Buffalo check (also known as buffalo plaid) has become the quintessential pattern for creating that perfect rustic, cozy Christmas atmosphere. With its timeless red and black squares or elegant black and white variation, this classic pattern brings warmth and farmhouse charm to any holiday décor. Whether you’re decorating your entire home or just adding a few festive touches, these 15 DIY buffalo check Christmas décor ideas will help you create the perfect holiday ambiance without breaking the bank.
Why Buffalo Check is Perfect for Christmas
Buffalo check originated in the mid-1800s as a wool shirting fabric designed by Woolrich Mills Co. The classic red and black pattern has evolved to become a staple in holiday decorating because it perfectly captures that cozy cabin feel we all crave during the winter months. The pattern works beautifully with natural elements like pinecones, greenery, and wood, making it ideal for rustic Christmas themes.
Abstract Art That Makes The Whole Living Room Feel Finished
Hand-textured navy, rust and warm grey layers in a gold floating frame — sized to anchor a living room wall, ready to hang.
1. DIY Buffalo Check Christmas Ornaments
Transform plain glass or wooden ornaments into stunning buffalo check masterpieces. This project is perfect for beginners and can be customized to match your color scheme.
Materials needed:
- Plain glass or wooden ornaments
- Buffalo check fabric scraps
- Mod Podge
- Foam brush
- Ribbon for hanging
Step-by-step instructions:
- Clean your ornaments thoroughly
- Cut buffalo check fabric into strips slightly wider than 1 inch
- Apply Mod Podge to sections of the ornament
- Carefully wrap fabric strips around the ornament, following the curved shape
- Overlap strips slightly and smooth out any bubbles
- Apply a final coat of Mod Podge to seal
- Add ribbon for hanging
Tutorial Source: Weekend Craft
2. No-Sew Buffalo Plaid Christmas Tree Skirt
Create a stunning tree skirt without any sewing skills required! This project uses buffalo check fleece fabric and simple cutting techniques.
Materials:
- 2 yards of buffalo check fleece fabric
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- Fabric marker
Instructions:
- Fold your fabric into quarters to create a perfect circle when cut
- Mark and cut a large circle (about 50-54 inches diameter)
- Cut a smaller circle in the center (about 6 inches diameter)
- Cut a slit from the center to the outer edge
- Make fringe cuts around the inner circle, about 3 inches deep
- Space cuts every 1.5 inches around the circumference
3. Buffalo Check Christmas Stockings
These cozy stockings combine buffalo check with coordinating solid colors for a perfectly balanced look.
What you’ll need:
- Buffalo check fabric (½ yard per stocking)
- Solid color fabric for cuff and heel (¼ yard)
- Stocking pattern or template
- Sewing machine
- Thread
Process:
- Cut out stocking pieces using your pattern
- Create cuff using solid fabric
- Sew stocking pieces together, leaving top open
- Attach cuff and add hanging loop
- Turn right side out and press seams
Tutorial Source: Leap of Faith Crafting
4. DIY Buffalo Check Christmas Wreath
A simple yet elegant wreath that makes a stunning focal point for your front door or mantel.
Supplies:
- Grapevine wreath base
- Buffalo check ribbon (3-4 inches wide)
- Pinecones
- Red berries
- Greenery sprigs
- Hot glue gun
- Wire
Steps:
- Wrap buffalo check ribbon around the wreath base
- Secure with hot glue every few inches
- Attach pinecones and berries with wire
- Fill in with greenery sprigs
- Create a large bow for the bottom
Tutorial Source: Artful Homemaking
5. Buffalo Plaid Table Runner
Perfect for your holiday dining table, this no-sew runner adds instant festive charm.
Materials:
- Buffalo check fabric (length of your table plus 20 inches)
- Fabric scissors
- Iron
- Measuring tape
Quick method:
- Measure your table length and add 20 inches
- Cut fabric to desired width (usually 12-16 inches)
- Create fringe on both short ends by pulling threads
- Iron for a crisp, finished look
Tutorial Source: On Sutton Place
6. Embroidery Hoop Buffalo Check Ornaments
These elegant ornaments are incredibly easy to make and look professionally crafted.
You’ll need:
- Small embroidery hoops (3-4 inches)
- Buffalo check fabric
- Scissors
- Ribbon for hanging
- Optional: vinyl lettering or embellishments
Method:
- Cut fabric slightly larger than hoop
- Place fabric in hoop and tighten
- Trim excess fabric close to hoop
- Add ribbon for hanging
- Embellish with vinyl letters if desired
Tutorial Source: The Crafting Nook
7. Buffalo Check Christmas Pillows
Transform your living space with cozy buffalo check throw pillows that scream Christmas comfort.
Supplies needed:
- Buffalo check fabric
- Pillow insert
- Zipper or envelope closure
- Sewing machine
Basic steps:
- Cut two squares of fabric (pillow size plus 1 inch seam allowance)
- Sew three sides together
- Insert pillow form
- Close fourth side with zipper or hand-stitch
Tutorial Source: Classy Clutter
8. Painted Buffalo Check Wood Signs
Create rustic wooden signs with hand-painted buffalo check patterns and festive sayings.
Materials:
- Wooden boards or signs
- Red and black acrylic paint
- Painter’s tape
- Brushes
- Stencils for lettering
Technique:
- Paint base coat in white or cream
- Use painter’s tape to create grid pattern
- Paint alternating squares red
- Remove tape and add black squares
- Stencil holiday saying in center
Video Tutorial Source: YouTube
9. Buffalo Check Mason Jar Decorations
Transform simple mason jars into festive luminaries or vases with buffalo check patterns.
What you need:
- Mason jars
- Buffalo check fabric or paper
- Mod Podge
- LED tea lights
- Twine or ribbon
Process:
- Clean jars thoroughly
- Cut buffalo check material to wrap around jar
- Apply Mod Podge to jar and smooth fabric
- Seal with additional Mod Podge
- Add twine around rim and insert LED lights
Video Tutorial Source: YouTube
10. Buffalo Plaid Christmas Tree Collar
Hide your tree stand with this attractive and budget-friendly tree collar.
Materials:
- Large piece of cardboard or thin plywood
- Buffalo check fabric
- Staple gun
- Velcro strips
Instructions:
- Cut cardboard into circle with center hole for tree
- Cut slit from center to edge
- Cover with buffalo check fabric
- Attach Velcro for easy placement around tree
11. Buffalo Check Christmas Garland
Create stunning garland for mantels, doorways, or staircases using buffalo check ribbon and natural elements.
Supplies:
- Buffalo check ribbon
- Greenery (real or artificial)
- Pinecones
- Wire
- Floral wire
Steps:
- Cut ribbon into 8-inch lengths
- Tie ribbons onto base garland at regular intervals
- Attach pinecones with floral wire
- Weave through greenery for fullness
12. DIY Buffalo Check Advent Calendar
Create a beautiful countdown to Christmas with numbered buffalo check pockets.
You’ll need:
- Buffalo check fabric
- Wooden board or canvas
- Small pockets or envelopes
- Numbers 1-25
- Treats or notes for each day
Method:
- Create or buy small fabric pockets
- Number each pocket 1-25
- Arrange on wooden board in tree or grid pattern
- Secure pockets and fill with treats
13. Buffalo Check Christmas Tree Topper
Transform a simple bow into an elegant tree topper using wide buffalo check ribbon.
Materials:
- 6-inch wide buffalo check ribbon (2-3 yards)
- Wire
- Floral tape
- Tree topper clip
Instructions:
- Create large loops with ribbon
- Secure center with wire
- Fluff and arrange loops
- Attach to tree topper clip
14. Buffalo Plaid Gift Wrapping Ideas
Use buffalo check fabric or paper to create unique gift wrapping that doubles as decoration.
Creative ideas:
- Wrap gifts in brown paper and add buffalo check ribbon
- Use buffalo check fabric as reusable gift wrap
- Create gift tags from buffalo check cardstock
- Make fabric gift bags with drawstring closures
15. Buffalo Check Candle Holders
Create cozy ambiance with buffalo check wrapped candles or candle holders.
Simple method:
- Wrap pillar candles with buffalo check ribbon
- Secure with double-sided tape
- Place in glass hurricane holders
- Add pinecones and greenery around base
Shopping Tips for Buffalo Check Supplies
- Hobby Lobby: Great selection of buffalo check fabric and ribbon, often on sale
- Walmart: Budget-friendly buffalo check fleece throws and fabric
- Amazon: Wide variety of buffalo check materials and pre-made items
- Joann Fabrics: High-quality fabric options with frequent coupons
- Dollar Tree: Affordable supplies for budget-friendly projects
Safety Tips
- Always use LED lights in fabric-covered items
- Ensure painted items are completely dry before use
- Use flame-retardant sprays on fabric decorations near heat sources
- Secure all hanging decorations properly
Conclusion
Buffalo check Christmas décor brings that perfect blend of rustic charm and holiday warmth to any home. These 15 DIY projects range from beginner-friendly to more advanced, ensuring there’s something for every skill level and budget. The beauty of buffalo check lies in its versatility – it pairs beautifully with traditional red and green, elegant gold and silver, or modern black and white color schemes.
Start with one or two projects that appeal to you most, and gradually build your buffalo check Christmas collection. Remember, the key to successful DIY decorating is to have fun with the process and not worry about perfection. Each handmade piece adds personal charm and creates lasting memories for your family.
❓ Buffalo Check Christmas Decor FAQ
What colors pair best with buffalo check for the holidays?
Classic black & white or red & black buffalo check pairs beautifully with evergreen, natural wood, burlap, and galvanized metal. Add a single metallic—brass or copper—for warmth.
How can I make buffalo check decor without sewing?
Use fabric glue or hem tape for runners and pillow covers, wrap ornaments with scrap fabric, and stencil the pattern onto wood signs with tape + paint.
Can I mix buffalo check with other patterns?
Yes—mix with tartan, stripes, or solids. Keep patterns in the same color family and vary the scale (one large check + one small stripe) to avoid visual clutter.
