How to Make DIY Decoupage Fabric Ornaments With Mod Podge -

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Learn how to make DIY decoupage fabric ornaments using Mod Podge and fabric strips. An easy, cozy Christmas craft perfect for any tree.

DIY ornaments hanging on a Christmas tree in bedroom with floral accents. — *As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains other affiliate links too for your convenience. You can read my privacy policy for more details.

Every holiday season I LOVE to make handmade ornaments.

It’s a simple tradition but one that makes Christmas, well feel like Christmas for me.

You might remember some of the ornaments I’ve made throughout the years…

Like the salt dough gingerbread ones, bottle brush tree ornaments, star shaped air dry clay ornaments, or even the dried orange slice ornaments that always make the whole house smell heavenly.

There’s something wonderful about pulling out those ornaments each December and remembering exactly when (and why) you made them.

This year’s ornament project started with a few velvet covered ornaments I wasn’t loving, at all.

Instead of tossing them back in the bin (like I normally would…you know, out of sight, out of mind), I decided to give them a little makeover with fabric and Mod Podge.

And they turned out even cuter than I expected!

Cozy, textured, nostalgic, really everything a handmade ornament should be.

I’m sharing how to make these DIY decoupage fabric ornaments so you can create your own set whether you’re giving old ornaments a fresh look, using up scrap fabric, or just wanting a relaxing craft to enjoy the holiday season.

What You’ll Love About This DIY:

INEXPENSIVE – You can make this craft using materials you already have on hand like scrap fabric, Mod Podge, and old round ornaments you don’t love anymore.
EASY TO MAKE – If you can wrap a strip of fabric and brush on Mod Podge, you can make these ornaments!
CUSTOMIZABLE – Choose any fabric you like…gingham, floral, ticking stripe, or even leftover quilt scraps. They all look charming.

Supplies You’ll Need to Make These DIY Decoupage Fabric Ornaments

Gather these materials to make your own custom ornaments…

Fabric, round glass ornaments, scissors, Mod Podge, and a paintbrush are the supplies you'll need to make your own DIY decoupage ornaments.

Round Plastic or Glass Ornaments: The base for your project.
Scissors: To cut your fabric strips and trimming excess fabric.
Scrap Fabric (cut into strips): Cotton fabric works best. Cut into 1/2″ wide strips for wrapping around the ornament. The length of each strip will depend on the circumference of the ornament you use.
Mod Podge (matte or satin): The glue and sealer for the fabric.
Paintbrush: To apply smooth, even layers of Mod Podge.
Ornament Hooks: For hanging your ornaments on your Christmas tree.

LITTLE NOTE FROM HEIDI: I used velvet covered glass ornaments for this DIY because they weren’t my favorite anymore, and instead of tossing them, I decided to give them a little makeover with decoupage. It worked great in the end, but the velvet surface isn’t the easiest for fabric to adhere to, so you may need a bit more Mod Podge and patience as you smooth the strips into place. If you’re using smooth plastic or glass ornaments, the process will be much easier.

materials you’ll need

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I’m Heidi, the heart and hands behind Eleanor Rose Home.

Heidi and her dachshund rescue Eleanor Roosevelt.

I’ll show you that your home can become a place of warmth, comfort, and style with practical tips, creative ideas, and my own journey to help you create a space that feels like you…welcoming, personal, and full of charm.

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How to Make Fabric and Mod Podge DIY Ornaments

If you’ve never made decoupage ornaments before, you’ll be surprised at just how easy (and fun) this method is.

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Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have beautiful, custom ornaments for your Christmas tree.

01

Remove the Ornament Cap

Gently pull off the little metal (or plastic) ornament cap from the top of your ornament.
This makes it much easier to wrap the fabric evenly around the entire surface. You’ll pop it back on once everything is dry.

02

Cut Your Fabric Into Strips

Cut your fabric into 1/2″ wide strips. The length will depend on the circumference of the ornament you’re using, so just cut your strips long enough to wrap fully around your ornament with a little overlap. Cotton fabrics work best because they mold easily once coated with Mod Podge. You’ll need anywhere from about 10-15 fabric strips per ornament, again depending on the size.

03

Brush Mod Podge on Part of the Ornament

Start by brushing a thin layer of Mod Podge onto a small section of the ornament. Working in sections will prevent drying before you place your fabric strip.

Using a paintbrush, brush Mod Podge onto the Christmas ornament before adding fabric strips.

04

Wrap a Fabric Strip Around the Ornament

Place one end of the strip near the top of the ornament and gently wrap it around, smoothing with the paintbrush as you go. Add a little more Mod Podge on top of the strip as you wrap to help it adhere.

Adding a strip of fabric to the glass ornament and attaching with more Mod Podge.

05

Continue Wrapping Until the Ornament Is Covered

Overlap each strip slightly as you continue wrapping around the ornament. If you notice any puckering or bumps, dab on a bit more Mod Podge and smooth it down with your brush or fingers. Keep wrapping until the entire ornament is completely covered. Don’t worry about how the top of the ornament looks, the ornament cap will cover it.

Continue to layer fabric around the circumference of the ornament to completely cover it.

06

Let the Ornament Dry

Place the opening of the ornament over a wooden skewer and stand the skewer upright in a piece of styrofoam. This keeps the ornament upside down, allows air to circulate evenly, and prevents the fabric from sticking to your work surface. It typically dries within an hour or two, but I like to have them sit overnight for the most durable result. (Sorry, I forgot to take a photo of this step!)

07

Seal the Ornament With Mod Podge

Brush a final thin coat of Mod Podge over the entire surface. This helps seal the fabric and gives the ornament a soft, matte finish. Let that dry for an hour or so.

Handmade decoupage ornament for the Christmas tree to decorate for the holiday season.

08

Add the Ornament Cap and Hang

Once the ornament is completely dry, pop the ornament cap back on. I hung mine with a simple ornament hook, but you can add ribbon or twine if you prefer a more decorative look. Either way, your ornaments are now ready for the Christmas tree!

Helpful Tips

Thin cotton fabric molds to the ornament easier than thicker fabrics.
Work in small sections. Mod Podge dries quickly, so brushing on a little at a time helps the fabric adhere smoothly.
Make sure to overlap the fabric strips slightly to create seamless coverage and prevent the original ornament from showing through underneath.
If you’re having trouble with the fabric sticking to the ornament, add a little extra Mod Podge and hold the fabric strip in place for a few seconds until it adheres.
The decoupage ornaments may feel dry after an hour, but overnight drying creates a stronger, smoother finish.
This craft is perfect for giving new life to ornaments you don’t love anymore, just cover them and enjoy a fresh look!

Fabric Ideas to Make Cozy Ornaments

If you want your ornaments to feel timeless, warm, and a little nostalgic, these are the fabrics I would use…

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Gingham
Ticking Stripe
Calico Prints
Quilt Scraps
Florals
Plaid or Tartan
Vintage Inspired Holiday Prints

COZY TIP: When selecting your fabrics, try choosing an odd number of patterns, like a mix of 3 or 5 coordinating prints. Odd numbers will naturally look more balanced and visually interesting on your Christmas tree.

Decoupage DIY Christmas ornaments for your Christmas tree for the holiday season.

How to Store Decoupaged Christmas Ornaments

Handmade ornaments deserve a little extra care, and storing them properly will help them last for years to come.

Here’s the best way to protect your decoupaged ornaments so they stay looking beautiful season after season…

Wrap each ornament individually in soft tissue paper or bubble wrap to prevent scratches or dents.
Use a divided ornament storage box so each ornament has its own little compartment.
Store in a cool, dry place away from heat or moisture, which can cause the Mod Podge to soften over time.
If you’ve added ribbon bows or embellishments, store those facing upward to keep them from flattening.

DIY Decoupage Ornament Frequently Asked Questions

Are there other materials I can use to decoupage an ornament besides fabric?
Yes! You could also use tissue paper, decorative napkins, wrapping paper, book pages, sheet music, scrapbook paper, printed vintage letters or postcards, or paper doilies. Just be sure the material is thin and flexible enough to mold around the ornament for the smoothest finish.

Can I use any type of fabric for this DIY?
Lightweight cotton or linen works best because it molds easily to the ornament. Thicker fabrics are harder to bend around the rounded surface making them much harder to work with.

Do I have to use Mod Podge or will another glue work?
Mod Podge is best because it acts as both a glue and sealer.

What if the fabric won’t stick to my ornament?
This can happen with textured surfaces like velvet (I know from experience). Just use a bit more Mod Podge and press the fabric in place for a few extra seconds until it softens and adheres.