One of my favorite traditions to do over the years is having a countdown to Christmas or a 24 day advent calendar. But sometimes it can be a lot of work and stressful.

Why not instead, make it easy on yourself and create a reusable advent with these easy DIY fabric envelopes.

Contents

What I love about these envelopes is they come in 3 sizes. You can make all one size or you can create different sizes to make a fabric advent calendar. They are customizable for you!

They also can be filled with whatever works for your family. No strings attached!!

So what do we fill out advent envelopes with? Why not tell the story of the Nativity with these printables and fun little treats in each envelope. Or maybe share what the symbols of Christmas each mean.

You could make it part of your Elf on the Shelf tradition and give the elf an envelope each day to share.

Or do simple things like fill each day with a treat or small token or toy. Maybe write out scriptures to go with the season.

It's your advent calendar so you get to decide what works for your family.

VIDEO: Fabric Advent Calendar 

How to Sew Fabric Envelopes 

Materials Needed

• Colorful Cotton Fabrics - you'll need about 2 yards of fabric total
• You'll need to decide how many of each size envelope you would like for your calendar. There are 3 sizes to choose from below. 
• (2) 9" x 12" - long horizontal envelope
• (2) 4" x 12" - vertical envelope
• (2) 5" x 9" - square envelope
• 1/2" - 3/4" Sew on Velcro - about 1/2" per envelope
• Thread
• Iron on Vinyl or Pre-cut numbers
• Items to fill your envelopes

Step 1

Place the envelope pieces right sides together. Create the cut out design you like and stitch around the design. Leave the bottom edge open.

Step 2

Trim around the stitching. Turn the envelope right side out and press well.

Step 3

Turn the bottom edge instead of the envelope and press.  Stitch the bottom edge closed.

Step 4

Turn the envelope so the inside is facing up. Fold the bottom edge up to meet where the envelope flap will fold.

Place one side of a 1/2" piece of Velcro  onto the inside top of the envelope. Place the other piece of Velcro in the center of the folded envelope. Pin Velcro in place.

Stitch Velcro to the envelope but only through the main layers.

Step 5

Stitch the envelope closed along the two side seams.

Step 6

Cut out and press the numbers for your advent calendar to each of your envelopes. You can have 6, 9, 12, 24, 25 envelopes. It totally depends on how many days you plan to do your fabric advent calendar.

That's it! Just repeat these steps to create each of your envelopes and you'll have all the days of your fabric advent calendar ready to go.