Needles 'n' Knowledge: Chunky 3d Star Assembly Guide

Build five simple star point boxes

(open bottomed with glued-on cover),

add overlay panels for "flag" stars & stripes configuration

(or use whole point shape for all overlays),

then "lace" the points together for a display star

for a patriotic event or decor.

Star measures approx. 10.5" wide x 10" tall x 1.5" deep.

ASSEMBLY: 1. Identify and cut the shapes:
A star point boxing (side) right (5)
B star point boxing (side) left (5)
C star point front (5) D interior support "tube" (5)
E star point back (5)
F star front accent shapes
(grouped to cut together as svg file opens to
assist with cutting as "continuous" pattern;
see Step 12)

PREPARE 5 POINT UNITS

(following steps 1-11)

2. Prepare the left and right boxing - or side panels -

of star point by bending side flange tabs back,

top or bottom tabs back, and bend at the middle

cross perforation line, as shown.

3. Join the left and right sections by overlapping

the plain top edge of the right strip over the top tab

perforation line of the left section, adjust and

glue seam.

4. Complete the bottom point seam in similar fashion

by overlapping the left bottom plain edge over

the right bottom tab to perforation line, adjust,

and glue seam.

5. Push the point boxing into relatively final shape,
with top flange tabs bent at right angles to walls,
and apply glue to the tabs. Take care to add glue
to the very tips of the points, especially top & bottom.

6. Position point front over the tabs, line up all

edges with side perforation corners, and glue in place.

Take care that lacing punch holes lines up -

here and throughout the assembly.

NOTE: adjust the shape of the point boxing (sides)

by pushing sides inward or outward for a precise

match to the front point shape.

During the gluing process, turn the point face down
on flat surface, and insert fingertips pressure . . .

. . . or tool pressure from along each tab to assist with
secure joining.

7. Prepare the interior support strip by bending

back on all perforation lines.

8. Shape the strip into a "tube" form to bring

the plain straight side edge to overlap the

opposite side tab to perf line, adjust top and

bottom so that edges match, and glue seam.

9. Apply adhesive to the wall corners, and to the

top cut edges . . .

. . . flatten the tube to fit into the point's

back opening . . .

. . . insert completely until top is flush
with the backside of the point's front shape,
then . . .

. . . open tube into its roughly square form
with corners touching upper and lower
angled wall backsides.

Before glue grabs, adjust the position or

shape of the support "tube" to ensure

that the punched lacing holes will be

free from interference.

Lift the back tabs and apply a few dabs of

glue to back corners of support tube,

then replace tabs and apply pressure

to join to top of support.

(NOTE: Continue onto the next step

before glue dries completely.)

10. Position point back over the opening,

align edges with boxing perforation edges,

making adjustments to point shape as necessary

for precise match, and glue in place.

As part of the gluing process, it may be helpful
to insert a flat tool such as this spatula
behind the back point shape and the tab to which
it is attaching in order to apply finger pressure
from the outside, for a secure join all around.

11. Apply glue to the back shape "frame",

then position, adjust and attach the back cover shape.

12. Position and attach the accent shapes

to each point front.

If your design includes the stars & stripes coloration,

it may be helpful to place the points into their final

positions, then lay the accent shapes on top.

PATTERN MATCHING: To make the stripes panels

and/or the stars panels print patterns match up

as if cut "whole", leave the shapes from the cut file

grouped together with arranging on cutting mat

prior to cutting. Cut, then remove shapes carefully

in order to be able to position on the appropriate point.

Position and attach each accent front panel

onto assigned point box.

13. LACING: for inner holes, cut a 1 yard length of twine.
For outer holes, cut 1 1/2 yard length.
Anchor twine end (1.5-2 inch tail) on backside
of first point box with temp tape such as masking tape.
Thread lead end onto a long darning needle or
4" doll needle (shown here).
Insert needle through inner end hole on back,
push through the interior of the box to exit
through corresponding hole on the front of box.
(NOTE this may be a patience-requiring process;
use the side wall hole punches to view & adjust the
needle point position so it can exit the opposite hole.)
Pull twine through completely.

14. Position second point box next to first.

Insert needle and twine through adjacent hole,

through interior and out the back at corresponding

hole.

15. Move to the closest back hole across the point
of second point, insert needle through to front,
and pull twine through completely.

As indicated by pointing finger, the stitch that
should be produced by the lacing travels perpendicular
across the edges of the two touching point boxes.

16. Continue this stitch lacing around the inner
point holes to connect the remaining three points.
Un-tape lead end, tie off ends in a secure knot,
and trim ends short.