Next, snug them up by sliding them towards the center, as shown above.
Now you'll take each top strip and fold it back over the center square, one at a time. Start with the right one, as shown. Next fold down the top strip, then the left strip, then for the last strip...
...you'll tuck it under the first strip (right) and pull it snugly to lock it all together.
Now we have the main part done and we'll start on the points! Fold the top right strip as shown: at a 45 degree angle to the right, and then down.
Next, you'll fold that strip back onto itself so create a point. I used a small binder clip to hold it snugly while I did the next step.
Slide the bodkin under the cross strip located below the point you just made. Clamp it onto the end of the working strip and pull it through.
The binder clip has kept the point folded neatly while the bodkin has hopefully made it easier to weave in that strip without loosening up the whole square. Continue, making all 8 points and weaving in the strip ends.
Now the main construction is done! You'll need sharp scissors to trim off the excess strips, as close as possible to the edge of the cross strip that they were woven under. I think it helps to slightly bend the ornament in half to get my scissors in really close!
I searched the internet to see what exactly these stars are called. It seems that they are sort of a 2-D or flat version of the Froebel Star or Morvarian Star. I also found this video for a Folded Paper German Star you may find helpful. Watch the Part 1 video, which shows basically what I've done to make the fabric stars you see here. If any of my photos/instructions are confusing, watch that video and it'll all make sense!
I've had such a great time making these! I think they'll make great teacher/neighbor/hostess gifts!
