Skip to content
Over 180 freebooks free for newsletter subscribers

estimated reading time: 5 min

Sewing angels: Instructions for a fabric angel

01.12.2020 by Sabine Schmidt

Engel nähen: Anleitung für einen Stoffengel

Sewing an angel is a heavenly decoration idea for the advent season. This tutorial includes a template that makes it easy for you to fold the little angels.

The most important things at a glance

  • You can easily sew these fabric angels using fabric scraps (e.g., muslin/nettle fabric)
  • All you need is some cotton fabric, a wooden bead, and jute twine
  • Project duration: approx. 30 min
  • You can download the folding template here in the post

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to sew an angel?

You can sew the angel yourself in about 30 minutes.

How do I sew an angel?

Two fabric pieces are sewn right sides together and turned inside out. Then, the fabric is simply folded, fixed with a few stitches, and provided with a cord. Finally, the wooden bead is threaded onto this. And your angel is ready.

Which fabric do I use to sew an angel?

A simple cotton fabric, i.e., woven fabric, is best. But linen or canvas are also perfect. It is important that the fabric is not too thick so that you can sew it by hand.

Links marked with * are affiliate links: If you make a purchase through them, we receive a small commission. The price remains the same for you.

Step-by-step instructions

Sew angels

With my photo tutorial even beginners can sew beautiful angels in no time. Cut 4 pattern pieces the size of an A4 sheet.

Here I'm cutting the fabric with my patchwork ruler on a rotating cutting mat.

Especially for smaller sewing projects like these angels, I find the cutting mat ideal: the base is made of a foamy plastic that grips the surface underneath. The cutting mat itself can then be turned easily.

  1. Step

    The cutting mat is self-healing, so cuts from the rotary cutter don't bother it at all... :)

  2. Step

    Once you've cut the fabric, you're ready to get started.

  3. Step

    Pin two fabric pieces right sides together at a time.

    Calico has no recognisable right side. :)

  4. Step

    Sew the fabric pieces together all the way around with a straight stitch. The seam allowance should be 1 cm.

    Leave a turning gap of 5 cm.

  5. Step

  6. Step

    Snip the corners diagonally up to just before the seam.

  7. Step

    Turn the fabric piece right side out through the turning gap.

  8. Step

    Shape the corners and seams well and press the pattern piece.

    While doing so, press the seam allowances of the turning gap to the inside.

    Topstitch the pattern piece all the way around with a straight stitch 2 mm from the edge. This also closes the turning gap straight away.

  9. Step

    Make the two remaining pattern pieces in the same way.

    Now you need the folding template.

    Place it along the long sides.

  10. Step

    Transfer the solid markings onto the fabric.

  11. Step

  12. Step

    Fold the long sides into pleats.

  13. Step

  14. Step

    Press the pleated fabric piece with steam.

  15. Step

    Repeat this step for the second fabric piece.

    Now you need the folding template again.

    Place the dotted line lengthwise along the pleated fabric. Transfer the dotted crosswise line onto the fabric.

  16. Step

    At the height of the marking, now join the two fabric pieces with a few hand stitches. The open edges of both pieces should face the same direction.

  17. Step

  18. Step

  19. Step

    Knot the thread once the fabric pieces are well secured.

    If you like, you can now also join the pleats in the middle with a few stitches. You can do this either by hand or by sewing machine – whichever you prefer.

    Be sure to leave a small gap to the joining seam, because the cord will be pulled through there afterwards.

  20. Step

  21. Step

    Pull the jute cord through the opening and knot it above the upper securing seam.

  22. Step

  23. Step

    Now you can shape the angel's robe and the wing pieces a little with some steam from the iron.

    Then all that's left is to thread on the wooden bead as the head.

    Done! :)

    Well? Simply heavenly, isn't it? ;)

  24. Step

    For this version I decorated the robe with a few gold dots...

    But if you like, you can also sew on some delicate cotton lace as an appliqué.

  25. Step

  26. Step

    Enjoy sewing your own! :)

    Happy simple sewing,

    your Sabine

Comments

Comments are loading …

About the author

Sabine

I come from Siegen-Wittgenstein, where I spent my childhood breaking in cows, jumping off haystacks and scraping a D- in needlework class.

Today, being creative feels like indescribable happiness to me – and it grows even more when I can share it with others. Since 2016 I have been celebrating my passion for sewing on this blog, and I love that sewing connects so many people.