How to make a hanging willow star

23 April 2025

Willow Hanging Stars

These two small willow star projects are ideal for decorations. They work well on Christmas trees, door handles, bunting, or hung with fairy lights. One version includes a built-in hoop for hanging, and the other uses ribbon or string.

If you’ve already made a willow star wand, these will feel familiar. If not, they’re still achievable, just take your time with the bends.

What You’ll Need

One soaked willow rod per star
A short measuring stick cut from the butt end of a rod
Secateurs

The measuring stick should be the same length as you want each arm of the star.

Star With a Hanging Hoop

Preparing the Willow

Use a soaked willow rod so it bends easily. Ignore the very tip of the rod and start measuring from just below it.

Using your measuring stick, make four evenly spaced bends along the rod. Unlike the star wand, you do not add a fifth bend for this project.

Forming the Star

Hold the butt end of the rod and begin shaping the star:

Take the rod under the first bend
Over the next
Under again
Over again

At this stage the shape may spring back slightly. That’s normal. Press gently on the points to bring the star into shape.

Creating the Hoop

With the remaining length of willow, gently encourage it into a smooth curve to form a hanging loop. Take your time and stroke the willow slightly to help it bend without kinking.

Wrap the end around the main stem two or three times to secure the hoop. Then sew the end back into a small gap in the structure to lock everything in place. Adjust the shape as needed.

Trim off any excess willow neatly.

Star for Hanging With Ribbon

This version starts the same way.

Shaping the Star

Using the same measuring stick:

Make four evenly spaced bends
Shape the star using the same under–over method
Adjust the points until the star looks balanced

Securing the Centre

Instead of forming a hoop, double-wrap the thin end of the willow around the top of the star. On the second wrap, bring the willow into the centre of the star.

Sew the willow through the middle, weaving freely to fill the centre. There’s no set pattern here. Wrap and sew until the willow becomes too thin to work with.

Trim the end close to the surface.

Once finished, add ribbon or string to hang the star.

Finished Projects

You’ll end up with:

One star with a built-in willow hoop
One star designed to hang with ribbon or string

Both are quick, simple projects and great for beginners or seasonal crafts.