Elf Jr. Musical: Jovie Macy's Elf Costume Built from a Christmas Tree Skirt
This page walks through how I built Jovie's Macy's elf costume for our Elf Jr. school production using a Christmas tree skirt from Michaels — purchased post-Christmas for $8.49. The skirt becomes both the collar and the skirt with one cut, and the built-in velcro closure makes fitting adjustments easy across different cast sizes.
How to Separate Collar from Skirt
Christmas Tree Skirt from Michaels (post christmas sale price $8.49)
Fold skirt ½ and lay flat
Chalk line 5 inches from opening
Cut along chalk line. The top portion is the collar the bottom is the skirt.
How to Make the Collar
The collar is cut from the top portion of the tree skirt — one cut yields both pieces simultaneously
Cut and remove inner seam of “collar” piece
This is how the collar looks before adding trim. The skirt came with velcro closure which was very helpful
I recommend adding fusible interfacing to improve the shape of the collar
Add candy cane pattern binding to inner collar edge
Add green sparkle rick rack trim
Add “pompom” trim to outer edge of collar. I love this trim!
Collar sits on top. Velcro can be added to shoulders if needed to secure collar
How to Make the Skirt
WAISTBAND
Cut one piece of fabric 6 inches x 30 inches. This finishes to a 3 inch x 30 inch waistband.
Step 1 — Add interfacing Apply fusible interfacing to the wrong side of the waistband fabric. This adds structure and helps the waistband hold its shape through multiple performances.
Step 2 — Fold and iron Fold the waistband in half lengthwise so it measures 3 inches x 30 inches. Press firmly with an iron until flat and crisp.
Step 3 — Stitch closed Sew along the open long edge to close the waistband. Press again.
Step 4 — Attach to skirt Pin the waistband to the raw top edge of the felt skirt and sew together.
Step 5 — Add velcro closure Sew velcro approximately 3 inches wide at the back opening only. The waistband overlaps at the back — velcro adjusts to different waist sizes without alteration, which is especially useful for large casts.
💡 Why velcro over snaps or buttons: Adjusts to different waist sizes, survives quick costume changes, and is easy for young performers to manage independently backstage.
💡 Fabric tip: Use holiday fabric with metallic thread or subtle sparkle for the waistband — it catches stage lighting and ties the waistband visually to the rest of the Jovie costume.
FINISHING THE SKIRT
Step 6 — Add felt circles Cut red felt circles and glue along the bottom hem using Aleene's Fabric Glue. No sewing required. Space them evenly around the hem for a consistent look from the audience.
💡 Hint: Cut a cardboard circle template so all circles are identical — consistency matters more on stage than up close.
Step 7 — Add white ruffle trim Sew or glue Ruffled Quilt Trim along the bottom edge of the skirt below the felt circles. This adds volume and a feminine finish that reads well under stage lighting.
Step 8 — Add the top Pair the skirt with a festive striped top. A red and white striped short-sleeve top works perfectly and is readily available on Amazon for around $12.99. The stripe pattern complements the circular skirt without competing with the collar.
Step 9 — Add the collar Place the collar over the top. At this point the Jovie costume comes together completely — the collar, top, and skirt work as a unified look.
Step 10 — Add accessories Complete the costume with:
💡 The accessories are what make this costume read as Jovie specifically — the skirt and collar could be any elf, but the hat, tights, and shoes lock in the Macy's elf character immediately.
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Follow along for costume ideas from this and future productions.