By Jennifer Cockcroft

This tutorial is based on a project in the book Sew Quick, Sew Cute.

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Diamond shape template Scissors, or rotary cutter and mat Pins Thread Sewing machine Iron Toy stuffing/cotton wool or similar Accessories for decorating the stars – ribbon, buttons etc. The Craft Cotton Company Spots and Gingham Fat Quarters

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For each star you will need to cut out 12 diamonds – 6 for each side – so you can decide how many of each fabric to use. I’ve made this star with three different fabrics so I needed four of each. You can make the diamonds whatever size you like depending on how big you want your final star to be. I wouldn’t recommend going too small though otherwise it will get a bit fiddly! The template for this project is 9.8 cm tall by 5.7 cm wide.

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I used one of these plastic patchwork templates, or you could cut out a shape from cardboard. Draw round your template onto the fabric on the wrong-side and cut out. I used a rotary cutter and mat to cut out as it meant I could cut several layers at once and make sure they all ended up the same size. Arrange your diamonds into a star to decide what arrangement you like best.

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Start by sewing two diamonds together along one side – use a 5mm seam allowance. Then attach a third diamond to these – use an iron to press the seams towards the darker fabric (or whichever way is easier if your fabrics are the same tone).

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Continue sewing the diamonds together into sets of three – you should end up with four pieces. Take two of the sections and sew together across the longest edge to complete the star shape. Press this seam open. PICTURE 7

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Make the second star in the same way, but leave a section unstitched so that you will have a turning gap for later. PICTURE 9

Now take your two stars and put them right sides together, pin to hold in place. Sew around the outside of the whole shape, again with a 5mm seam allowance. Pivot carefully at all the ‘in’ and ‘out’ points. PICTURE 10

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Trim off the points of the seam allowance and clip into the corners, then turn the star through the turning gap you left earlier. Carefully ease all the points out.

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If you want to be able to hang your star, now is a good time to attach a loop. Use embroidery thread, string, or thin ribbon, tie a knot in one end, then sew this from the inside of one point and back in again making sure to leave a loop of thread on the outside. Tie off again on the inside. PICURE 13

Stuff the star with small amounts of toy filling, making sure to push it right into the points and keep the shape even. PICTURE 14

Sew up with the turning gap with a careful ladder stitch that will be invisible once the thread is pulled up. PICTURE 15

Now you can decorate your star however you like. I decided to sew a button on each side through the middle of the star to ‘puff’ out the shape a bit. Or, you could sew ribbons, mini tassels or little bells onto the points – just make sure they’re not too heavy otherwise your star will droop! Hang your stars with pride all over your house and tree this Christmas! PICTURE 16

© Jennifer Cockcroft for The Craft Cotton Company 2015