At Makerist, we love the countdown to Christmas! Instead of buying a boring chocolate calendar this year, why not make your own reusable Advent Calendar? A homemade calendar is unique and saves you buying a new paper calendar every year. And you can still fill it with chocolate!
What you will need:
– 2 x cotton fabric (1 x 1.50 m each) with two different motifs
– Rotary cutter or fabric scissors
– Cutting mat
– Pins
– Sewing machine
– Sewing thread
– Gift ribbon
– 24 small paper signs
– 24 small gifts
– Pen
Step 1
You can customize your calendar depending on the size of the gifts – the tube should be at least 3 m long and approx. 15 cm wide. To make it easier to cut the strips, lay down your first fabric widthwise (1.50 m), fold it in the middle, lay it down widthwise and fold it again. That means you have quartered the fabric in width (width is 37.5 cm at the end).
Before you cut the fabric, you should already know how big the 24 gifts will be. So you can adjust your fabric roll ideally and don’t get annoyed if the calendar gets too short!
Then cut two 15 cm (or wider if desired) strips – as shown in the picture. Do the same with the second cotton fabric. You now have 2 strips of fabric that are 1.50 m long from each fabric.
Step 2
Place the strips of each fabric flush right sides together and pin them at one end. Stitch the edge with a straight stitch so that you now only have a long strip of fabric. Repeat for the second fabric.
Step 3
Now repeat the above step with the two long strips of fabric. Place them flush right sides together and pin them at one end. But now you have finished sewing the whole hose. Ie you quilt the tube once all around, except for one short side. This opening is the turning opening as well as the opening for the advent calendar.
Step 4
Now turn the hose over on the right side and iron it so that it is smooth.
Step 5
Finally, fold the edges of the opening inwards by about 1.5 cm and topstitch them all around with a straight stitch.
Step 6
Now you can fill the calendar! Always enter one surprise and then separate it from the next with a string. The respective number card is attached to the cord. This is how you proceed until there are 24 presents in the roll.
Small mistakes aside, we are very proud of our DIY Advent Calendar! If you decide to make your own version of this advent calendar, make sure to let us know by posting your finished product on Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #makeristcom. Check out our Christmas inspiration boards on Pinterest to find some ideas for other easy festive DIYs.
If you want to be in with the chance of winning amazing DIY prizes throughout the month of December, make sure to check out the Makerist Advent Calendar. Every 48 hours, a new door will open and reveal an exciting new prize for you to win! Subscribe to the Advent Calendar Newsletter to get exclusive offers and be the first one to know about all of the exciting gifts!