How to Make a Five Pointed Star

The "Betsy Ross" five-pointed star

Seamstress Betsy Ross is famous for helping create the iconic American flag. General George Washington initially recommended that she use six-pointed stars to represent each of the colonies. Ross, however, had her own ideas. She used a five-pointed star because it was easier to cut accurately and quickly. Learn how to make your own Betsy Ross five-pointed star in just a few easy steps.

Things You'll Need

• Lightweight fabric
• Sewing scissors
• Paper (for practice)
• Pencil (for practice)

Instructions

1. Cut fabric into 8-1/2" x 10" pieces.

2. Fold one piece of fabric in half to make a 5" x 8-1/2" "tent."

3. Fold the tent in half, both horizontally and vertically, then return to the tent position. If done correctly, you should once again have a 5" x 8-1/2" tent, now with creased lines showing horizontally and vertically.

4. Hold the tent by the top corners. Fold the left corner down from the top of the vertical crease until the left corner tip meets the horizontal crease.

5. Fold the left corner backwards so that it lines up with what is now the left edge of the fabric. The left side should now resemble a triangle (similar to making a paper airplane).

6. Fold the right corner forward, then across the left folded piece, so that the right side evenly crosses the left triangle you created in Step 5.

7. Fold the right corner backwards so that it aligns with what is now the right edge. Your fabric should now resemble a folded dinner napkin, with a triangle at the top and a rhombus at the bottom on both the front and back sides.

8. Hold the fabric on the left side. Cut the fabric from the lower right-hand corner of the triangle upwards and at a 45 degree leftward angle.

9. 

   Unfold your fabric. You should have a perfect five-pointed star. Repeat for more stars.

Tips & Warnings

• Before making fabric stars, you may want to practice by using paper and/or drawing measured lines to make sure the folds are even.

• Be careful anytime you are using sewing scissors so that you do not cut your fingers.

References

• Betsy Ross Star

Resources

• The Betsy Ross House