A Star like Quilt - with only 2 blocks!

Here's what is almost finished on the layout board today.  A simple design that consists of only two blocks and looks pretty dynamic.  A little concentration on how to position the units creates a star like look.  I made a larger, but very similar version HERE.

I am not a pattern maker but this is how I made this quilt - please forgive the rough diagram. 

The final size for this quilt is 53" x 53".  All units are 4.5" x 4.5" unfinished.  

You will need:

(64) focus fabric squares - indicated in dark blue

(25) white squares - for corners and between "stars"

(80) half square triangles - trimmed to 4.5" x 4.5"

There are many tutorials that show how to make HST (half square triangles).  I opted to begin mine a little larger than necessary and cut my HST starting pieces 5.25" x 5.25" so I could trim down. 

No matter what size you choose to begin your HST's - you will need 40 focus squares and 40 background squares.  

This will yield you the necessary (80) Half Square Triangles for the design above.

To recap you need: 

  *(64) focus fabric squares,  (unfinished 4.5" x 4.5")

  *(25) white background squares,  (unfinished 4.5" x 4.5")

  *(80) Half Square Triangles  

           made from 40 focus/40 background squares

           final trim size unfinished 4.5"x 4.5" 

           

  

I opted to sew the (16) four-patches together first - and add the HST's as a second phase.  It's all up to you.  If you layout everything without sewing the four-patches first - you can sew everything together ... row by row. 

Important Note:  If you sew the four patches together like I did above - you will need to sew SOME of the HST's together first - top to bottom.  Basically, the ones that nestle up to the four patch  See pix below. 

I was so focused on balancing all the center squares, (there are 35 different colors & patterns), I didn't think ahead to the construction phase.  

Anyway - keep laying out according to the 'rough' diagram at the beginning of the post. Enjoy seeing your quilt come alive as you arrange the 13 blocks across and 13 rows down.  This is a good time to try something simple with just two blocks that show lots of pretty colors and fabric patterns.

Materials:

Regent Street Lawn 2016 / Moda

Cotton Couture in Bright White / Michael Miller

Aurifil 50wt. Muslin thread (#2311)

Size: 53" x 53"

April 2021