Stashbustin' Ornaments Pt 8: Folk Star

This week's ornament is a step away from the other patterns with less glue and more embroidery! If you are new to embroidery, don't worry! All of the stitches are linked to their tutorials and I'll give you other options to stitching as well.

This star lends itself to lots of variation both in stitching and creativity!

Materials Needed:

• felt of colors in your choosing
• skeins of embroidery floss - I find that 2-3 contrasting colors works best.
• coordinating ribbon - 6-8" is enough
• sequins - one package of multicolor will be more than sufficient!
• scissors
• vanishing fabric marker (not pictured)
• polyfil or stuffing of choice (not pictured)

Star Pattern (click to print)

Step 1
     Cut out pattern pieces as needed. Feel free to use different color combinations! You could do blue and silver for Hannukah, collegiate football colors, or just personal favorite combination.

Step 2
     Using the fabric marker, mark the center of the star as well as the center point in between the "inner" points of the star.

 **Sorry for the faint markings! Santa needs to bring me a new fabric marker! ;)

Step 3
     Using the French Knot, stitch the larger sequin in the center (wrapped 5 times) and the smaller sequins in the remaining spots (wrapped 3 times).

If you don't want to do the French Knot, you could do a simple over hand knot (tied a couple of times) down close to the sequin OR you could use a seed bead to hold it in place.

Step 4
     Work a chain stitch around the outside edge of the star about 1/4" from the edge. When you get to a point (outer or inner), tack your last stitch before making the turn.

For inner points, I start the next line of stitching inside that last tacked stitch.

For outer points, I stopped stitching about 1/2" from the actual tip and started the next line of stitching outside of the tacked stitch.

Step 5
     To fill the points of the star, I used a back/outline stitch to create an arrow.

 Step 6
     Around the center sequin, I worked a round of button hole stitches.

Step 7
     At each inner point, I worked a set of 3 lazy daisy stitches.

 Step 8
     Lay the embroidered star felt piece on top of the back piece and trim any excess felt as needed.

Step 9
     Fold your piece of ribbon in half and tie an over hand knot to secure.

Step 10
     Pin your ribbon in place between the two layers of felt.

Step 11
     Starting at the point opposite of where your ribbon is pinned, begin whip stitching around the star. Leave the last point unstitched on one side so that you can stuff the star.

 Step 12
     Working with small bits of stuffing, begin stuffing your star. Use a needle placed between the layers of felt to help work the stuffing into the points.


Step 13
      When your star is stuffed to your liking, whip stitch the remaining side, knot the thread and hide the knot as directed in the tutorial.

Don't want to do all of this embroidery? 
      You could write a meaningful word like Peace or someone's name in the center with a back/outline stitch OR go the glue route and decorate with buttons or whatever.

I'd love to see your folk star! Please share a picture link in my comments to be entered into the Stashbustin' Ornament GIVEAWAY! ! :)