How To Make a Star Garland

Read all of the steps before starting.

Step 1: Project Preparation

Precut paper blanks for the stars in equal amounts of red, white and blue. Each star is cut from a rectangle that is 4 by 5 inches or 6 by 7½ inches.  For best results the blanks need to have straight sides and square corners. The sizes can vary a bit. If you want larger or smaller stars, just keep similar proportions—an 8 by 10 inch rectangle works well for a large star.

Step 2: Make Five-pointed Stars

1. Fold the rectangle in half, matching the short sides.
2. Find the center of the left side by folding in half again and making a short pinch crease. Unfold.
3. With the fold at the bottom, bring the lower right corner to the center of the left side (marked with the pinch crease) and crease.
4. Fold the lower left corner up and crease along the folded edge above it. A triangle shape will be on top.
5. Fold again matching the folded edge of the triangle to the right side. The narrow tip of the folded paper is the center of the star.
6. Cut the folded paper on an angled line from the left edge to the right edge—see the illustration. Unfold the triangle that was cut off to reveal the star. Vary the angle of the cut line to change the thickness of the star points.

Step 3: Punch Holes

Punch holes in two opposite points of each star.

Step 4: String the Stars

Cut a length of yarn long enough for the number of stars and where it will be hung — usually 4 to 6 feet (1 to 2 meters.) Weave the yarn through the punched holes on the stars — children may need help here. A blunt yarn needle can make the job go faster.

Step 5: Hang the Star Garland

Hang the garland using tape, tacks or whatever is appropriate for the place/surface being decorated.

That's it! Stand back and enjoy your creation.