Sunday, November 7, 2010

Patchwork Star

http://linaloo.typepad.com/photos/patchwork_star_tutorial/little-star-1.html

Supplies

You will need:
Fabric scraps for the front
Larger piece for the backing
Diamond template (not included but my diamond was approx 2.5 inches wide and 3.5 inches long)
String or ribbon for hanging
Buttons
Stuffing for filling
Using your diamond template, cut 5 diamonds of varying fabrics and 1 square (big enough to cover the star) for the backing.

Join the diamonds

Join the diamonds

Using 1/4 inch seam allowance, join two diamonds, right sides facing, being sure to leave a 1/4 inch gap at the end - this will be the centre of the star.
Repeat, so that you have two sets of diamonds joined together.

Piecing the star

Piecing the star

Press the seams open and join the last diamond to one of the sets. To complete the star shape with the final seam, pivot carefully to join the last diamond, being sure to catch the centre of the star.

Pieced star

Pieced star

Here's what it looks like pieced together. No matter if the centre is not completely perfect, we'll be using a button for decoration in the centre!

Backing

Backing

Next, grab your fabric for the backing and some ribbon or string for the loop. Tie the loop or ribbon to the desired length and place on the backing fabric.
Note: I am a lazy sewist, I do not cut my backing until after I have sewn it to the star, thus eliminating laborious cutting. Just make sure you have enough fabric to sew around your pieced star!

Positioning the loop

Positioning the loop

Place the star on the backing fabric, right hand sides facing with the loop firmly in place in between the two layers at one point of the star. I keep a little bit sticking out of the top, just to make absolutely sure it doesn't slip out!

Assembling the star

Assembling the star

Right sides facing, sew around the edge of the pieced star (around 3mm from the edge) leaving an opening for turning inside out and stuffing. Trim close to the edge.
A couple of pointers here, make sure you secure the opening by backstitching each edge of the opening and keep your stitch length relatively short. As you may notice, I didn't cut the backing fabric to the shape of star, I skip this step as its just easier to trim the square afterwards!
Still following?

Turn the star right side out, poking the corners out using a chopstick and stuff through the opening with filling of your choice.
Handstitch the opening closed with a whip stitch.
Attach your favourite vintage buttons on either side in the centre and....
Hey presto

Here you have the perfect little decoration or pin cushion!

No comments:

Post a Comment