Easy Stars Pattern
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This is an easy technique that will allow you to make accurate half-square triangle blocks without cutting triangle shapes from your fabric - this makes them perfect for rotary cutting.
Use the folded triangle technique to make quick star blocks with perfect points!
General information:
A 1/4" seam allowance is used throughout.
Instructions - folded half-square triangles:
- Cut two squares of fabric the size you want the completed half-square triangle to be plus seam allowance - for example, for a 1 1/2" finished block, cut 2" squares of each of a background and a contrast fabric.
- Place the two pieces right sides together and sew diagonally across the block in a straight line from one corner to the other. If desired, you can mark a straight line on the back of one of the fabric squares as a guide.
- Trim one of the points of the top piece of fabric (the contrast colour) back to a 1/4" seam allowance - leave the whole of the background fabric intact.
- Fold the contrast fabric back over the sewn line to form a half-square triangle - press in place, matching the edges of the contrast piece and the background fabric.
Instructions - easy star block:
This will make a 6" star block.
Cutting:
- From background fabric, cut four 2" x 2" squares, and four 2" x 3 1/2" rectangles.
- From a contrast fabric, cut eight 2" x 2" squares, and one 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" square.
Sewing:
- To make the points of the star, take one background rectangle and one 2" square of contrast fabric. Place the pieces of fabric right sides together, lining up the square with one end of the rectangle as shown in the diagram.
- Sew in a straight line diagonally from corner to corner across the contrast square.
- Trim the excess seam allowance from the contrast square, leaving the background rectangle uncut.
- Fold the contrast square over and press in place.
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Repeat the process with another piece of contrast fabric at the other end of the rectangle.
- Repeat this process for the other three background rectangles.
- Sew together the block as indicated in the diagram.
- Press the completed block.
Tips & Tricks You can make any size half-square triangles you like - just remember to add a 1/4" seam allowance to each side of the 'finished' size. To make perfect points on your triangles, join the half-square triangle block to the block next to it with the half-square block facing up. You will be able to see the diagonal sewing line on the half-square block - make sure your next seam is sewn directly over this line. Use the edges of the background square as a sewing guide, rather than the contrast fabric. |