A Little Christmas Tradition I’m Keeping Alive (Plus a Free Template!)
A simple, heartfelt make for the festive season, plus a free template to get you started.
Every year, more and more people choose not to send Christmas cards. And honestly, I completely understand why — December gets busy, we’re all trying to simplify, and cards often end up feeling like just another thing on the list.
But even so… I still really love this tradition.
There’s something so comforting about sitting down with a warm drink, thinking of someone you care about, and sending a small note out into the world. It feels gentle, intentional, and just a little bit magical — like pressing pause for a moment in the middle of the festive rush.
This year, instead of buying cards, I wanted to create something a bit more special. Something that won’t be popped into the recycling on Boxing Day, but tucked away and brought out again next year. And the year after that.
So I’ve been making free-machined Christmas cards — tiny stitched illustrations on fabric that look lovely as cards, but also as keepsake decorations. They’re soft, textural, and full of handmade charm… exactly the sort of thing I love giving (and receiving).
And because many of you told me you’d like to try something similar, I’ve made a little something for you.
Free Template Sheet for Subscribers
I’ve put together a downloadable sheet of festive motifs — a robin, a tree, a bauble and a few other festive shapes — ready for you to free-stitch, embellish, and make your own. It’s designed to work beautifully with scraps, so you can keep it simple or go completely wild with your thread box.
Bonding your fabric shapes onto the background first to hold them in place whilst you sew makes for easier stitching. Stitch 2 or 3 times around the shapes for that hand-drawn effect. Add beads, ribbons and other embellishments as you wish!
Think of it as a tiny Christmas present from me to you.
I can’t wait to see what you create with it.
Why These Little Cards Mean Something to Me
Free-machining has this wonderfully loose, sketchy feel. It lets you draw with thread in a way that feels expressive and personal — the wobbles become part of the charm. And because these cards can be hung on the tree or tied onto next year’s gifts, they become small, reusable pieces of art instead of something disposable.
For me, that makes the whole tradition feel more meaningful. Still the joy of sending a card… but with a little extra heart stitched in.
What’s Coming Next
I’ll be sharing a few more festive projects over the weeks leading up to Christmas — simple, cosy makes you can sew in an evening, perfect for pairing with a candle and a blanket. If you use the template, please do share your makes; it genuinely makes my day to see them.
🎄 Looking for More Christmas Sewing Inspiration?
If you’re in the mood for a few more festive stitches, you might enjoy the Christmas sewing patterns in my shop. They’re beginner-friendly, quick to sew, and perfect for those cosy evenings when you want something creative and relaxing. Or, why not have a look at the sewing kits? Everything you need to make, plus full instruction booklet, these also make great gifts.
From small decorations to little giftable makes, they’re a lovely way to add handmade warmth to your Christmas season.
Explore the Albero Christmas Collection here:
Wishing you the loveliest start to the festive season,
Suzanne, Charlotte and Rebecca