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I love crafting for the holidays. If you go back through my blog archives you will find loads of Christmas DIYs included terrazzo ornaments, quilted stockings, glitter scalloped ornaments, and even a printable advent calendar. This year I wanted to combine a recent quilting project and make it festive.
I decided to use the scrap busting quilting technique I used on the scrappy quilted pouch by layering scraps under silk organza to create star shaped quilted ornaments!
This project is a perfect way to use up those teeny tiny fabric scraps that would otherwise be throw away (or used for stuffing a floor poof). And there’s something just so fun about the spontaneity of this type of scrap busting quilting. The possibilities are truly endless as your own fabric scraps will determine the color palette and you could even quilt with metallic thread.
I used my beloved Baby Lock Ballad with the Compact Digital Dual Feed foot. This machine, and particularly this walking foot, makes quilting on thick and slightly slippery materials like the organza a breeze. Plus it works with various quilting stitches so you can play around with other quilting stitches like waves or even stippling.
This is truly a scrap busting DIY; the quilted shape is simply 4 layers:
- Quilt back – I used a scrap of undyed denim
- Batting
- Fabric scraps (I scattered some sequins on top)
- Organza – I used a scrap piece of pale pink silk organza but polyester would work too
When arranging the fabric scraps as your third later, I recommend using a basting spray as you layer the fabric pieces. Then when you’re done arrange the scraps, lightly spray over the entire piece and place the organza on top.
Once you have completed your “quilt sandwich” then you can get quilting!
I chose the Serpentine stitch on my Ballad and used neon pink Gutterman Mara 70 thread. I just love the pop of neon! And since this a fun, scrap busting project, I didn’t pre-mark my quilt lines. I just went with the flow and used the presser foot to estimate the spacing between lines.
Once you’re done quilting, now it’s time to trace the ornament shapes onto the quilted fabric. You can use the star template I created, which includes 2 sizes, or cut any shape you like.
Download the Printable Star Shape Template
I used a washable fabric marker to trace the star shapes onto the quilted fabric. Then I used a zig zag stitch (decorative stitch Q-25) — .8mm long x 4mm wide to sew all the way around the drawn edge.
Once stitched, I used fabric scissors to cut out the star shape, cutting about 1/8″ away from the stitched border.
Every ornament needs a string or way to hang it so I used this glittery thrifted gold rick rack to create a loop. I cut a 12″ piece of rick rack and folded it in half and then used a straight stitch to attach it to the back of each ornament.
The finishing touch is adding a wood bead on top. Simply thread it through the top of the rick rack loop.
I just love these ornaments so much and I cannot wait to see yours! If you make them, please be sure to tag @sarahhearts so we can see and share them!