Sew a star utensil with a free pattern

In the 13th door of the blog advent calendar 2024 hides a versatile star utensil with 6 little compartments today. As you can see, the utensil can be wonderfully sewn and decorated for Christmas by adding little sparkly bits and bobs. But it is also ideal for storing other small items. It is really super quick to sew. This makes the star utensil a perfect last-minute gift. So lets start to sew a star utensil!

Before you get started, take your time to read through my instructions. I sewed the small star utensil with the final diameter of 20 cm.

Sew a star utensil with a free pattern

Material and accessories

For one basket you need:

2 different cotton fabrics, each measuring 60 x 30 cm
Interfacing Vlieseline H200 or H250 (for particularly thin fabrics) 60 x 30 cm
Matching sewing thread
erasable felt-tip pen or tailor’s chalk
Fabric scissors
Pins
Paper scissors
Iron
Ruler
optional pinking shears

Download pattern for free

The pattern for the star utensil is available in two sizes – labeled “small” and “large”. When printing, make sure that the print settings are set to actual size (100%). The pattern pieces include a 1 cm seam allowance. You can download the templates here:

Star utensil pattern

There are two pattern pieces for each size of Utensilos:

Small – outer fabric with a diameter of 22 cm, interfacing with a diameter of 20 cm
Small – outer fabric with a diameter of 25 cm, interfacing with a diameter of 23 cm

To sew a star utensilo, you will need 2 pieces of the same size sewn together. Cut out the corresponding pattern pieces.

Cutting and preparation

First fold the outer fabric on the fold.

Place the “outer fabric” pattern piece exactly on the folded edge. Then cut the outer fabric twice from each of your two fabrics.

Then take the matching pattern piece for the interfacing and cut it out twice in the same way.

Here you can see all the pieces of outer fabric and interfacing that you need to make a star utensil.

Press the interfacing onto the wrong side of each outer fabric.

Sew star utensil

Lay the two outer fabric pieces right sides together.

Now pin both parts together all the way around. Mark a turning opening of approx. 4 to 4.5 cm at one point.

Then sew both pieces together with a 1 cm seam allowance. The beginning and the end of the turning opening have to be well secured.

Trim the seam allowance to approx. 5 mm. The easiest way to do this is with pinking shears.

Then turn everything to the right side through the small opening.

Shape the edges well and iron them neatly.

Pin the seam allowances at the small opening to the inside. You should make sure that the round shape is retained in this area.

Topstitch all around the edge close to the edge. I prefer to use the Blindstitch Foot #5. Topstitching closes the opening automatically.

Blindstitch Foot #5

For sewing invisible hems ✓ Barely visible stitching on the front ✓ For 5.5 mm and 9 mm machines ✓

Learn more

Repeat these steps for the second circle.

Completion

Take the circle that is to become the inner part of your utensil and fold it in half. Then iron the fold line.

Unfold the circle again and repeat this with the other side of the circle.

Then mark the resulting center cross.

Take a ruler and draw a 5 cm line from the edge along the center line towards the center cross.

From the starting point of the previously drawn line, place the ruler as shown in the picture and measure a straight line of 10 cm. Marks this point. Please note: For the larger utensil, you need to mark at 11.5 cm.

Then place the ruler from the center point to the previously marked point and draw another 5 cm from the edge towards the center.

Repeat the steps until you have drawn 6 lines evenly all around.

Now place the circle with the markings on the other circle of fabric.

Pin the two parts together exactly on the lines drawn.

For precise topstitching along the lines, attach the Reverse Pattern Foot with Clear Sole #34. This gives you a clear view of the stitching area.

Reverse Pattern Foot with Clear Sole #34

For forward and reverse-feed stitches ✓ The clear sole ensures a good view of the sewing area ✓ The red markings allow accurate and careful sewing ✓ For 5.5 mm and 9 mm machines ✓

Learn more