Do you remember seeing or making paper stars as a child? Those beautiful creations that took shape using just paper strips and a series of folds and turns. If you need a quick refresher or have always wanted to learn how to make them, this step-by-step tutorial with easy to follow video will walk you through each fold so you can make them yourself.
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The History of Froebel Stars
Froebel stars, often called German paper stars, are named after Friedrich Froebel, the 19th-century educator known for developing the concept of kindergarten. He encouraged hands-on learning through simple crafts, including paper folding. These stars became a popular classroom activity in Germany and later in many other countries, especially around Christmas. The design uses four narrow paper strips and a series of folds that create the familiar raised points on all sides.
Supplies You Will Need
Four long paper strips in the same width
Scissors
Flat work surface
Optional: needle and thread or thin ribbon for hanging
Paper Choices
The easiest way to make Froebel stars is to start with precut paper strips. They’re sized correctly, consistent from strip to strip, and made from paper that folds sharply. If you’re new to making these stars or want the cleanest results, precut strips are the best choice. I’ll link a few reliable options at the bottom of this post.
You can also make your own strips using wrapping paper, kraft gift wrap, or any medium-weight paper that isn’t too slick or too thin. Accuracy matters here, so use a ruler and cut the strips evenly. Wrapping paper works especially well because it folds crisply and comes in so many colors.
Skip construction paper. It’s too thick and soft, and the folds won’t crease tight enough for the points to form correctly. The star tends to look bulky and uneven.
Paper Strip Size Guide
This simple guide helps you choose the right width:
1 inch wide x 24 inches long makes a star about 4 inches across
3/4 inch wide x 18 inches long makes a star about 3 inches
1/2 inch wide x 12 inches long makes a star about 2 inches
3/8 inch wide x 9 inches long makes a tiny star about 1.5 inches
Narrower strips make delicate stars. Wider strips are easier for beginners.
Waxing and Glittering German Stars
Stars used for indoor decorations do not need to be waxed, but waxing is helpful if you plan to hang them on a porch tree, in a window where there is moisture, or anywhere they might be handled often. The wax adds durability and helps the stars keep their shape over time.
Dipping the stars in wax protects them and gives a soft sheen. You can also sprinkle on a little glitter while the wax is still warm for a lovely sparkle.
Visit my detailed wax tutorial here:
>>Dipping German Stars in Wax
A quick dip in melted wax gives the stars a protective finish, making them much more durable and weather-resistant. I have used the same stars around the front door and on outdoor trees for almost 20 years and they looks like they did when first made.
Ideas for Using German Paper Stars
Hang on the Christmas tree
Add as a gift topper
Use as party favors
Fill a bowl or jar for table décor
Add to a mantle garland
Give as a handmade gift
Gifting Ideas
Folded German stars make thoughtful, inexpensive gifts that feel meaningful and personal. Slip one into a small cellophane bag with a ribbon and tag, and you have a lovely keepsake for a couple’s first Christmas together, a neighbor, or a friend who appreciates something handmade.
Free Printable Gift Cards
If you would like to give the stars as gifts, I created a lovely printable card that explain the tradition of the German star and includes space for a personal note. Click the link below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can children make these?
Older children and teens can follow along with the video. Very young children will need help.
What type of paper works best?
Medium-weight paper is easiest to fold. Avoid very heavy paper or very thin tissue-weight paper.
Do the stars last?
Yes. When stored carefully, unwaxed stars last many years. Waxed stars last even longer.
Storing German Paper Stars
German paper stars hold up well from year to year with just a little care. Store them in a shallow box or lidded container, keeping the points from being crushed. A single layer is best, but you can stack them if you add soft tissue paper or paper towels between each layer.
Keep the container in a cool, dry place and away from direct heat or humidity. Waxed stars are especially sturdy and store beautifully, often looking just as fresh the following Christmas.
Written Step-by-Step Instructions
These written instructions are helpful, but you will find the videos below are much easier to follow. They go slowly, show each fold clearly, and walk through the entire star from start to finish.
Step 1: Weave the Four Paper Strips
Lay two strips vertically and two strips horizontally, weaving them together into a simple square.
Adjust the strips so the center is snug but not tight — you should still be able to slide the paper slightly as you work.
Step 2: Fold the First Flat Point
Choose one strip pointing outward.
Fold it straight up, then fold it down diagonally to form a triangle.
Tuck the end under the strip beside it to lock the point in place.
Step 3: Make the Flat Points on the Front
Turn the star a quarter turn and repeat the same fold-and-tuck on the next strip.
Continue turning and folding until you have four flat points on the front.
Step 4: Flip the Star and Make the Back Flat Points
Turn the star over.
You will see four strips extending outward again.
Fold and tuck each strip the same way to create four flat points on the back.
Step 5: Form the First Raised Point
With the star facing you, choose a strip that lies between two flat points.
Fold it backward at a diagonal to start a triangle, then bring the point forward so it stands up from the star.
Tuck the tip under the strip beside it to secure the raised point.
Step 6: Complete the Raised Points on the Front
Rotate the star and repeat Step 5 on each of the remaining strips.
You will have four raised points on this side.
Step 7: Turn the Star Over and Repeat
Flip the star again and make the four raised points on the back side, tucking each tip under the strip next to it.
Step 8: Trim and Tidy
Trim any loose ends or small tails that remain.
Gently shape the points with your fingers so the star looks even and well balanced.
Tips for Best Results
Keep the strips aligned and snug
Do not over-pull the paper
Use wider strips while learning
Practice makes the folding pattern easier every time
Store finished stars flat to protect the points
German Star Video Tutorial for Making Stars
Full Video Tutorial (Two Parts)
These two videos walk through every fold at a slow, comfortable pace so you can fold along.
Part 1
How to weave the four strips
How to form the flat base
How to prepare the points
Part 2
Folding the 3D raised points on the front
Folding the points on the back
How to tuck and trim the ends neatly
Part 1
Part 2
SHOP THIS POST
Paper strips
- Tartan Patterned Paper Strips for Weaving Projects. Paper Strips for Moravian Stars, German Stars and Froebel Stars. 50 Strips per Pack (Tartan, 1/2 x 20 inch)
View on Amazon (affiliate link)
- Metallic Gold Paper Strips for Weaving Projects (Single Color Packs). Paper Strips for Moravian Stars, German Stars and Froebel Stars. 50 Strips per Pack (3/8 x 12 inch)
View on Amazon (affiliate link)
- Christmas Paper Strips for Weaving Projects. Paper Strips for Moravian, German Stars and Froebel Stars. 100 Strips per Pack (1 x 25 inch)
View on Amazon (affiliate link)
- Pearlescent White Paper Strips for Weaving Projects (Single Color Packs). Paper Strips for Moravian Stars, German Stars and Froebel Stars. 50 Strips per Pack (Pearl white, 3/8 x 12 inch)
View on Amazon (affiliate link)
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We had a lovely woman in our church who made bags and bags of these. Sadly, she has since passed away, leaving her beautiful, intricate stars for our annual Fall Festival. I purchased several bags of them not knowing they were called German Stars. They go on my Christmas tree every year. ❤️
We had 2 of these on our Christmas tree when I was little (1950s). I loved them. They were facinating and I wondered how they were made. Thank you so much for the instructions. Will for sure try to make some for my tree.
Try using the last bit of strip most people cut off to create one last layer – as shown here!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egkYycCELhg
I used to make these back in the 60s but I had forgotten how. Thanks you for the wonderful tutorial. I'll now try again.
Where do I get the long paper to use? Is there a special weight?
Oh wow, I have so much paper I could do this with! Thanks for sharing!
Hi the links don't seem to work for me? Can you send me a download, these look so pretty and my husband is from Germany, I'd like to make them for Christmas now before the crazy s start…thank you
I can see how these would be addicting. Thanks for sharing at Christmas in July. Pinning this one:-)
I LOVE these stars Lorraine….and every time I see them I think "maybe this is the year I'll make them"!
Maybe this is……
🙂
I love these!!! And love that you can make them to fit with any decor or theme!
Thanks for sharing!
Hugs,
( the Queen of Explanation points )
SUzan
Oops – I just saw your "photo terms" – do you want me to remove the pin from my Pinterest board and FB page?
Thanks so much for sharing this at the Christmas in July party – 2013! I'm pinning this to my Christmas board!
~Angie @ Knick of Time
my aunt made these when she was in high school and gave them to my mother. For 25 years they were the only ornaments we had on our tree. She recently taught my daughter how to make them – she made them for a 4-H project! so happy to find a site for the paper – and thanks for the link on how to wax them!
so simple, but brilliant! these might even get a repost, thanks for the inspiration x
Those stars are so pretty! Thanks for sharing the tutorial – I've got this linked to my stars post as well today, for inspiration!
vbohrer@att.net
I made these many years ago and had lost the instructions. Thank you so much for the tutorial! I need to know what type of paper you use. I tried card stock and regular printer paper this morning and neither seemed right. I would appreciate this information. Thanks again!
Thanks for linking up to Take-A-Look Tuesday over at http://www.SugarBeeCrafts.com — you were featured today!!
FINALLY I managed to make these stars! Thanks to your GREAT tutorial.
Thank you ♥
Your tutorials for the Froebel Stars don't seem to be on your blogpost any longer – just blank spaces. Are they available elsewhere? Thanks so much. You do lovely work!
Nancy
nakerly@charter.net
Those stars are so beautiful and your great video tutorial makes me think that I can actually tackle making some!
Thanks so much for linking up to my Holiday party! I know this will inspire many people to give this a try.
Beautiful. I would never have thought to use the "duller" colours but the brown one is lovely. Definitely going to have to make some of these for Christmas. Thanks again for sharing
I keep saying every year that I am going to make them but….. Maybe this will be the year!!! Happy Late Birthday a month late!
I love doing these stars and I like to do them with the ribbons used for gift wrapping – you know the plastic/paper type that you can curl after you tied the gift?
Makes for lovely cute small stars and indeed I never do just one ;-9
They're gorgeous! I had eyed some of these on Etsy last xmas and always wondered how to make them. Thanks for the tutorial. I will definately have to give it a try!
looks really pretty….I always mess up with weaves n stars…i hope I atleast get this right
absolutely pinning this into my next project https://meijosjoy.blogspot.com
My goodness these are beautiful! I can't wait to try this out, thank you so much!
Those are so beautiful. For some odd reason, I just have no skill for paperfolding. jan
I love the German paper stars. I have some several years old that my DIL made for me before she was my DIL. 🙂 I use mine on our Christmas tree and they are treasures because she made them. Thanks for sharing your tutorial.
Babs
Love it. Thanks for sharing
I need to show this to my hubby. He loves to work with origami and I think this might be something we can work on together. I remember when you first showed how to make these stars a few years ago. They look pretty and I'm sure the star was the "hit" of the gift!
Beautiful!! I would definitely like to make these and am so grateful for the tutorial.
Thank you so much for your sweet comment on my blog. It blessed me beyond measure!
God bless you – Julie
They are beautiful. Your instructions are great.I may even get the courage to try them and I am not very crafty.
I think the first German star post is what led me to your blog! They are beautiful. I still have not tried to make them….hopefully soon! Thanks for sharing!
Oh! my! so beautiful, thanks for the link, and video.
Sue
I love your stars! I actually printed out a tutorial for something similar last year but never gave it a go. Maybe I will have to put it on my list of things to try again this season. Thanks for sharing. Glad to see you are keeping busy. Happy hands, happy heart. Take care! Best wishes, Tammy
What an incredible gift for the newlyweds! The colors are magnificent.
Someone will be getting an extra special gift! Do you use them to decorate the package?