Hanukkah Star Ornament

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare your canvas and thread

   Cut a 15 cm × 15 cm (6 × 6 inch) piece of 14-mesh needlepoint canvas. Tape the edges with masking tape to prevent fraying. Trace or draw the Star of David design lightly onto the canvas with a waterproof marker — the star fits within a 10 × 10 cm area. Cut your thread into 45 cm (18 inch) lengths — longer pieces tangle and fray. Thread your needle without knotting the end. To start, leave a 3 cm tail on the back and anchor it under your first few stitches.

2. 2

   Stitch the star outline in dark blue

   Using dark blue thread (DMC 336 or similar), work the outline of the Star of David using the continental stitch. The star is made of two overlapping triangles — stitch each triangle separately. Work from the outer points inward, following the lines you drew. Keep your stitches consistent in direction (always bottom-left to top-right). The outline defines the shape and gives you a clear guide for filling in the colour.

3. 3

   Fill the star in medium blue

   Using medium blue thread (DMC 798 or similar), fill the interior of the star using the basketweave stitch. Work diagonally across the canvas — down-right on one pass, up-left on the return. The basketweave stitch causes much less canvas distortion than the continental stitch, which is important for a piece this small that you want to stay flat. Fill every hole within the star outline completely.

4. 4

   Add silver highlights

   Using silver metallic thread (DMC Light Effects E168 or similar), work a single row of tent stitches just inside the dark blue outline to create a glowing border effect. Metallic thread can be tricky — use shorter lengths (30 cm maximum) and a slightly larger needle to reduce friction. If the thread twists, let the needle dangle freely to unwind it. The silver highlights catch the light beautifully and give the ornament a festive sparkle.

5. 5

   Fill the background and finish

   Using white or cream thread, fill the background area around the star using the basketweave stitch. Work from the edges inward. When all stitching is complete, block the piece by dampening it with a clean cloth and pinning it square onto a foam mat. Leave to dry completely (at least 24 hours). Trim the canvas to 1 cm around the stitched area, fold the edges back, and mount in a small embroidery hoop or frame. Add a ribbon loop for hanging.