owl ornament diy

And I’ve made you something!

These little owl ornaments are a perfect project for little scraps and they are quick to make. I’m making lots as gifts or to add to packaging.

They’re inspired by the little, lost Saw-whet owl who was accidentally transported to NYC with the giant tree for Rockefeller Center this year. He has since gotten some first aid and been returned to his forest.  What an ordeal for the little guy!

owl ornament sewing pattern

Let’s make little owl ornaments!

You probably already have everything you need. And they lend themselves to batch production A glue stick really helps with that – the parts are little and a glue stick is much quicker and easier than pins. You can set up a bunch of fronts so they’re all ready to stitch.  It’s easier than pins.

download the pattern

You will also need:

  • scraps – wool, cotton and linen are great
  • a basic sewing kit
  • chopstick or similar
  • gluestick
  • buttons
  • embroidery thread

1. Cut out two body pieces, two eye pieces and one head and beak and one each of the three wing pieces.

2. With the right side of the front body fabric facing you use a tiny bit of glue stick to place your pieces as shown. Leave the top wing piece off for now.

3. Use a contrasting color embroidery thread to stitch the head cover and wing pieces in place.

4. Stitch buttons to the center of the circles with embroidery thread also. Use regular sewing thread in a matching color to stitch the beak in place with tiny whip stitches around the edge.

5. Uses a contrasting embroidery thread to stitch around the eyes and add some straight stitches to his breast.

6. Create a loop of string or embroidery thread for hanging and knot the ends. Mark the 1/4 inch seam allowance on the wrong side of the back fabric.

7. Place the hanging loop on the face of the owl with the loop facing down and the tails near fabric edge.

8.  Place the back body over the front – right sides together-  pin and sew the seam leaving open along the wing side.

9.  Clip little notches all around the  seam allowance being careful not to clip the seam.

10. Turn the owl right side out. Running a chopstick along the seam inside the owl with gentle pressure will help expand the curve. Fold in the edges of the opening and press the owl.

Stitching on the top wing

11. Stitch the upper wing in place.

stuffing the owl

12.  Lightly stuff the owl. I’m using this awesome wool.

Stitching the opening closed

13. And finally stitch the opening closed with tiny whip stitches.

Hello little owl!

I hope you make owls! If you do I’d love to see – please use #annwoodpattern on instagram or send photos to: info at ann wood handmade dot com.

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25 Comments

  1. Thank you for the lovely little owl pattern!! I loved being part of the scrap fabric swap! It’s fun and I had a great swap partner. Thank you. Hugs,

  2. so tolle Arbeiten, freue mich immer sehr……….habe mir nur einmal ein Kid geleistet, der Versand nach Deutschland ist sehr teuer.
    Herzlichen Dank für die free Pattern.
    Grüße Beate

  3. Thank you for once again giving us an adorable pattern.
    I missed not seeing you this year.

  4. Monique Arksey

    You never disappoint with your creative creations…thank you for sharing.
    Guess what I’m making today…..owls

  5. Rose Boruta

    You are so generous and creative. Thank you; your newsletters brighten my day!

  6. Rae Bennett

    I think you are brilliant. Your creations come to life and every time I get your newsletter, my heart sings.
    You make me smile and in these times we live in, your art is enlightening, encouraging and inspirational.
    Thank you!

  7. Thank you for both the Fish and the owl pattern. I appreciate them so very much.
    My brother is going to receive for Christmas a “plate of fish”

  8. Thanks so much, Ann. This owl is adorable. And I received my original Ann Wood art in the mail today. I feel so lucky – two gifts in one day!

  9. Thank you for this!! I just made one and I’m very happy with him. Now to resist the urge to keep him for myself (or….will I have to make more????)

  10. […] with two holiday projects – owl ornaments and snowflake printed cards. The owls are from a pattern by Ann Wood, which a friend sent me. The snowflakes are courtesy of a thermofax screen, fabric and paper […]

  11. I made this as a gift and loved him so much I now need to make one for myself! Hes adorable. Thank you for the pattern.

  12. Thank you! I made several and just want to keep making. I had been searching for the perfect ornament to make each of our adult children. When your pattern arrived in my inbox, I immediately decided that this was the one. It is perfect, love the little story and also love the way they go together. Thank you so much. I always look forward to your posts. Warmest wishes for a great holiday!

  13. Cynthia Mead

    I love these little owls so much. They’re just the sweetest ornaments ever. I’ve got the pieces cut out to start and just may leave our tabletop tree up for the winter so I can decorate it with owls. You are so very generous to share these wonderful tutorials. Thank you!
    Wishing you a peace-filled holiday season.

  14. Sue Barter

    Just spent a happy afternoon sewing owls. They are so sweet .

  15. moly brown

    están preciosos y me fascina tu trabajo es encantador todo lo que haces y gracias por ser tan generosa con tu trabajo.

  16. Barb Kamlah

    I made about 30 of these before Christmas and used them to decorate birch branches in my living room/dining room windows. I also taught a group of ladies how to make and made several to give away as gifts. Your patterns and ideas are so inspirational to me and I love that they are all free. I have followed you for a few years and just want to let you know how much I appreciate what you do! Going to try the lambs for Easter decor…….

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