Stars Shine Brightest

This pattern is available for free here:

About the Pattern

I first designed a version of this pattern as a possibility for a retreat booklet that would be given to participants. For that, it had to fit within certain dimensions. They chose the other option that I offered. Afterwards, I redesigned the pattern. You can see the original design below. This is a message and reminder that brings me hope.

I chose to use DMC Etoile threads, but you could pick any threads you like to stitch this pattern.

Fully Finishing

I considered a few options for fully finishing this piece, particularly making it into a pillow or framing it. When I looked in my stash for a frame, I found a 5"x7" frame that I liked, but it was too big for the piece. I decided to mount the pattern onto scrapbooking paper before framing it, inspired by how the project on the cover of the Spring 2026 issue of Just CrossStitch magazine was fully finished. 

Below is a step-by-step guide to how I fully finished this piece.

Iron, Trim, and Interfacing

I ironed the piece. Then I figured out how much space I wanted around the stitching. 

I used a thread hopper to help me figure out where to cut, then trimmed the excess fabric.

I then cut out some black interfacing and ironed it onto the back of the piece. I tried to leave some space on the sides for removing the outer threads of the fabric. I didn't quite center it correctly, but it still worked okay.

Assembly

I found a piece of scrapbooking paper that I liked for the background. It was a bit small for the frame, so I cut out a piece of solid blue scrapbook paper to put behind it, so it fit the frame. I used double-sided tape to attach them. 

I also used double-sided tape to secure the stitching to the scrapbook paper. 

I put the finished piece in the frame.