** NOTE - This post is part of a series of posts for the Seeing Stars Quilt-A-Long. If you would like to join (and have a chance to win one of three $75.00 Gift Certificate grand prizes sponsored by Fat Quarter Shop you can find a list of the post links here :) Here is the schedule
August 15th - Double Star Block (That's Today!!!)
August 22nd - Curvy Star Block
August 29th - Pinwheel Star Block
September 5th - Improve Star Block
September 12th - Basic Star Block
September 19th - Applique Star Block
September 26th - Piecing Top and Grand Prize Linky
October 17th- Seeing Stars Parade and Grand Prize Winners
Now, first off for this week, we need to pick a winner for the Fabric Gathering Assignment. And great job to everyone on sharing their fabric. It is so fun to see what everyone will be quilting along with!!!! And we certainly have an amazing group of quilters quilting along!!!!
The fabric gathering assignment winner who gets a $20.00 Gift Certificate from
Lou Lou's Fabric Shop is
#54 - Amanda Best!!! - Congrats :)
So here we are, ready to start sewing our first set of blockx , so let's get right to it :) If you are just finding this QAL, it's never to late to join in the fun :)
THE DOUBLE STAR BLOCK
STEP 1 - CUTTING
We will be making 3 Double Star Blocks. I will give the cutting directions for 1 Double Star Block (for those that are making alternate layouts). Then I will give the cutting directions for the Total Pieces needed for all 3 Double Star Blocks. Each Print Fabric listed represents a different part of the star block. Below the initial single block cutting list is an image of the Double Star Block just to clarify where each fabric is placed in the block.
Double Star Block - For Each Block cut:
Print Fabric Large Star Points - (4) 6 7/8" x 6 7/8" squares
Print Fabric Small Star Points - (4) 3 7/8" x 3 7/8" squares
Print Fabric Center Square - (1) 6 1/2" x 6 1/2" square
Background Fabric - (1) 13 1/4" x 13 1/4" square
(1) 7 1/4" x 7 1/4" square
(4) 6 1/2" x 6 1/2" squares
(4) 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" squares
So for all 3 Double Star Blocks you will cut:
Print Fabric Large Star Points - (12) 6 7/8" x 6 7/8" squares - 4 squares each of 3 different prints
Print Fabric Small Star Points - (12) 3 7/8" x 3 7/8" squares - 4 squares each of 3 different prints
Print Fabric Center Square - (3) 6 1/2" x 6 1/2" square - 1 square each of 3 different prints
Background Fabric - (3) 13 1/4" x 13 1/4" square
(3) 7 1/4" x 7 1/4" square
(12) 6 1/2" x 6 1/2" squares
(12) 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" squares
STEP 2 - MAKING THE SMALL FLYING GEESE UNITS
This block has 2 sets of Flying Geese in it, a small and a large set. We will start with the small set. I use the No-Waste method to make flying geese. The great thing about making flying geese this way is that, obviously, you don't waste any fabric and you never have to sew a triangle. Double bonus!!
It also makes 4 flying geese out of each unit, so the flock grows quickly :) If you have never made them this way you are in for a treat. So, let's get to it :)
Gather the 7 1/4" x 7 1/4" Background Squares and the 3 7/8" x 3 7/8" Print Squares. Now you don't have to decide which blocks these flying geese will be going in now, just be sure to use the same 4 print squares on each unit and you will be great. Start by drawing diagonal lines on the back of all 12 of your print squares as shown.
With right sides together, lay two small print squares onto your large background square as shown. Pin both sides of each square adjacent to that drawn line. Make sure to put the pins away from the drawn line so your presser foot has room to sew on by :) Pin all 3 Units. And you will notice, you should have an extra 2 matching print small squares for each unit. We will get to those in a bit.
We will be stitching a 1/4" seam along BOTH sides of the drawn line (the black lines represent your stitching lines) but to save time and thread, we will chain stitch these.
Chain Stitching simply means not clipping the threads between units. It saves time and thread. So to start, stitch the 1/4" seam on the left hand side of the drawn line of your first unit. When you get to the end of the unit, just start feeding the next unit in your machine. Stitch 1/4" seam on all 3 units. (and as we move to smaller blocks, chain stitching will be even bigger as there are a lot more blocks to make ;) Then clip your threads between the Units.
Now, go ahead and stitch the 1/4" seam on the right hand side (or other side) of the drawn line on all 3 of your units. Then clip the threads between the units and you ready for cutting.
Now move to your cutting mat and align your ruler along the drawn center line. Cut along the edge of the ruler creating 2 large triangles. I only ever cut these one at a time, as I worry that stacking them would shift and I might cut through my seams. Takes a second more, but worth it to play it safe. Cut all 3 units in half.
Now it's to your ironing board. Press the seams up towards the 2 little print triangles. I find it easiest to press these from the front. Press all 6 Units now. And you are half way there!!! Now to use up those remaining small print squares.
And it's just like starting over. We repeat all the same steps, it's just smaller and more units. Take the little print squares (make sure they are matching fabrics) and align them on your stitched units as shown with right sides together. Pin each piece then once again we are going to be stitching a 1/4" seam along BOTH sides of the drawn diagonal line.
And again, we will be chain stitching to save time and thread. So chain stitch along all the left hand side of the drawn line on all o of your units, clip your threads, and then chain stitch along the right side of the drawn line on all y of our units, and then clip your threads again :) You know your right on if your 1/4" seam lands right in the ditch of the print fabrics.
And again, place your units on your cutting mat, and using your ruler aligned along the drawn line cut your unit in half . So now what started as 1 large square, is 4 units. And that is where your 4 flying geese come from. And with your 3 sets, you now have 12 units.
Press your seams up to match the other seam. You can press from the front or the back, whichever your prefer. (I still like the front here :) Lastly, trim off the little dog ear corners at either side and the top of your unit. Note, Just trim the dog ears, don't trim the tops to where the point is, you will need that 1/4" overlap for your seam allowance.
And you are done!!! 12 Beautiful and perfectly precise Small Flying Geese Units, that should measure 3 1/2" x 6 1/2". And if they aren't exactly perfect, no worries, and no need to trim, we will use the seams as our guide. And if you do like to trim, just be sure to leave your 1/4" overlap at the top of the units!!! And please pretend there is 1 more set of Small Flying Geese Units in this picture. I forgot and made a test block before I made the tutorial pictures, so my other set was already all pieced in a finished block ;)
STEP 3 - MAKING THE LARGE FLYING GEESE UNITS
And now, we can move onto make the Large Flying Geese Units. We will use the exact same steps as the Small Flying Geese Units, only on a larger scale.
So gather the 13 1/4" x 13 1/4" Background Squares and the 6 7/8" x 6 7/8" Print Squares. And again, draw a diagonal line on the back of all 12 of your print squares as shown.
Now place two Large Print Squares onto the Extra Large Background square just like before. The only thing I like to do different here is add a few extra pins to keep those larger squares in place. Pin all 3 units and then Chain Stitch a 1/4" seam on either side of the drawn line on all 3 Units. The Cut them in half and press the seam allowances upwards towards the Print Triangles.
And again, place your remaining 2 Large Print Squares onto your Matching Units and use a few extra pins to keep them in place. Then chain Stitch a 1/4" seam on either side of the drawn line on all 6 Units. Cut them in half and press the seam allowances upwards towards the Print Triangles and trim the dog ears.
And just like that . . . 12 Beautiful and perfectly precise Large Flying Geese Units, that should measure 6 1/2" x 12 1/2". And again, please pretend there is 1 more set of Large Flying Geese Units in this picture as the other set was in the test finished block ;)
Oh, and on a Side Note - For those of you that are new to this method of
No Waste Flying Geese, I wrote a previous tutorial on
No Waste Flying Geese that also goes over the math of making them so you can make any size Flying Geese you like. Thought you might like it :)
STEP 4 - MAKING THE DOUBLE STAR BLOCK
And with your units all done you can now make your Double Star Block. Layout a 6 1/2" x 6 1/2" Center Square, 4 matching Small Flying Geese Units, and 4 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" Background squares as shown below. I like to stack up all 3 of my blocks on top of one another so I can Chain Stitch each of the following steps. You can choose to do this or just make 1 at a time, whatever you are comfortable with. The tutorial will just go over making 1 block at a time though so it is less confusing.
Place the Outside Units in each column onto the Center Column units with right sides together. Align and chain stitch a 1/4" seam along the units in each of the 3 rows on either side of the center units.
And when you are stitching the Center Row units, be sure and stitch directly through the center of the Thread X made at the top of the Small Flying Geese Unit, even if that means you need to deviate a bit from a 1/4". This will ensure that your star points are perfect!!
Then press your seams in the top and bottom rows outwards towards the Background squares and press the seams in the center row inwards towards the Print Center square. This will allow you to nest them in the next step.
Place the Top and Bottom rows onto the Center rows with right sides together. Align and Pin the seams. Stitch a 1/4" seam along the two pinned edges, once again, ensuring that you stitch directly through the center of the thread X at the top of the Small Flying Geese Units.
Press the seams Open. And now your Small Center Star is complete and you are ready to add the Double Star. Layout the Small Center Star, 4 Large Flying Geese Units, and 4 Background 6 1/2" x 6 1/2" squares as shown below.
And again, this is just like making the Center Star only on a larger scale. Place the Outside Units in each column onto the Center Column units with right sides together. Align, Pin, and chain stitch a 1/4" seam along the units in each of the 3 rows on either side of the center units. And sew through the center of the thread X.
Then press your seams in the top and bottom rows outwards towards the Background squares and press the seams in the center row open so it lies flat.
And one last set of seams. Place the Top and Bottom rows onto the Center rows with right sides together. Align and Pin the seams. Stitch a 1/4" seam along the two pinned edges, stitching through the center of the thread X.
And just press your seams open and you are done!!!! 3 Fantastic Double Star Blocks that measure 24 1/2" x 24 1/2" and are all ready for your Seeing Stars Quilt!!! And another side note, I don't trim my blocks, but if you like to, just be sure to leave yourself the 1/4" seam allowance at the end of your star points ;)
So now it's your turn, get your Double Star Blocks made and your assignment is complete!!! And then you can enter to win the weekly prize :)
The Weekly Prize is sponsored by
Green Fairy Quilts and a huge thanks goes out to them for their support of the
Seeing Stars Quilt-Along.
This weeks prize is a brand new
Smitten Jelly Roll by Bonnie and Camille for Moda. This is such a fantastic line and what a fun way to kick off our first week of block making!! So fun!!!
So what do you have to do for a chance to win the jelly roll? Simple . . . Just link up your Double Star Blocks at the end of this post :) You can link to a blog post or a social media picture, or whatever. If you are still not sure how to link up, I wrote a little
Linky Tutorial over here, that might help ;) Just make sure to link up by the early morning of August 22nd as I will be announcing a winner in next quilt-a-long post :)
If you don't get your Double Star Blocks done by next week you can still link it up :) (just not in time for the prize :) The linky will remain open until the end of the Quilt-Along.
And Don't forget to add your beautiful Double Star Blocks to
#seeingstarsquiltalong on social media or at the
Happy Quilting Quilt-A-Long Flickr group. I am so excited to see all of your amazing Double Star Blocks ;)
Have a Happy Quilting Day!!
And remember, any questions, just email me at happyquiltingmelissa@gmail.com ;)
