Living in Alaska, land of the midnight sun, Maker Team member Kaitlin of @itsbearscorner doesn't get a bright moon or stars in the summertime... so she made her own. And you can too! These Moon and Star Pins feel like the ultimate summer camp craft. Pin them to a new school backpack and try to stretch out those summer memories a little longer.
I created these pins to reminisce on summer nights from my childhood. A super simple design that you can customize with patterned or metallic felt. I keep it plain by only jazzing up the moon, but use your creativity when you make these pin pals! Attach to bags, purses or a hiking vest for those summer days! These stitch up quickly so you will have plenty of time to get outside.
Skill Level: Beginner
Time: 1 hour for set
Additional Supplies:
Moon and Star Template (click to download)
Iron - optional
Directions:
1. Download and print Moon and Star Template. Cut out and trace onto felt with a Frixion pen or use the freezer paper method to transfer patterns. Cut out.
This example uses Dandelion and Silver felt, but feel free to experiment with metallics or even patterned felt!
2. Cut two of each shape - one front and one back.
3. Sew pin back onto one shape (back) with two strands of coordinating floss.
4. To make pin back extra secure, cut out a matching rectangle of felt and whip stitch it over pin. Set back aside.
5. With a Frixion pen, draw face on opposite (front) shape using template as a guide for eye placement.
6. Use a large needle or awl to create a hole for safety eyes to poke through. Secure safety eyes with backing piece.
7. As an optional step, melt down black part of safety eye with an iron. Use extreme caution!
8. Draw mouth on face with Frixion pen, then use two strands of DMC 310 to stitch over guidelines.
9. Place front and back of Star together and blanket stitch around perimeter with two strands of DMC 725. Add a small amount of Polyfil prior to stitching closed. Use heat (blow dryer) to remove any visible marks from Frixion pen.
10. For Moon, follow Steps 3-8, then continue to Step 11.
11. Make ‘craters’ by drawing circles onto front shape. Cut out craters with scissors or a hole punch.
12. Cut pieces of glitter felt slightly larger than craters. Place behind openings for contrast.
13. Whip stitch around openings with DMC 415 to secure glitter felt to front of pin.
14. If necessary, trim edges of glitter felt so they do not extend past edge of Moon.
15. Use contrasting thread to stitch X shapes or glue sequins to Moon for extra texture.
16. Place front and back of Moon together and blanket stitch around perimeter with two strands of DMC 415. Add a small amount of Polyfil prior to stitching closed. Use heat to remove any visible marks from Frixion pen.
Your Moon and Star pin pals are done!
I hope you enjoyed making these felt pins as a quick make for a birthday gift, adding a bit of whimsy to your wardrobe or even as decor on a pin board. The shapes are basic, but I hope it opens up your creativity to stitch planets, holiday themes or even nametags. The possibilities are endless - you just need to stitch!
Thanks to Kaitlin for designing and writing this tutorial! You can see more of her work on Instagram @itsbearscorner and on her website. Stay tuned for more tutorials from the Benzie Design Maker Team!
