How to sew star place holders

Add star quality to your table with these twinkly place holders, wrapped in twine so you can add your own name cards. Our free step-by-step tutorial will help to make your Christmas table sparkle! See more of Anna Alicia's designs over on Instagram @aalicialondon.

A decorative star-shaped fabric ornament with a name tag reading "Sam" is placed on a turquoise placemat. Behind it stands a champagne flute adorned with gold dots, next to a copper geometric candle holder. Striped straws are also visible on the table.

How to make your own Christmas table place settings

You will need...

For one star

Cotton fabric: 20x40cm (8x16in)
Polyester fibrefill
Pretty twine or cord: 1m (1yd)
Thin card: 3x5cm (1¹⁄₄x2in)
Gold machine embroidery thread
Matching thread
Basic sewing kit
Gold gel pen (optional)

Notes

Download our free Christmas Decorations sewing patterns
Use a 1cm (³⁄₈in) seam allowance throughout.

Cutting out

Step 1

Download and trace around the star template and cut it out.

Step 2

Fold the fabric in half with right sides (RS) together.

Step 3

Place the template on top and draw around it using an erasable pen or chalk.

Step 4

Pin the fabric together along the drawn lines through both layers.

Step 5

Cut out the star 1cm (³⁄₈in) outside the drawn lines all the way around.

Making the star

Step 1

Sew the two layers of fabric together along the drawn lines, leaving a 4cm (1⁵⁄₈in) turning gap at the end.

Step 2

Trim the outer corners and snip the inner corners about 1-2mm (¹⁄₁₆in) from the stitching, taking care not to cut through any of the machine stitches.

Step 3

Turn the star RS out through the turning gap.

Step 4

Fold the edges of the turning gap to the inside.

Step 5

Stuff the star lightly with polyester fiberfill through the gap. It should be slightly puffy and not very full.

How to make Christmas table place holders step 4

Step 6

Slip stitch the turning gap closed.

How to make Christmas table place holders step 5

Finishing off

Step 1

Using gold thread and a machine zigzag, stitch around the star 1cm (³⁄₈in) in from the side seams to decorate.

How to make Christmas table place holders step 6

Step 2

Wrap twine or cord around the star several times, making sure you finish with both ends at the back.

Step 3

Tie the ends together and trim any excess.

How to make Christmas table place holders step 7

Step 4

Write your guest’s name on the card in gold gel pen and tuck it into place amongst the twine crisscrossing the star.

How to make a Christmas star table place holder

Make your Christmas table sparkle

Whip up these quick and easy stars that are sure to impress your guests this festive season.

Sew your own Christmas ornaments

Make these adorable mini jumper Christmas decorations to add a personal touch to your tree this year.

Two miniature sweater ornaments hang on a vibrant pink Christmas tree; one is green with intricate white and pink embroidery, while the other is bright pink adorned with shiny sequins.