NAUTICAL STAR

DIFFICULTY:

The nautical star historically refers to Polaris, the North Star. As people took to the seas, the North Star was crucial in navigating the largely barren and landmark-less ocean. It’s a totem to protection and safety and a reminder that you can always find your way home. The star’s alternating color design is reminiscent of a compass rose, found on most maps and nautical charts. For this project, I’m going to alternate between string and no string, but you could easily fill the opposite with another color. If you do, you may want to outline the entire thing in a third contrasting color, such as black, to keep the shapes sharp and defined. This pattern can also be used to make a standard star—just ignore the interior nail holes.

Materials

Pine board: 1" × 10" (2.5cm × 25.5cm), cut to square and stained (Shown: Minwax Wood Finish in Dark Walnut)

3⁄4" (1.9cm) copper weather-stripping nails

Size 10 crochet thread in 1 color (Shown: Cream)

Photocopy of pattern (page 86)

Picture-hanging hardware

2 felt furniture pads

Tools: Hammer, needle-nose pliers

Basic supplies: Superglue, scissors, ruler, transparent tape

Techniques Used

Preparing a board (page 8)

Applying a nail pattern (page 9)

Stringing basics (pages 10–11)

Double-wrap technique (page 13)

Finished Size (h × w)

9.5" × 9.5" (24cm × 24cm)

  1. Trim your pattern from the paper and position it on your board. If you’re going to center it, a shortcut is to just make sure the center nail mark of the star is center. Then, be sure the star’s top point is positioned straight up. Tape your pattern to the board.
  2. Hammer your nails through the pattern. You’ll want to leave the very center nail a little higher than usual. This is because all five points of the star will be utilizing that center nail, and it can get crowded with layers of string. You can always tap it back down once your project is complete. Remove the pattern and debris.
  3. Tie on to one of the edges and seal your knot. Start with the outline of the star, as well as outlining the inner sections with string. Decide which side of each point will be filled with string and begin your zigzag fill technique. Either side will work, just be sure it’s the same side on every star point.
  4. Once all five sections have been filled, go back around and add the double-wrap technique to the border. This is highly recommended to make the shapes look sharp. Be sure to double-wrap the border of the empty sections as well. (Do this step last if you chose to fill the opposite sections with another color.) Tie off and seal your knot.
  5. Attach your picture-hanging hardware and felt pads. Sign and date your work and hang your art so you’ll always know your way home.

NAUTICAL STAR PATTERN

Enlarge at 200%.