Coiled Balls

If you are into making coiled fabric projects like baskets and purses, you probably have leftover bits and strips of clothesline and fabric. Here's an idea of how to use them in some fun no-sew Christmas ornaments!

Instructions

(click on thumbnails for larger image)

1. You will need: approximately 60-65" of cotton clothesline; strips of 1/2" wide fabric (about five 44" lengths); styrofoam balls or repurposed fabric balls (follow our tutorial for Round Fabric Beads, and make them as large as you like); 8" length of ribbon for hanging loope; glue and pins. 

2. Fold the ribbon in half; hold raw edges in place on the fabric or styrofoam ball with a straight pin.

 
3. Take one strip of fabric and start winding it around the clothesline, placing the tip of the cord about 1/4" down from the edge of the fabric (to be able to turn it down when beginning to wind the cord). Don't worry about the raw edges - if any threads come loose you can clip them later.

 4. Place a dab of glue right over the straight pin.

 5. Turn under the tip of the fabric under the cord and place on the spot of glue. Start winding the fabric-covered cord around the ribbon loop onto the ball. Continue placing glue around the ball, wrapping it with the fabric-covered cord as you go along.

6. If necessary, use pins to help hold the cord in place until the glue dries.

7. Wrap the entire ball; allow the glue to dry. Your ornament is ready for any embellishments you like!

You can make your ornaments large or small, fancy or plain. If you like, you can even omit covering the cord with fabric. In itself, the cord looks really nice!