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| The photo above © Quilt Now |
This block is packed with fun elements, including folded corners and creative fabric placements that will surely inspire your quilting journey. In this article, we will walk you through the process of creating this stunning block, share some essential notions, and provide tips for achieving precision in your quilting.
Introduction to the Shooting Stars Block
The Shooting Stars block is a vibrant and dynamic design that allows for a variety of fabric combinations and placements. Whether you choose to stick with a single color palette or mix it up with contrasting fabrics, the possibilities are endless. In this guide, we will focus on constructing the 6-inch version of the block, but the techniques can be applied to other sizes as well.
Materials Needed
Before we get started, let’s gather the materials you will need for this project:
- Fabrics: Select your favorite fabrics for the star trails and corner pieces. For this tutorial, we will use two different fabrics for the stars and a mix for the star trails.
- Notions:
- Doug Leko's Mini Simple Folded Corners Ruler
- Easy Press Pen
- Rotary cutter and mat
- Sewing machine
- Iron
Understanding the Block Components
The Shooting Stars block consists of several key components, including:
- A, B, C Rectangles: These will form the star trails.
- D Squares: Used for the stitch-and-flip corners of the stars.
- E, F, G, H Rectangles: Additional pieces for the star design.
- I Squares: Corner pieces for the stars.
Fabric Placement
For this version, we will use the same two fabrics for both stars. However, feel free to experiment with different colors for a unique look. The star trails will also feature a mix of fabrics to add depth and interest to the design.
Precision with Folded Corners
One of the standout features of the Shooting Stars block is the use of folded corners. To achieve perfect folded corners, we will utilize Doug Leko's Mini Simple Folded Corners Ruler. This tool simplifies the process and ensures accuracy, which is crucial when working with small pieces.
Using the Mini Simple Folded Corners Ruler
- Aligning the Ruler: The ruler has two methods for creating folded corners: oversized trimming or no-trim exact size. For this tutorial, we will focus on the no-trim method.
- Cutting the Corners: Place the ruler on your fabric square, aligning the solid line with the bottom edge of the square for left folded corners. Trim along the cut line to create the perfect corner.
- Stitching: After trimming, sew along the stitching line indicated on the ruler, ensuring a scant quarter-inch seam for accuracy.
Assembling the Block
Now that we have our folded corner units ready, it’s time to assemble the Shooting Stars block.
- Joining Units: Pair the folded corner units with the rectangles according to the pattern. Use the Easy Press Pen to press seams open for a flat finish.
- Creating Star Units: Assemble the G and H units, ensuring the correct orientation for each star. This step is crucial for achieving the desired look.
- Final Assembly: Once all units are joined, sew the star units to the stripe units, pressing seams open as you go. This will help reduce bulk and create a polished finish.
The Finished Product
After completing all the steps, you will have a beautifully crafted Shooting Stars block. The design is versatile, allowing for various fabric placements and orientations. Whether you choose to display the stars to the side or on point, the block will surely stand out in your quilt.
The Shooting Stars block is a fantastic addition to any quilting project, offering a blend of creativity and precision. With the help of the Mini Simple Folded Corners Ruler and the Easy Press Pen, you can achieve stunning results with ease. We encourage you to share your creations in our official Facebook group and on Instagram using the hashtag #MotaBlockheads5.
Happy quilting, and we look forward to seeing your unique interpretations!
