Some of my favorite quilting projects are the ones that add warmth and color to everyday items. The Folded Star hot pad is a perfect example of a small, quick project that brings personality and beauty to your kitchen or dining table. Designed by Sharon Holland, this 6½” folded star square features layers of fabric triangles arranged into a star shape, perfect for a beginner looking to create something functional and decorative.
With its unique texture and satisfying folding technique, the folded star design is an impressive yet beginner-friendly piece. Let’s dive into the steps for creating this hot pad!
Creating Layers of Color: Crafting the Folded Star Design
The Folded Star design is a beautiful combination of simple fabric folds and precise placement, which, when assembled, produces a radiant layered star. Each fabric layer gradually adds a new color, giving the star depth and vibrancy. For this project, choose bold or contrasting colors to highlight each star layer.
Materials for the Folded Star Hot Pad
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Fabric (fat quarters): One each in teal print, gold print, large dot, green floral, and turquoise dot
- Foundation: 7” muslin square
- Backing: 8” square in a coordinating print
- Batting: One 8” cotton batting square
- Additional Supplies: Needle and coordinating thread, turning stick
Cutting Guide:
- Teal print: Four 4” squares
- Gold print, large dot, and green floral: Eight 4” squares each
- Turquoise dot: Four 6½” squares and four 4” squares
Full Pattern: Click Here
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Folded Star Hot Pad
Step 1: Prepare the Foundation Square
- Take the 7” muslin square and fold it in half twice (once vertically and once horizontally) to create quarter creases. Press to set these lines.
- Next, fold diagonally in both directions to add diagonal crease lines. These folds will guide your fabric placements.
Step 2: Make the First Layer of Teal Triangles
- Fold each 4” teal print square in half twice with the wrong sides together. Press to set the folds.
- Open the square slightly to form a triangle with a double fold along one edge. Make four teal triangles this way.
- Position each teal triangle fold side up at the center of the muslin foundation square, aligning the triangle points along the crease lines. Pin and machine baste ¼” around the outer edges, then tack the points in place by hand.
Step 3: Add the Gold Print Layer
- Make eight folded gold triangles as in Step 2. Arrange them around the teal triangles with the points ⅜” from the teal tips, starting with triangles aligned horizontally and vertically.
- Use the diagonal creases to position the remaining four triangles in the corners, completing the second layer. Machine baste around the outer edge and hand tack each point.
Step 4: Continue with the Dot and Floral Layers
- Follow the same steps to make eight large dot triangles and arrange them ⅜” away from the gold points, pinning and basting each layer.
- Add eight green floral triangles next, aligning them similarly for the fourth layer, forming a vibrant, layered star.
Step 5: Finish with the Final Turquoise Dot Layer
- Fold the four 4” turquoise dot squares into triangles and pin them along the horizontal and vertical lines of the foundation square.
- Fold the four 6½” turquoise dot squares into triangles, placing them at each corner with ⅜” spacing. This completes the outer layer of the folded star. Machine baste around the edge and trim excess fabric even with the muslin foundation.
Step 6: Layer and Stitch the Hot Pad
- Layer the following: one 8” batting square, backing fabric (right side up), and the folded star hot pad (right side down).
- Pin and sew around all edges with a ¼” seam allowance, leaving a 3½” opening for turning.
Step 7: Turn, Press, and Finish
- Clip the corners and turn the hot pad right side out through the opening, using a turning stick to push out the corners neatly.
- Press the hot pad flat, turn the opening under by ¼”, and slip stitch closed.
Tips for a Perfect Folded Star
- Use a Turning Stick: This helps in achieving sharp, crisp corners.
- Align with Crease Lines: Follow the creases to keep each layer symmetrical.
- Experiment with Colors: Choosing contrasting or gradient colors makes each star layer stand out.
The Folded Star hot pad is a small but striking project that showcases the beauty of quilting techniques in a practical way. Whether you’re new to quilting or looking for a fun, colorful addition to your kitchen, this project is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy each fold and stitch, and take pride in creating something both functional and beautiful!