Stitch Pantry
Three differently shaped stars hang from a gently stepped cord.

Stitch preview · simulated from the actual chart

Star Garland

Three differently shaped stars hang from a gently stepped cord.

64 × 24squares
386full crosses
5colors

Design size

4.57 × 1.71 in

Cut at least 12.75 × 9.75 in of Aida

The project bundle includes the complete symbol chart, DMC thread list, stitch order and illustrated finishing plan. See the finishing steps.

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Your colors & materials

Estimate includes 20% extra. Tension and thread travel can change usage.

Symbol & colorStitchesSingle-strand lengthSkein equivalentBuy if needed
A DMC 729 - Medium Old Gold 86 2.19 m 0.046 1 skein
B DMC 326 - Very Dark Rose 86 2.19 m 0.046 1 skein
C DMC 931 - Medium Antique Blue 86 2.19 m 0.046 1 skein
D DMC 367 - Dark Pistachio Green 110 2.89 m 0.060 1 skein
E DMC 209 - Dark Lavender 18 0.57 m 0.012 1 skein

A six-strand 8 m skein supplies 48 m of single strands. Use matching colors from your stash, or buy at least one skein per color. Screen colors are a guide.

Use the listed DMC Article 117 six-strand cotton numbers for this palette. Names and numbers were checked against the manufacturer list; screen swatches are illustrations, not calibrated thread colors. Compare real skeins before stitching. These projects have not been physically sample-stitched.

DMC Article 117 number and name list · 5 selected thread colors; sewing thread is separate.

Also gather a blunt tapestry needle, a hoop and scissors. Estimated stitching time: 2.4–4.3 hours at 90–160 stitches/hour. This estimate has not been timed by a stitcher.

From first stitch to finish

  1. Cord

    Start with the green stepped hanging cord across the top.

  2. Hangers

    Add the three lavender hangers at their unequal heights.

  3. Left star

    Count to the gold left star and follow each point.

  4. Middle star

    Work the red middle star using its own row positions.

  5. Right star

    Fill the blue right star and check its attachment to the hanger.

  6. Garland check

    Compare all star tips and cord endpoints, then secure tails before framing.

From stitches to a finished piece

Star Garland · 14 count Aida

A gathered hoop display

Check the chart corners against the hoop opening, allow cloth for the rim and gather the back before adding felt.

Whole chart
4.57 × 1.71 inIncludes the empty chart squares.
Working cloth
12.75 × 9.75 inStart with this larger piece while stitching.
Finishing trim
9.25 in diameterCut this only after stitching and all fit checks.
Finished size
6.00 × 6.00 inRound hoop body; screw and hanger project beyond it.
Backing
5.75 in diameterDry fit before attaching.
The entered dimensions fit. Measure your supplies before cutting.
  • All four chart corners fit the opening with at least 0.25 in radial clearance.
  • The entered inner ring and outer hoop diameters have a consistent order.
  • The 12.75 × 9.75 in working cloth contains the entire finishing trim line.
Minimum clear opening
5.38 inWhole-chart diagonal 4.88 in + twice the 0.25 in radial margin.
Measured clear opening
5.50 inMeasure the inner opening across its centre; a shop size is only a starting estimate.
Hoop outside / rim depth
6.00 in / 0.38 inOutside diameter excludes the screw. Depth is the front-to-back height of the rim.
Extra cloth beyond the outer hoop
1.63 inAllow 0.38 in over the rim plus 1.25 in to gather on the back, on every side.

Finishing supplies

  • Completed Aida still on its full working cloth
  • A measured round display hoop with inner and outer rings
  • Felt, strong sewing thread, sharp needle, ruler and scissors
  • A paper circle for a dry fit; optional ribbon tied securely around the screw bracket

These are measured-layout plans and original assembly diagrams. Fabric stretch, bulk, tape adhesion and the finished object have not been physically sample-tested. Make a paper dry fit and measure your actual supplies before cutting.

Diagrams are not full-size templates. Use the written dimensions and check any printer scale before tracing.

  1. 1. Measure the clear opening

    Measure the inside of the inner ring across its centre. This chart needs at least 5.38 in: its whole-chart diagonal plus 0.25 in at both ends. Make a paper chart rectangle and centre it in the opening.

    Check: All four corners have the planned clearance. A width-only test misses the corners.

    A gathered hoop display: assembly step 1. Diagram, not to scale.HOOP / 1Check corner to corner.Diagonal + 2 x marginmust fit the measuredclear inner opening.
    Measure the clear opening · schematic, not to scale
  2. 2. Reserve cloth for the rim and back

    Measure the assembled outside diameter (6.00 in here), inner-ring outside diameter (5.75 in), and rim depth (0.38 in). Beyond the outer hoop allow depth plus 1.25 in to gather: a total trim diameter of 9.25 in.

    Check: The full circle fits inside the working cloth. If it does not, keep the cloth uncut and choose larger cloth or another finish.

    A gathered hoop display: assembly step 2. Diagram, not to scale.HOOP / 2SIDE / rim depthAllow cloth down + in.
    Reserve cloth for the rim and back · schematic, not to scale
  3. 3. Centre and tighten the hoop

    Put the inner ring below the fabric and the outer ring above it, screw at the top. Align the chart centre with the opening centre. Tighten gradually, keeping the fabric grain straight; recheck the front after every adjustment.

    Check: The front is smooth, the chart is square and the border is even. Do this before cutting.

    A gathered hoop display: assembly step 3. Diagram, not to scale.HOOP / 3FRONTCentre before tightening.Check the grid is square.
    Centre and tighten the hoop · schematic, not to scale
  4. 4. Cut the circular allowance

    With fit and centring confirmed, mark a circle 9.25 in across, centred on the hoop. Check the mark lies on cloth all the way around before cutting. Keep the entire 1.63 in beyond the outside rim.

    Check: A strip of missing cloth cannot be replaced by pulling harder. Stop if any part of the circle falls off the fabric.

    A gathered hoop display: assembly step 4. Diagram, not to scale.HOOP / 4Cut only after thewhole circle fits.Keep depth + gatheroutside the hoop.
    Cut the circular allowance · schematic, not to scale
  5. 5. Gather the fabric to the back

    Turn the hoop over. Run a strong thread around the fabric edge about 6 mm in from the cut, with small running stitches. Pull evenly so the cloth folds over the rim and gathers inward. Check the front again, then knot the gathering thread securely.

    Check: The gathered cloth sits inside the back. It does not pull the chart off centre.

    A gathered hoop display: assembly step 5. Diagram, not to scale.HOOP / 5BACKRunning stitchesdraw the edge inward.Knot after checking front.
    Gather the fabric to the back · schematic, not to scale
  6. 6. Trace and fit the backing

    Trace the outside of the actual inner ring on felt; the entered diameter is 5.75 in. Cut a paper test circle first, then felt. Lay it over the gathered back so the raw edges and gathering thread are covered.

    Check: Adjust the felt to the hardware; do not cut away the Aida gathering allowance to make the felt fit.

    A gathered hoop display: assembly step 6. Diagram, not to scale.HOOP / 6Gathered AidaTrace inner ring outside
    Trace and fit the backing · schematic, not to scale
  7. 7. Sew felt to gathered cloth

    Work a small whip stitch around the felt edge, catching the gathered cloth behind it. Keep the needle in the back layers so it does not pierce the displayed front. Use relaxed tension and bury the final knot and tail beneath the felt.

    Check: The felt is secure all around and the front has no new needle marks or puckers.

    A gathered hoop display: assembly step 7. Diagram, not to scale.HOOP / 7BACK / whip stitchCatch gathered cloth,keeping the needleaway from the front.
    Sew felt to gathered cloth · schematic, not to scale
  8. 8. Check the display and hanger

    Inspect the centred front and covered back. Retighten the hoop only if it is loose. Use the hoop screw bracket or a securely tied ribbon as the hanger; check the chosen wall hook supports the hoop. Keep the work indoors and dry.

    Check: The hoop remains secure under a gentle lift and the fabric has not slipped.

    A gathered hoop display: assembly step 8. Diagram, not to scale.HOOP / 8FRONT / centredBACK / covered
    Check the display and hanger · schematic, not to scale
Technique references

The sizing rules and diagrams above are original to this planner. These sources describe the underlying finishing techniques.

See the chart before you print

Star Garland color chart with symbols
Color & symbols
Star Garland black and white symbol chart
Black & white symbols

Another little project?