Folded Fabric Star Ornament

I wanted to add some cute ornaments to some gift bags for the upcoming gift exchanges I am participating it and I found this easy pattern I created a few years ago. It was based on the folded star pattern that makes larger ones, but to make these mini I had to change things up quite a bit. I think these would be super cute in patriotic colors as well, or in pretty neutrals or some sparkly metallics. If you choose to make some, please send me a photo! I’m constantly inspired by how folks use me ideas in ways I would have never thought of myself!

Cutting
Choose three fabrics that contrast well. It's best to go light, dark, light or dark, light, dark so the star appears in the middle. You will also need 15" of bias binding and one 5" square for the backing. You will also need a ribbon or some method for hanging the ornament.

Cut FIVE squares 3 1/2" from the center fabric.
Cut EIGHT squares 3 1/2" from the middle fabric.
Cut EIGHT squares 3 1/2" from the outer fabric.

Marking and Pressing
Fold and press all of the squares in half EXCEPT one of the center squares. Now mark all of the folded squares down the middle using a marking pencil or a Hera Marker (which just leaves a crease). You could also press them in half quickly to create the crease. This line will just be used for positioning, so it should be easily removable.

Sewing
Layer two of the folded center squares on top of the unpressed square. Sew a line along the marked line from edge to edge and then press back the corners of the sewn folded squares as shown. The folded edges will meet along the middle and the cut edges will be on top of the cut edges of the unfolded square. This is essentially what we will be repeating in every step!

Step 1
Secure these folded corners out of the way with pins or binding clips where my thumb and finger are shown in the photo. It's important that the added pieces don't get caught in future seams.

Step 2
Rotate the sewn and secured unit and repeat the same step going the opposite direction.

Step 3
Now press these folded units back in the same way as you did the first two units. Secure the corners with a few quick stitches to hold the folded corners down. Even though I pressed this with a hot iron, there are lots of layers of fabric here and they want to pop up if they are not secured down.

Step 4
Using a ruler, place the folded squares (middle fabric) on top of the unit. Notice that I was able to line up the side edges with the unit but I measure 1/2" away from the center line. Sew from edge to edge on the marked center line. These do not need to be pressed before the step because they are not near the stitching line and won't get in the way.

Step 5
Rotate the unit and place and sew the two remaining middle folded squares in the exact same way as the first two. Measure 1/2" away from the center and line up the marked fold with the center stitching line.

Step 6
Press the corners back toward the sewn lines and secure with a few stitches near the edge as shown. This will allow the fabrics to stay in place and the stitches will not show later. Rotate the unit and repeat all of the same steps on the diagonal this time. Notice that the pieces are moved another scant 1/2" away from the center. Once these are secured, rotate again and repeat. Fold, press and secure as before. You have created the inside star!

Step 7
Repeat using the outer fabrics in the exact same method used for the middle fabrics. Measure, place, sew, fold, secure. Now you have created the middle star!

Step 8
Mark a circle around the edge of the secured stitching and trim. This will finish between 4 1/2''-5'' Layer on top of the wrong side of the backing square and trim it to match. Using bias binding, bind as you would any quilt. Attach a ribbon or hook to the back if you want to use it as an ornament. Have fun and if you want to make more than one, these work really well done assembly line style!

Enjoy every stitch! Diane