to create smooth lines.
Step 6: Satin stitch - for leaves
Fill each leaf with close, parallel stitches for a clean, even surface..
Step 7: Prepare the numbers
Trace the numbers in mirror image onto creative interlining and iron on according to the instructions.
Step 8: Apply or embroider numbers
Option 1: Iron-on appliqué.
Option 2: Outline the numbers with the Trick Marker and embroider them using backstitch.
Step 9: Sew the drawstring casing
Cut along the marked slit, fold the edges inward and topstitch close to the edge.
Step 10: Sew the bag
Place front and back right sides together, pin and stitch with a 1 cm seam allowance. Start and finish below the casing.
Step 11: Finish edges & turn
Trim the seam allowance to 0.5 cm, finish with zigzag stitch, turn the bag right-side-out and press.
Step 12: Insert the cords
Cut two cords (40 cm each). Thread one around the top from the right side, the second from the left – so the bag closes neatly when pulled.
All done! Fill each bag with small surprises and enjoy a handmade countdown to Christmas.
