{Tutorial} Fabric Star Hangers

I'm still busy rearranging the house after Madeline's move, and unfortunately my sewing time is limited at the moment. Setting up my new sewing space has been fun but its far from finished :( Its feeling a lot more organised than my studio was, even though this space is smaller. I wonder how long it will stay all neat and tidy :)
I have a quick and easy tutorial for you today. I like to place a small gift in the Christmas Cards I give to friends and neighbours and for the last two years I've made the Matchbox Needle Keeps. In an effort to be more creative this year, I made a batch of these Fabric Star Hangers and decided to write up a simple tutorial, so you can make some too:

These hangers were so much fun to make and they look so pretty in different fabric combinations. Because these are so quick and easy, you will have a batch prepared for friends and family in no time and they are the perfect way to share something handmade at Christmas.

All you need to do is grab a few supplies and your ready to create. So here's what you'll need:

pentagon template (click HERE to download)
scrap cardboard and double sided tape
assorted 6" fabric squares (2 fabric squares for each star)
packet of pearl beads or glass seed beads
ribbon or lace to make hangers
neutral thread for piecing
matching thread for securing points and adding beads
general sewing supplies

And here we go:

Step One: Print your pentagon template and cut around the solid line. Glue the template to a piece of scrap cardboard (or template plastic) to stabalise the template, and then trim away the excess cardboard. Place a couple of pieces of double sided tape on the back of the template which will stick to your fabric to prevent it slipping or moving while you are cutting.

Step Two: Position your template on your chosen fabric and cut around all sides. Cut two pentagons for each star hanger.

Step Three: With right sides together, sew around each of the five sides of the pentagon, 1/4" from the raw edge and leaving a 1 1/2" opening on one side for turning.

Step Four: For a nice crisp point, clip each of the corners as close to the sewn line as possible.Turn your pentagon to the right side, through the opening and push out each corner.

Step Five: Fold in the seam allowance of the opening and press the pentagon well. Sew a scant 1/8" around the sides of the pentagon, which will secure the opening.

Step Six: You need to find the centre point of each side. Fold each side, point to point and finger press to find the centre. Mark each centre point with a pin.

Step Seven: Fold each point in about 1", towards the centre and secure with a pin, removing the centre pins as you go. You may need to adjust the folds as you work your way around the pentagon, to obtain the star shaped centre.

Step Eight: Thread a needle with matching thread and stating at one outer point, sew a couple of stitches to secure the point and then add a pearl bead. Work around the star as shown in the photo. To hide your thread, insert your needle under one fold and travel your thread between the two layers of the fold, exiting at the first outer point. Secure, add a pearl and travel your thread down to the first inner point between the folds, as shown. Continue in this manner until all points are secured.

Step Nine: Add a hanger of your choice. Cut a piece of ribbon or lace to 6", fold in half and secure to the back of your Star with a couple of stitches. Your could also use twine, raffia or a gold hook or ring.
And that's it! A cute and quick project that spreads a little Christmas cheer to its lucky recipient.
I hope you enjoy making your own Fabric Star Hangers. Make sure you keep a couple for yourself though, to add to your own Christmas tree. Handmade ornaments are treasures and our tree is full of them; each with their own little story. I wouldn't have it any other way ♥