The Star Stitch

This stitch is easy because it is logical. You can probably figure it out without a tutorial, but because it is part of another tutorial, I'll go through the stages. I added some stabilizing stitches in the above example, only because the metallic thread I used seemed to need some help on this floppy recycled fabric. I added french knots in the above example as well. The moon is just some satin stitches over a back stitch outline. Easy peasy.

First, knot your thread and mark where your star will be stitched. I used a pencil but you can free hand it or use a disappearing marker or chalk pencil if you like.

Step one- come up on one of the spokes of the star.

Step two- go back down in the spoke directly opposite the spoke you came up in. Aim the needle towards the first spoke to the left and point your needle down through that mark.

Step three- bring the needle up through the next stitch (from the top) and back down into the very opposite spot on the star (bottom). Basically, you will just be tracing the line with your thread.

Step four- you will just be repeating the last step over again, just moving to the next stitch. Come up through the top of the star and go down through the bottom of the star and move one spot over for your next stitch. I'll just show you the next few stitches that illustrate what I mean.

You are finished!

If you want to add some stitches to the center,just come up through the middle on one side of you center stitches and come back down on the other side. Repeat if needed. If you decide to weave a ribbon through the spokes later, to make a rose, you will need to stitch the center threads down.
When creating a ribbon rose, the star stitch is usually not used, but it will do in a pinch. I don't think the embroidery gods would get too upset if you used this stitch in a pinch.

I can envision this with some pretty stitch combinations to create flowers. You can add as many spokes or petals as you like. Or, add a flurry of french knots all around the top of the star stitch to suggest a dandelion or allium. I have seen this stitch as an empty space filler with sead stitches. It adds a touch of whimsy to your work. Now try it out on your sampler project!