Large Checkered Christmas Star Machine Embroidery Design

This large five-point Christmas star combines a black-and-light-gray checkerboard fill with a burgundy-red bow, green leafy branches and a small gold hanging loop. The wide horizontal composition works as a statement motif on Christmas pillows, table runners, wall hangings, tree skirts, chair backs and oversized fabric gift bags.

This product contains a downloadable digital design for an embroidery machine. A finished ornament or embroidered textile is not included. Explore more checkered machine embroidery designs and Mega Hoop and extra-large designs.

Product Specifications

Sizes and Hoop Requirements

Formats: .dat, .dst, .exp, .hus, .jef, .jef+, .jpx, .pec, .pes, .sew, .vip, .vp3, .vp4, .xxx

Fabric, Stabilizer and Needle

For pillows, table runners and decorative panels, choose a medium- or heavyweight non-stretch fabric. Cotton, linen blends, twill, denim and upholstery-weight decorative fabrics provide suitable support for the large filled star.

• Use one layer of firm cut-away stabilizer weighing approximately 80–100 g/m² (2.4–3.0 oz/yd²).
• For lightweight linen or a loosely woven fabric, use two cut-away layers placed with their grain directions crossed.
• Hoop the fabric and stabilizer together and keep the fabric smooth without stretching it.
• Use a new 75/11 embroidery needle with standard 40-weight rayon or polyester thread.
• For dense decorative fabric or metallic accents, test an 80/12 embroidery or metallic needle.
• Test the selected size using the same fabric, stabilizer, needle and thread planned for the finished project.

For additional material guidance, read Machine Embroidery: Stitch Density, Fabric and Stabilizer Balance.

Madeira Classic 40 Thread Chart

All four sizes use the same five Madeira Classic 40 colors and the same stitching sequence.

Color-block sequence: 1159 → 1003 → 1199 → 1168 → 1039.

To select equivalent colors from another manufacturer, use the Madeira thread converter.

Related Checkered Christmas Designs

Combine the star with other checkered Christmas motifs on coordinating table linens, cushions, gift bags and decorative panels.

Checkered Christmas Balls

Christmas Antelope Checkered

Baroque Santa Keepsake

Checkered Christmas Reindeer

Practical Questions

Can Madeira 1159 be replaced with gold or silver metallic thread?

Yes. Replace only the first color block used for the hanging loop. Begin with a metallic or topstitch needle in size 80/12 or 90/14, reduce the upper-thread tension slightly and start at approximately 350–400 stitches per minute. Allow the spool to unwind freely from a suitable holder. A coarse metallic thread running at high tension can wear the thread guides or check spring on some domestic machines. Use only lubricant intended for embroidery thread and never spray silicone into the machine. See the metallic-thread machine embroidery guide for detailed settings.

How can the checkerboard palette be changed?

Keep a clear contrast between blocks 1003 and 1199 so the checkerboard remains readable. Suitable combinations include ivory with burgundy, cream with forest green, silver with navy, or pale gold with black. Preserve the original color-block order when substituting shades.

Why is bobbin thread visible on the front?

Rethread the upper path with the presser foot raised so the thread enters the tension discs correctly. Check that the bobbin is inserted in the required direction and that the correct bobbin type is installed. If necessary, reduce the upper-thread tension in small steps and test the setting on a separate sample.

What should I do if a thread nest forms underneath the fabric?

Stop the machine and do not pull the hoop away while the thread is attached. Cut the loose thread, remove the hoop carefully and clear the nest. Clean the bobbin area, reinstall the bobbin, rethread the upper path with the presser foot raised and replace a bent or dull needle. Before restarting, confirm that the presser foot is lowered.

Can this star be embroidered on velvet or another fabric with pile?

Yes. Support the fabric with firm cut-away stabilizer and place a thin water-soluble topping over the pile. Mark the nap direction before hooping so every coordinating textile is oriented consistently. Remove the topping gently after embroidery without pulling the stitches.