Create a Christmas Tradition: The Dashwood Advent Calendar
Looking for a festive weekend project that combines creativity and family time? The Dashwood Christmas Advent Calendar panel is just the ticket. This charming holiday project is perfect for beginner sewists, and it’s also a fantastic way to introduce the younger generation to the joy of sewing.
I recently tackled this project with the help of my two little assistants, my oldest grandkids. They’ve made pillows and dolly blankets before, but the Advent Calendar added a new level of excitement. There’s something special about creating something so tangible, and they loved being part of the process—from choosing fabrics to pressing seams.
The project itself is beginner-friendly. The instructions are conveniently printed right on the panel’s selvage, and here’s the magic: you receive two panels, one with the calendar base and another for the pockets. The pockets are where the fun begins—perfect for tucking away those daily surprises!
Step-by-Step Guide:
Cutting: Start by cutting out the calendar base and pocket rows as indicated on the panel.
Hemming the Pockets: For a clean finish, I double-folded the top of each row of pockets before sewing. This keeps everything looking polished.
Press and Pleat: Pressing the pocket edges helps form the pleats, giving each pocket enough space for little goodies.
Basting the Pleats: Baste the pleats in place before sewing. Then, place the right sides together and sew the bottom of the pocket rows to the coordinating block on the calendar base.
Press and Finish the Pockets: Once the pockets are sewn in, press them into place and sew between each pleat to secure the pockets.
Quilting: I added simple straight-line quilting between rows and along the edges for texture and to help the pockets lay flat when hung. This gives the whole piece a structured yet soft feel.
Hanging Option: Add a rod pocket on the back for easy hanging, or opt for ribbon loops for a bit of decorative flair.
Binding: Finish with binding around the edges, just like a traditional quilt, for a professional finish.
This project is a delightful way to combine creativity with a bit of practicality. My little helpers loved matching the colors of the blocks and even snuck in some number practice as we worked! And of course, they were eager to see the finished wall hanging in action.
Want to make your own Dashwood Advent Calendar? Visit your local quilt shop that carries Dashwood Studio Fabric, or ask your favorite shop to order the panel from Brewer Sewing & Quilting today!
