** NOTE - This post is part of a series of posts for the Starstruck Quilt Along. If you would like to join (and have a chance to win one of three $75.00 Gift Certificates from Fat Quarter Shop ) you can find a list of the post links here :) Here is the schedule
September 25th - Wall Hanging Piecing (That's Today!!!)
October 2nd - Baby Piecing
October 9th - Lap Piecing
October 16th - Picnic Piecing
October 23rd - Queen/King Piecing
November 13th - Star Struck Parade and Grand Prize Winners
Now, first off for this week, we need to pick a winner for the Cutting Assignment. And great job to everyone on getting all of that cutting done. I know that is a huge job and you all did amazing!!!
And if you are just finding this QAL, it's never to late to join in the fun :)
The cutting assignment winner who gets a
Fat Eighth Bundle of Desert Song from
Green Fairy Quilts is
#7 - Diane!!! - Congrats :)
And now we are ready to move onto the piecing!!! And just a side note before we get started, today's post is super long, but don't let that intimidate you. I am going over 3 basic piecing units, 3 blocks, and then putting them all together, which is a lot of information. And where it is our first piecing post, I will be explaining in a lot of detail so that if you are a beginner you have all the info you need. But there really isn't a whole ton of piecing to go with all of that, so you are going to find that you breeze through this week. And in coming weeks, the instructions will be shorter as they will refer back to these beginning instructions for more detail ;) So with that, let's get piecing!!!
THIS WEEKS ASSIGNMENT - WALL HANGING SECTION
And we will start by piecing all of our Units, and from there build our Blocks, and finally put it all together into the Wall Hanging Section. Just a few things to remember if you are making the Fat Quarter Friendly layout to use the same prints in each unit and to note the FQ# referred to in each piecing instruction. And for either layout, be sure that all the pieces you gather are labeled Wall Hanging pieces. So let's get started with the Units. First up . . .
FLYING GEESE UNITS
This section has 2 sets of Flying Geese in it. 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 (2) 5 1/4" x 5 1/4" Background Squares and (8) 2 7/8" x 2 7/8" Print (FQ1 and FQ2) Squares.
Start by drawing diagonal lines on the back of all 8 of your print squares as shown. I like to use a
Frixon Pen to draw my lines, but any marking tool will work great.
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 both 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. 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 both units. (Note - as we move to further sections, chain stitching will be even bigger as there are a lot more piecing). Then clip your threads between units.
Now, go ahead and stitch the 1/4" seam on the right hand side (or other side) of the drawn line on both of your units. Then clip the threads between the units and you ready for cutting.
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 both 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 4 Units. 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 and 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 4 of your units, clip your threads, and then chain stitch along the right side of the drawn line on all 4 of your 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 2 sets, you now have 8 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!!! 8 beautiful and perfectly precise Flying Geese Units, that should measure 2 1/2" x 4 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!!!
You can now set your Flying Geese units aside and we will move on to the . . .
HALF SQUARE TRIANGLE UNITS
Half Square triangles are fun and fast and probably the most versatile building unit in all of the piecing units you can make. (At least in my opinion :)
We will start by gathering (4) 4" x 4" Background Squares and (4) 4" x 4" Print (FQ3) Squares.
Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of all your Print Fabric Squares. **Note - If you have a marked 1/4" line on your machine (
like I explained in picture 5 and 6 of this QAL Tutorial) you can skip the drawing step, just to let you know ;)
Align a Background square and a marked Print square with rights sides together. Pin both sides adjacent to that drawn line, be sure to place them far enough out to leave room for your presser foot to stitch on by. Pin all 4 sets. Or, if you are feeling confident since you squares aren't to large, you can stitch these without pinning :) Stitch a seam 1/4" from EITHER side of the drawn line, the black lines represent your stitching lines.
And of course, to save time and thread, we will again chain stitch.. Start by stitching a 1/4" seam on the left hand side of the drawn line of all 4 sets. Then clip the threads between the squares, stack them up, and then stitch the 1/4" seam on the other side of the drawn line of all 4 sets. Then clip the threads between the squares.
And now, back to cutting. Align your ruler along the drawn center line (or from corner to corner). Cut along the edge of your ruler, creating two triangles that each have a 1/4" seam. Cut all 4 pairs.
Now Pressing. Press the seam allowance towards the Print fabric. Again, I prefer to press them from the front rather than the back, but do what is comfortable for you :)
And now the fun part, trimming. You will be trimming your blocks to 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" square.
Begin by aligning the 45 degree line on your square ruler with the seam line on your half square triangle. Make sure that the raw edges of the half square triangle are over the 3 1/2" line's on your ruler. Trim the 2 sides along the edge of the ruler. There won't be a whole lot to trim.
Now spin your half square triangle unit 180 degrees. Once again, align the 45 degree line on your ruler with the seam line on your half square triangle. Align the raw edges you just trimmed of the half square triangle with the 3 1/2" lines on your ruler. Trim the 2 sides along the edge of the ruler.
And this is just a side note, but if you do a lot of Half Square Triangles in your quilting, I find the best tools to really speed up trimming is a Rotating Cutting Mat ( I use the
Matilda's Own Rotating Cutting mat ) and the
HST Bloc-Loc Rulers. And if you have the same size ruler as the trimming size, you can simply loc the ruler on the seam allowance and trim all 4 sides while you turn your mat. It's super slick and super fast!!! These tools are a little pricey, but I find they are worth their weight in gold, especially since I do a lot of HST's :)
Trim all 8 units. You should now have 8 Half Square Triangle units that all measure 3 1/2" x 3 1/2". And I know, it seems like a lot of work to just trim off a little, but having perfect HST's makes putting the rest of your block together and getting those perfect points so much easier ;)
You can now set your Half Square Triangle units aside and we will move on to the . . .
STITCH AND FLIP UNITS
Stitch and Flip Units are similar in construction to the units we have made, but the big difference is you will be stitching directly on the drawn line rather than 1/4" to the side of it. So just keep that in mind. And let's get to it :)
Gather (4) 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" Print (FQ2) Squares and (8) 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" Background Squares.
Start by drawing diagonal lines on the back of all 8 of your background squares as shown.
With right sides together, lay a marked background square onto the corner of the Print square as shown. Pin adjacent to that drawn line on all 4 units. And you will notice, you should have an extra 4 marked background squares. We will get to those in a bit.
We will be stitching directly on the drawn line (the black lines represent your stitching lines) but again, to save time and thread, we will chain stitch these.
Stitch a seam directly on the drawn line of all 4 units. Then clip your threads between the units.
Move to your cutting mat and align your ruler 1/4" over the drawn line which is now also your seam line. Cut along the edge of the ruler. The two tiny triangles you cut off become scrap. Trim the excess from all 4 units as shown.
Now it's over to your ironing board. Press the seams up towards the small background triangle. Again, I find it easiest to press these from the front. Press all 4 Units. Now to use up those remaining 4 background squares.
And it's the same process, just on the other side. Take the remaining background squares and place them right sides together on the adjoining corner as shown below. Pin and then once again we are going to be chain stitching directly on the drawn line.
Chain stitch all 4 units on the drawn line. I find it helpful to start at the doubled over side as it helps to keep that bulk from shifting at the end. Clip the threads once you are done stitching.
And again, place your units on your cutting mat, align your ruler 1/4" over the drawn line/seam line. Cut along the edge of the ruler. Scrap the tiny triangles you cut off . Trim all 4 units as shown.
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 :)
And you are done!!! You should have 4 Stitch and Flip Units total that will measure 4 1/2" x 4 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 bottom of the units!!!
And that means you have finished piecing all your units and we can now use those to make your 3 sets of blocks. We will start with the . . .
STAR BLOCK
Layout a 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" Print (FQ1) Square, 4 Flying Geese (FQ1) Units, and (4) 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" Background squares as shown below.
Place the right hand 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.
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 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 repeat on the left hand side by placing the 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 and taking care to sew through the center of the thread X in the Center Row.
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 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 Flying Geese Units.
Press the seams Open. And your Star Block is done. It should measure 12 1/2" x 12 1/2". If it is not exactly perfect, no worries. I don't ever square up my blocks as I use the seams as a guide. But please note, if you do like to square up your blocks, just be sure to leave your 1/4" seam allowance at the star points. Don't square those off or your points will not work out.
And you can set that Star Block aside and we will move on to the next set of blocks which are the . .
ARROW BLOCKS
Layout a 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" Print (FQ3) Square, a 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" Background Square, and 2 Half Square Triangle Units as shown below. You will make 4 blocks total so I recommend you stack 4 units in each pile and Chain Stitch each of the following steps.
Place the right hand Units in each row onto the left hand units in each row with right sides together. Align and chain stitch a 1/4" seam along the units in each of the 2 rows of all 4 sets. Clip your threads and then press the seam allowance in opposite directions towards the squares as shown.
Place the Top Row onto the Bottom Row with right sides together. Align and Pin the center seam of all 4 sets. Chain stitch a 1/4" seam along the pinned edge and then clip your threads. Press the seam allowance open on all 4 blocks.
And your Arrow Blocks are done. They should measure 6 1/2" x 6 1/2" but again, no need to square them up, and if you do, be sure and leave your 1/4" seam allowance at the points.
And you can set your 4 Arrow Blocks aside and move on to the last block, the . . .
POINTER BLOCKS
Layout a Flying Geese (FQ2) Unit, and a Stitch and Flip Unit as shown below. Again, you will make 4 blocks total so I recommend stacking 4 units in each pile and Chain Stitching ;) Place the Flying Geese Unit onto the Stitch and Flip Unit with right sides together and pin. Chain Stitch a 1/4" seam along the pinned edges taking care to stitch directly through the center of the thread X. Press the seam allowances towards the Stitch and Flip Unit.
And your Pointer Blocks are done. Those were easy right ;) They should measure 4 1/2" x 6 1/2" but again, no need to square them up, and if you do, be sure and leave your 1/4" seam allowance at the bottom point and keep your top points centered.
And just to make the piecing of the entire section easier, we are going to add some sashing to the Pointer Blocks now. Gather (8) 4 1/2" x 6 1/2" Background rectangles. Place a Background rectangle on the right hand side of each of the 4 Pointer Blocks with right sides together. Chain Stitch a 1/4" seam along the edges and then clip the threads. Then repeat on the Left hand side of the 4 Pointer blocks as shown below. Press the seam allowance outwards towards the Background rectangles. The sashed Pointer Blocks will now measure 6 1/2" x 12 1/2".
And with all of your Blocks made you are now ready to move on to the final step.
SEWING THE WALL HANGING SECTION
Layout the Star Block and (2) 2 1/2" x 8 1/2" Background rectangles and (2) 2 1/2" x 12 1/2" Background rectangles as shown below.
Place the two side rectangles onto the Star Block with right sides together. Pin if desired. Stitch a 1/4" seam along both edges. I like to stitch these from the back so I can see the thread X from the Star Point and ensure I stitch directly through it to get a perfect point ;)
Press the seam allowances outwards towards the Background rectangles. Then place the Top and Bottom rectangles onto the Star Block with right sides together. Pin and stitch a 1/4" seam along both edges. Again, I like to stitch these from the back to stitch through the thread X's.
And again, Press the seam allowances outwards towards the Background rectangles. At this point your Wall Hanging section will measure 12 1/2" x 12 1/2".
Now layout the Pieced Center, 4 Arrow Blocks, and 4 Sashed Pointer Blocks as shown below. And this is just like making the original Star Block, only on a larger scale.
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. Again, take care to stitch right through the center of the thread X's and at the point of the Fabric V's that are indicated below by arrows.
Now press your seams in the top and bottom rows outwards towards and press the seams in the center row open. This just makes everything lie flat.
Now 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's and at the point of the Fabric V's that are indicated below by arrows.
And all that is left is to add a border to your Wall Hanging Section. And this is exactly like we did for the center star at the beginning of this part of the tutorial. Layout the Pieced Wall Hanging Center and (2) 2 1/2" x 24 1/2" Background rectangles and (2) 2 1/2" x 28 1/2" Background rectangles as shown below.
Place the two side rectangles onto the Wall Hanging Center with right sides together. Pin and stitch a 1/4" seam along both edges. Again, I like to stitch from the back to ensure perfect points ;)
Press the seam allowances outwards towards the Background rectangles. Then place the Top and Bottom rectangles onto the Wall Hanging Center with right sides together. Pin and stitch a 1/4" seam along both edges. Again, stitching from the back though the thread X's and at the point of the Fabric V's will ensure perfect points.
And finally, Press the seam allowances outwards towards the background rectangles. At your Wall Hanging Section is done and should measure appx. 28 1/2" x 28 1/2". Wasn't that sew fun!!!!
So Now It's your Turn :)
Get your Wall Hanging Section sewn together and your assignment is complete!!! And then you can enter to win the weekly prize :) And again, I know that this was a long post, so if you have any questions at all please don't hesitate to ask in a comment or email me at happyquiltingmelissa@gmail.com :)
The Weekly Prize is being sponsored by Happy Quilting this week and I am excited to help support a the
Starstruck Quilt-Along.
This weeks prize will be a copy of my Irish Chain Quilts book and any 3 PDF Quilt Patterns, or any 2 Hard Copy Quilt Patterns!!!! Oh, so fun and one of you will get lots of Happy Quilting designs for future projects ;)
So what do you have to do for a chance to win this Happy Quilting goodness? Simple . . . Just link up your Wall Hanging Section all sewn up :) You can link to a blog post, flickr picture, Instagram, Facebook . . . or whatever. Just make sure to link up by the end of the day on October 2nd as I will be announcing a winner at the beginning of the next post :) And on the link up where it asks for a Caption, add your name as well, so I know who you are ;)
If you don't get your piecing done by October 1st you can still link it up :) (just not in time for the prize :) The linky will remain open until the end of the Quilt-A-Long. So if your out of town, or just had a busy week, no worries!!! Just link up when you can :)
And Don't forget to add your beautiful Wall Hanging Sections to the
Happy Quilting Quilt-A-Long Flickr group and to post it on social media with using
#starstruckquiltalong. I am so excited to see the centers all sewn up!!!
So let's get stitching!!! And if you have questions, don't hesitate to email me at happyquiltingmelissa@gmail.com. Have a Happy Quilting Day!!