How to Make a Nylon Net Christmas Tree

You can make a nylon net tree as an alternative to a live Christmas tree and remove the hassle of tree removal at the end of the season. Or, if you prefer, use your nylon net tree as an additional Christmas decoration.

This no-sew Christmas tree-making method is adaptable to trees of all sizes, from tabletop ornaments to trees several feet tall. It's also adaptable to a variety of decor styles, as nylon mesh and tulle are available in many colors as well as in sparkly, sequin and rainbow versions. You can add embellishments or leave the tree unadorned for a more minimalist look.

Select tulle or nylon net that fits your vision for your Christmas tree. For a softer, fluffier look, choose a fine nylon mesh or tulle in a color of your choice. For example, you can make a white or green tree or opt for red and white fabric for a candy cane theme. Tulle is available in rolls, typically 6 inches by 25-plus yards. One roll is plenty for a tabletop-size tree.

You also need a wooden dowel, which serves as the trunk of the Christmas tree, and a base on which to attach the dowel. A 1/2-in. dowel is a good size for a tabletop tree, and you can select the length according to the desired height for your Christmas tree.

The base could be a wooden plaque or plinth, available in craft stores, a nice-looking rock with a flat top or a piece of florists' foam placed inside a plant pot. Select a base that is heavy-duty enough to support the size of your tree.

Finally, you'll need tools for attaching the dowel to the base, which could be hot glue or wood glue or a drill, screw and screwdriver for a sturdier joint (the floral foam option doesn't need extra tools). Sharp fabric scissors and a ruler or tape measure are also needed.

Secure the dowel to your chosen base, either by gluing, drilling a hole and inserting a screw through the base and into the bottom of the dowel or by firmly pushing the dowel into floral foam set securely inside a plant pot. If you used glue, wait for it to fully dry before continuing.

Prepare strips of nylon net, mesh or tulle, which you will knot onto the dowel to form the body of the tree. Hold a ruler or tape measure against the base of the dowel and decide how wide you want the lowest branches of the tree to be.

Cut 10 to 20 strips from the roll of mesh or tulle that measure 1 in. longer than your chosen width. Cut another 10 to 20 strips about 1 in. shorter than the chosen branch width.

Starting with the longer strips of nylon net, mesh or tulle, knot one strip around the dowel and push it down toward the base. Use a simple overhand knot pulled snugly, and try to position it in the very center of the strip. Continue knotting the longer strips around the dowel and pushing them down and repositioning the strips to form an even circle of branches.

The longest strips should approximately fill up the lower half of the tree, so cut and add more if needed. Then, switch to the shorter strips for the upper half of the tree, knotting them around the dowel in the same manner.

Adjust the knotted strips so that they are evenly distributed around the tree. With scissors, trim any ends that are sticking out and trim the uppermost strips into a tapered shape at the top of the tree. Fluff up the strips to make the tree look extra full.

You can top the tree with one final long strip of tulle or mesh tied into a bow or a small, wooden star. Use hot glue to attach the topper.

You can leave a Christmas tree made from tulle or nylon mesh as it is or optionally sew or glue on miniature ornaments. Other embellishments to consider include:

• Glitter spray
• Faux-snow spray
• Miniature garlands
• Tiny strings of lights
• Small tree skirt cut from felt in a complementary color

Creating a nylon net Christmas tree is a fun and easy project that adds a whimsical element to your holiday decor. Select fabric that fits your color scheme and tie the strips around the dowel to create branches. Trim the fabric to shape the tree and consider adding a topper or ornaments to add some finishing touches. Use any extra fabric to add embellishments to your wreath decor.