How to Make Fabric Star Quilted Christmas Ornaments

Choose Your Fabrics

The types of crafting fabric you choose can really change the look of this ornament. Consider these simple guidelines to personalize your design with great choices:

• Color: Since there are three layers to this ornament, it's best to choose three fabrics with colors that contrast against each other to achieve the desired look. I've picked green, red, and white.
• Design: Small-scale prints or even solid colors work best for this ornament. Larger fabric images will get lost in the different layers, and they could potentially create an odd-looking design when you're finished. 
• Number of Fabrics: We used a different fabric for each layer of the ornament, but you can also choose to use the same fabric for the first and third layers (or even use the same fabric in various colors for all layers). We don't suggest mixing more than three different fabrics or you won't see the star shape on the ornament. 

You can choose holiday fabrics, like I've done here but you could also consider solid fabric in Christmas colors, or even non-traditional fabric colors and patterns. Don't be afraid to try something a little different for these, they'll look great no matter what you choose.

Cut the Fabric

Using a pair of scissors or a rotary cutter and mat, cut your fabrics into 2-1/2 inch squares. Here's how many individual squares you'll need for each color:

• Fabric A (center): 8
• Fabric B (middle layer): 16
• Fabric C (outside layer): 16 

You'll be working from the center first, then the middle layer, and then your outside layer so you can plan where you want each fabric to go. Keep in mind that the order you choose for fabrics on the ornament will also change the look. Place them next to each other to see which patterns and colors work best for different layers. 

Attach the First Square

Before you attach the first piece of fabric, you need to find the center of the square. To do this, simply fold and crease the fabric in half vertically, then repeat horizontally. The point where the creases cross is the exact center of the fabric.

Put a pin through the wrong side (back side) of the fabric and pin it into the​ Styrofoam ball. The front side will be against the ball now. 

Fold and Pin Your First Square

Now it's time to make your first fold. You'll repeat this same fold over and over again to cover the ornament. Here's how:

1. Fold the square you have pinned to the ball upward horizontally, forming a rectangle. The fold will now be on the bottom. 
2. Fold the top corners inward to the middle to form a triangle. 
3. Take four pins and place two just on the other side of the bottom middle to hold the flaps down, then pin one on each of the two outside bottom triangle corners to secure it to the Styrofoam ball. 
   

Fold and Pin Your Second Square

Repeat the previous two steps, aligning the bottom of the new fabric square to the top of the first triangle. This time, for Step 5, fold the fabric down toward the top of your first triangle. 

Repeat the same pinning pattern (now upside down) to attach the second triangle. You'll now have two fabric triangles with the points facing each other.

Finish the Center of Your Ornament

Finish the center layer of your holiday ornament by placing the third and fourth fabric squares opposite of each other, following the same method as you used for your first two triangles.

Begin the Second Fabric Layer

Take the second fabric (middle layer) and follow Step 3 to find the center. 

Pin the center of the fabric 1/2-inch down from the top of any first-layer triangle, keeping the center fold lines even.

Finish the Second Fabric Layer

Attach three more middle fabric squares 1/2-inch down on the center lines of each original triangle.

Next, place four new squares at a diagonal to the other middle-layer triangles. Pin new triangles on the lines that divide the first layer 1/2-inch down from the center.

Add the Final Layer of Fabric Squares

Repeat Steps 7 and 8 to add the final layer of fabric squares.

Repeat for the Other Side

Repeat Steps 3-9 to complete the opposite side of the ornament, being careful to line everything up evenly. 

Pin Ribbon Around Ornament

Now that all fabric triangles are secured to the Styrofoam ball, it's time to cover up the sides where your last layers ended.

Take 12 inches of ribbon and wrap it around the center. You can pin this or use a hot glue gun to attach it. Alternatively, you can also use a strip of any layer of fabric or even burlap to cover the middle.

Finish the Ornament

Make a loop or bow from ribbon or string and attach it to the top of the ornament with pins or a hot glue gun (a mixture of both will be most secure). Your ornament is now ready to decorate your tree!