How to Make an Embroidered Felt Ornament: A Montessori-Inspired Craft
- Feb 26
- 2 min read
Crafting with children is more than just making something beautiful—it’s an opportunity to nurture concentration, fine-motor skills, and creativity. At Waterfront Academy, one of our favorite seasonal projects is the embroidered felt ornament.
This quiet, hands-on activity is best suited for older children (ages 8–12) or younger children working closely with an adult. It combines art, practical life skills, and patience, resulting in a keepsake that can be treasured year after year.
Why Embroidery in Montessori?
Montessori education emphasizes purposeful work with real materials. Embroidery fits beautifully into this framework because it:
Strengthens fine-motor control: Threading needles, stitching, and stuffing require precision.
Encourages concentration: Children must work slowly and carefully, focusing on each stitch.
Builds patience and perseverance: Embroidery takes time, teaching children to value process over speed.
Fosters creativity: Each ornament is unique, reflecting the child’s choice of colors, shapes, and designs.
Materials You’ll Need
Felt (two pieces for each ornament)
Embroidery thread
A needle (with close adult supervision)
A template to cut out your felt shape
A stencil to outline the embroidery design
Stuffing (cotton or fiberfill)
Ribbon for hanging
💡 Parent tip: Needles require careful guidance. This is a wonderful opportunity for shared work—children love the sense of responsibility that comes with using real tools under supervision.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cut the felt shapes Using your template, cut out two identical felt pieces. These will form the front and back of your ornament.
Outline the design Place your stencil on one felt piece and lightly trace the embroidery design. Simple shapes (stars, hearts, snowflakes) work best for beginners.
Embroider the design Thread your needle with embroidery floss and begin stitching along the outline. Encourage children to work slowly—this step develops hand-eye coordination and focus.
Attach the ribbon loop On the back of the embroidered felt, sew a small loop of ribbon at the top. This will allow the ornament to hang.
Stitch the ornament together Place the second felt piece behind the embroidered one. Begin stitching around the edges, leaving a small opening.
Add stuffing Gently fill the ornament with a small amount of stuffing. It should feel soft and full, but not overstuffed.
Close the opening Finish stitching around the edges, securing the stuffing inside.
Admire your work Hold up the finished ornament—it’s handmade, thoughtful, and truly one of a kind.
Montessori Benefits in Action
This project is more than a craft—it’s a developmental exercise:
Practical life skills: Cutting, stitching, and assembling mirror real-world tasks.
Artistic expression: Children choose colors and designs, making each ornament personal.
Mindfulness: The slow rhythm of stitching encourages calm, focused work.
Tradition building: Families can repeat this project each year, creating a collection of handmade ornaments.
The embroidered felt ornament is a beautiful way to combine creativity with skill-building. Whether made in the classroom or at home, it offers children a chance to slow down, work with intention, and take pride in a finished product that lasts.
At Waterfront Academy, we love projects that balance artistry with purposeful practice. This ornament embodies that spirit—simple materials, careful work, and joyful results.
We’d love to see your finished ornaments—share them with us and celebrate the beauty of handmade traditions.
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