Easy Star quilt block tutorial

Two of my quilty girlfriends and I are sewing star blocks for a quilt. We meet every month or so and exchange 12″ blocks using a specific fabric collection – this way the quilt will have a more harmonious colorway. We are working with Gretel by Amy Smart for Penny Rose Fabrics. This time I chose to make a three-color star block and here is the Easy Star quilt block tutorial.

When we meet today I will give them each one of these star blocks I made. Don’t you love it? I found it in the book “I Love Star Blocks – 16 Quilts from an All-Time Favorite Block” published by Martingale in 2017. The quilt it came from is called “Dazzling Stars” (page 54).

The block came in two sizes: 24″ and 12″. I was happy because I really wanted to start cutting fabric and not have to decrease or increase the size of any blocks. I also looked at the blocks we had already exchanged to ensure this one wasn’t like any of the others.

I began by choosing which of the prints I wanted to use. Then, I assembled the components of the block: half-square triangles, flying geese, etc.

I find it easier to just stack all the patches where they will end up so I can see if they are placed correctly on the block. Then, I ‘divide’ the block in my mind in rows and put them together in order.

In this case, the top row was assembled first, then the second, then the third. Like this:

I repeated the process with the other rows, placing the completed ones in order on another spot of my sewing table. I do vary how I assemble blocks because they are all so different, but always think of putting them together as if on a grid so I do not forget any patches. Once you have the pattern, use this Easy Star quilt block tutorial and stitch a few of these beauties!

Pretty cool, huh? Here is another star block I made a few weeks ago, and one more – this time from the Patchwork Picnic book. Yes, I search my quilt books for entire projects and also for inspiration when I need a special block for a quilt. I can’t wait to see what our quilt will look like.

Oh, yes, here is the book where that star came from – see it on the cover? I forgot I had a book with quilts with star blocks so I was pretty elated when I found it. I am always surprised when I look in my quilting library for ideas – it is a sizable and handy collection of inspiration in paper format.

My husband is not as thrilled as I am about my library because he is the one who carries it all when its time to move the nest (I am the one who packs my books, though).

All photographs by Brent Kane for Martingale. Used with permission.

The quilt designs in I Love Star Blocks showcase star blocks of every type, with creative touches (such as the appliqued circle in the middle of the star I made star) to set them apart from the more traditional blocks. I love the look of Cozy Stars above, made by Kimberly Jolly of Fat Quarter Shop. The fabric choice was fantastic!

Autumn Star also has applique’ on its design. The same shape adds a fresh look to the stars and to the sashing and borders. Fun!

Of course, my antennae catches every project with fusible applique’ – my favorite because it is fast, can be embellished with the blanket stitch or another fancy stitch, and soon it is ready to be gifted or displayed in my home. Yes, I have done needle-turn applique’ but it is not my preferred technique. In case you wonder, I do love working with wool by hand.

This is a perfect scrappy quilt with stars. Look at it closely – I think only one block was repeated!

I am meeting with my friends this morning for our block exchange. I will soon post here the blocks we have made so far. We are hoping to make twenty blocks for a 4 x 5 design, so stay tuned!

Happy Wednesday,