Christmas star ornaments

How was your weekend? Here in the USA it was Thanksgiving, traditionally a time to eat a lot, shop and spend a lot of money, and (hopefully) remember what you're thankful for. ;) Well in the midst of everyone buying lots of stuff, I've decided to bypass the shopping sales and give you something for FREE!

These easy to make, embroidered ornaments are the perfect Christmas craft project. They are really easy, even if you've never sewn before, you can make these. This is a great project for kids just learning to sew or embroider!

You can find everything you need at your local craft store, or in your own craft supply stash. This is a great way to use up fabric scraps or recycle old colorful clothing.

What you need:

Colored cotton fabric, Two 3-inch circles for each ornament

Ribbon, about 5 inches for each ornament

Embroidery floss in at least two different colors

Stuffing (or cotton balls)

Embroidery hoop

Embroidery needle

Pencil or non-permanent Fabric Pen

Pinking Shears (optional)

Star embroidery pattern (printed) download that right here.

1. Measure and mark 3-inch circles onto the fabrics, one for the front and one for the back of each ornament. It's fun to use a different color for each side. Don't cut them out yet.

2. Print out the star embroidery patterns. Tape the paper up on a sunny window (or a light table if you have one.) Now tape up the fabric on top so you can see the lines through it. Trace a star into the center of each circle with a pencil or fabric pen.

3. Stretch your fabric onto the embroidery hoop, pulling it tightly so that you have a flat surface to work on that won't pucker when you stitch.

4. Embroider the stars. If you've never embroidered before, don't worry, it's really easy and fun! Start by cutting a length of floss about 12 inches long, thread the needle and then tie a knot in one end. Pull the needle and floss through the fabric from the back until the knot catches. Now push the needle back down through a little ways away and pull the floss tightly to the fabric. You've made a Straight Stitch! Use this stitch to follow the lines of the star patterns. Don’t embroider the outer border line yet. To end one color of floss and start a new one, slide the needle under a loop of floss on the back of your work and tie a knot, then snip off the extra.

These patterns use Straight Stitches in different lengths. You can make the solid dots by making a few short Straight Stitches side by side (this is called a Satin Stitch) and lines like the border circle by making Straight Stitches end to end (this is called the Running Stitch.) You can follow the pattern lines or mix them up and create your own designs!

5. When you're done embroidering, cut out each circle with pinking shears. Pin the front and back circles together right sides out.

6. With another piece of floss, start your knot in between the two circles to hide it, and then sew the pieces together 1/4 inch in from the edge using the Running Stitch. When you have a 1-inch hole left, stuff a little stuffing inside along with the two ends of the ribbon, then sew it closed. You may need a couple of extra stitches to hold the ribbon securely.

Now hang them on your tree! Make lots of Christmas Star ornaments in different colors to give as gifts, or use as gift toppers or for fun, festive decorations anywhere.
Happy Holidays!

♥ aimee