12 Weeks of Christmas Ornaments Challenge 2026 Week 1: The Basic Star Pattern

By Staci Ann Lowry | September 28, 2026 |

Ready to start the ornament challenge? Me too!

Each year, we've had hundreds of people participating in this challenge. And....

... when I sent out the Frequently Asked Questions email a couple weeks ago and asked who was doing the Challenge (which I do every year)....

we had hundreds more replying they were doing the Challenge.

I'm so excited to see your ornaments this year. It's easy to put off making these sometimes, but this Challenge really seems to inspire people to get going on them, and it always makes you - and ME - so motivated!

As always, we're starting with the Basic Star Pattern!

We're starting with this pattern because it's nice and easy. And also, it's awesome. ;)

This is the one that's based on the old-fashioned ‘Quilted Star’ technique that has been around forever and ever. Over the years, I changed it up a tad and put my own little spin on the techniques I use to make it. I started calling it the 'Basic Star' because once you master this one, our other patterns will seem so much easier.

And guess what? If you're new to this, you can learn how to make them, for free (yes, FREE). I have a 3-part video workshop, teaching this pattern step-by-step. I'll lead you through it all.... what you need, what to do, and how to finish it. Click RIGHT HERE for the videos.

I made a 3-layer version (and widened the space between them), but make sure you scroll all the way down to see the different versions the rest of the OG Team made. (The Basic Star can be made in SO many ways....Tanya and Cheri each used 5 layers!)

You can do them with a different number of layers (use 3, or 5! Or...)

You can also vary this pattern up by simply widening layers, or bringing them closer together.

TIP: Make a layer wider if you've got a fabric with a larger print on it.. so more of that print will show.

That's what I LOVE about this pattern – just change the order of fabrics, or the width between layers, or one of a zillion other details... and you will be able to create totally different looks.

And don't forget to have fun with your embellishments!

Here is Kennedy's Basic Star. She did 3 layers also:

Your turn!

Your challenge is.... to make your own Basic Star Ornament using your 3 chosen fabrics.... you can arrange your fabrics like we have, or better yet, mix it up!

Remember, if you don't know how to make the Basic Star, you can learn it for free right HERE.

Then, show me what you've got by posting it on Instagram using the hashtag #OrnamentGirlsChallenge so we can all see it!

(And, if you're an Ornament Girls Club Member, please post it in our private FB group!)

I'll see ya in a week, with Challenge Pattern #2.

Happy Ornament-ing!

Staci Ann

p.s. If you bought your foam ahead of time-based on the Supply List I gave you, this week uses an 8-Lined Ball. But, don't worry if you don't have a pre-lined ball... this one can either be done without lines, or you can draw your own.)

Here are some of the OG Team's Week #1 ornaments:

Cheri's stunning houndstooth Basic Star (5 layers), and delicate pink & green Basic Star (4 layers):

Darlene's beautiful country Christmas Basic Star (4 layers):

Tanya's adorable Easter-themed Basic Star (5 layers):

Lydia's elegant red and green Basic Star (3 layers):

My strawberry-themed Basic Star (with 3 layers):

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About Staci Ann Lowry

17 Comments

  1. Amy Smith on September 28, 2026 at 12:12 pm

    All are so pretty! Thank you for the inspiration!

    Reply
    • Sarah Cinocco on September 28, 2026 at 12:16 pm

      Happy Ornament-ing!

      Reply
      • Rose Beighey on September 28, 2026 at 1:03 pm

        Yes, I will be joining the Ornamentgirl Challenge

        Reply
        • Sarah Cinocco on September 30, 2026 at 12:57 pm

          I’m so glad you’ll be pinning along with us!

          Reply
  2. Sylvia on September 28, 2026 at 1:52 pm

    Have almost finished my basic star …not sure I am happy with my fabric choices but onward and upward. Will post pic when finished.

    Reply
    • Sarah Cinocco on September 30, 2026 at 12:57 pm

      Can’t wait to see!

      Reply
  3. Linda Lehman on September 28, 2026 at 5:01 pm

    Thank you for posting your Team’s ornaments. I have yet to complete a set but I totally enjoy looking at them all!!

    Reply
    • Sarah Cinocco on September 30, 2026 at 12:57 pm

      I hope you’re feeling inspired! Happy Ornament-ing!

      Reply
  4. Deborah Cagle on September 28, 2026 at 9:44 pm

    Having a hard time getting the instructions on the projests

    Reply
    • Sarah Cinocco on September 30, 2026 at 12:58 pm

      Hi Deborah! I am so sorry! I am going to send you an e-mail so we can help figure this out!

      Reply
  5. Laura Lotz on September 28, 2026 at 9:47 pm

    They all are gogeous

    Reply
    • Sarah Cinocco on September 30, 2026 at 12:59 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  6. Due on September 29, 2026 at 1:28 pm

    Can Darlene say where she found the black and white check fabric and ribbon?

    Reply
    • Sarah Cinocco on September 30, 2026 at 12:59 pm

      Isn’t that material cute?! It is Chelsea’s Checks from Henry Glass #9700-09

      Reply
      • Anonymous on October 2, 2026 at 9:58 pm

        It is adorable! Thank you! Sue

        Reply
        • Sarah Cinocco on October 4, 2026 at 2:07 pm

          I hope you have fun working with it!

          Reply
  7. Ginny Hill on October 12, 2026 at 2:59 pm

    I am having trouble finding the instructions for a 5 layer Basic Star Ornament. I really like the Easters-themed Basic Star that Tanya made. It will be different from the other Basic Star ornaments I have done. Thanks so much!

    Reply

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