Star Quilt Block of the Month Tutorial #1 - Superstar

Today I'm starting a new blog feature, the Star Quilt Block of the Month Tutorial.  This feature is going to run for at least 12 months.  All blocks will be 12" finished size, so you can use them together in a Star Sampler Quilt, or sew 12 different Star Quilts, or get creative with your Stars and sew something truly unique.

The Star for August is Superstar.

I am sewing all of my Star blocks with some gorgeous new fabrics from Robert Kaufman.  I have a combination of the new Jennifer Sampou Studio Stash fabrics, some Artisan Batiks, and a few Fusion blenders.  I am having a giveaway of a big fat quarter bundle featuring all 13 of the fabrics I will be using at the end of this post.  

Let's get started!

The Superstar Block requires four fabrics.  I used Dark Brown, Purple, Lilac, and Pink.

Cutting Instructions:

Dark Brown:  Cut 2 ea. 3-7/8" squares A                         Purple:  Cut 2 ea.  3-7/8" squares A

                     Cut 4 ea. 3-1/2" x 6-1/2" strips B                             Cut 2 ea.  2-3/8" squares C

                     Cut 2 ea. 2-3/8" squares C

                     Cut 4 ea. 3-1/2" x 2" strips D                      Lilac:  Cut 8 ea.  3-1/2" squares E

                                                                                                  Cut 8 ea.  2" squares F

Pink: Cut 1 ea.  3-1/2" square E

Sewing the Superstar Block

(All seam allowances are 1/4")

 Draw a diagonal line from corner to corner on the reverse side of all the Lilac 3-1/2" squares E, and the Lilac 2" squares F.

Lay one Lilac 3-1/2" square E on one Dark Brown 3-1/2" x 6-1/2" strip B, right sides together with top, bottom, and right edges lined up.  The drawn line should run from the top left center to the lower right corner of the unit.  

Sew on the drawn line, from edge to edge.

Flip the Lilac fabric open and press.

Trim away the two layers of backing fabric, leaving an approximate 1/4" seam allowance.  Save the cut away triangles for a future project.

Lay a second Lilac 3-1/2" square E face down on the unit with top, bottom, and left edges lined up.  The drawn line should run from the top right center to the lower left corner of the unit.  Sew on the drawn line, from edge to edge.

Flip, press, and trim as before.  The unit should measure 3-1/2" x 6-1/2".  Repeat to sew a total of four large units.

Using the Dark Brown 2" x 3-1/2" strips D and the Lilac 2" squares F, sew four small units in the same manner.  The small units should measure 2" x 3-1/2".

Draw a diagonal line from corner to corner on the reverse side of the two Dark Brown 3-7/8" squares A.

Pair them right sides together with the two Purple 3-7/8" squares A.

 Sew 1/4" away from the drawn line on both sides.

Cut on the drawn lines.

                                  

Open out and press to make four 3-1/2" triangle square units.

Using the Dark Brown 2-3/8" squares C, and the Purple 2-3/8" squares C, sew four small triangle square units in the same manner.  The units should measure 2" square.

Using the small flying geese units, the small triangle square units, and the Pink 3-1/2" square E, lay out the components of the inner star.  Be careful to orient the pieces the correct way, with the Dark Browns on the outer edges.  

Sew into three rows.

Sew the three rows together, completing the inner star.  The center should measure 6-1/2" square.

Lay out the entire block, once again being careful to orient all the Dark Brown fabrics to the outside edges.  

Sew the units into three rows.

Isn't this exciting?!!

Sew the three rows together to complete your block.  

Smile!  Enjoy your block.  There are eleven more sparkling star blocks to come.   Become a follower of the Curlicue Creations blog and join in on the fun!

And now for the giveaway!  Robert Kaufman Fabrics has graciously provided the fabric for the Star Block of the Month tutorials and I have this fabulous stack of fat quarters for one lucky reader to play with.  Just leave me a comment letting me know who your favorite "Superstar" is.  It can be anyone, a movie star, a singer, a sports figure, even your best friend.  I will pick a winner at random on August 7, 2013.

Until next time...please visit the Curlicue Creations Shop...and have a super day!

Get Creative!

Jennifer Schifano Thomas