Paper Moravian Star Instructions

Fold an intricate Moravian star.

Paper Moravian stars, also known as German stars, Froebel stars and Swedish stars, are intricate three-dimensional stars that can be used for decorating Christmas trees or a lovely touch on a wrapped gift. Try using different colored strips or ribbons to make these stars.

Things You'll Need

• 4 paper strips, 1 inch by 30 inches
• Pencil
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Cut the end of each strip into a point.

2. Label both ends of each of the strips with the numbers 1 through 4. One strip is labeled as 1; the next is labeled as 2.

3. Fold each of the four strips in half so that you get 1-inch by 15 inch strips.

4. Place strip 1 horizontally with the ends pointing right.

5. Thread the ends of strip 1 through strip 2. Strip 2 should be vertical with the ends pointing down.

6. Thread the ends of strip 2 through strip 3. Strip 3 should be horizontal with the ends pointing left.

7. Thread the ends of strip 3 through strip 4, then thread the ends of strip 4 through strip 1. Strip 4 should be vertical with the ends pointing up. The strips should form a square with the strip ends coming out of each corner.

8. Pull on each strip until the folded ends of all the strips come together. They will form a square in the middle, made of four smaller squares.

9. Fold the top layer of strip 4 down as far as it will go.

10. Fold the top layer of strip 3 to the right as far as it will go.

11. Fold the top layer of strip 2 up as far as it will go.

12. Fold the top layer of strip 1 to the left as far as it will go. Thread the end under the top layer of strip 4. You will now have a square composed of four smaller squares in the center, with two strips coming out of each side.

13. Take the top right strip. Fold the strip under and 45 degrees to the right. The strip should now point right.

14. Fold the strip 45 degrees down. The strip should now point down, making a triangle. Fold this triangle in half vertically so that the strip lies on top of itself. The strip should still point down.

15. Thread the strip through the top layer of the top left square.

16. Turn the whole thing 90 degrees to the left. Take the top right strip. Fold the strip under and 45 degrees to the right. The strip should now point right.

17. Fold the strip 45 degrees down. The strip should now point down, making a triangle. Fold this triangle in half vertically so that the strip lies on top of itself. The strip should still point down.

18. Hold the free top layer out of the way. Thread the strip under the top layer of the top left square.

19. Turn the whole thing 90 degrees to the left and repeat. Turn again and repeat.

20. Turn the whole thing over, and orient it so that strip 1 is pointing up. Repeat the last 7 steps.

21. Fold all the free ends up so that the stand straight up.

22. Take the right most strip in your right hand with the thumb on the side of the strip away from you, and your forefinger on the side of the strip towards you. Bend it down towards you, then up away from you. Switch thumb and forefinger positions without letting go of the strip--you are turning the strip so that the side that was down is now up. Slide the end of the strip under the top left square. You should see the strip end coming out of the triangle to the side of that square. Grab the point of the strip and pull gently.

23. Repeat on the three remaining strips. Turn the star over and repeat the last two steps on all four strips.

24. Cut off the free ends of each strip.

References

• High Hopes: 3-D Stars - Free Instructions
• How to Make Stars: Instructions
• Mathematische Basteleien: Froebel Star