SNOWFLAKE STAR DECORATIONS

dress a Christmas tree in these embroidered decorative felt stars

Skill: Beginner Time: 20 mins

materials:

template tracing paper and pencil

White felt

scissors

pins, contrasting embroidery thread and embroidery needle pearl buttons

6in (15cm) narrow ribbon (for the hanging loops)

polyester batting (wadding) for the filling

glue gun (optional)

1 Using the template, trace the star motif onto the paper with a pencil. Transfer it to the felt and cut out two shapes. Draw the snowflake shape onto the front of one with a soft pencil. Work the embroidery using long and short running stitch on the front, following the design on the template.

2 Sew on a pearl button in the centre or use hot glue gun.

3 Pin the two shapes, wrong sides together, and work small blanket stitches around the edges using the embroidery thread. Start along the bottom first so that the opening for the filling will be at the base.

4 Cut a length of narrow ribbon, approximately 4in (10cm) long, to make the hanging loop. Fold it in half and place the ends between the two layers of felt at the top. Continue blanket stitching around the star, sandwiching the hanging loop between the felt as you stitch. 5 Continue to work blanket stitch around the star until you reach the bottom edge again, then leave an opening of around 2in (5cm) for the filling. Push the filling into the opening using the end of a pencil or knitting needle but don't overstuff it. Sew up the opening using blanket stitch to finish.