Double Star Quilt Block Tutorial

This month we are making the Double Star, a nice straightforward block made up of squares and half-square triangles (HSTs).

We will be sewing one 12” block (12.5” unfinished) and sashing it to 18″ (18.5″ unfinished). This diagram gives you the arrangement of colours in the block. As usual, the blank areas are sewn from background fabric:

The cool palette uses orchid (colour 1), candy blue (colour 2) and capri (colour 3):

The warm palette uses petunia (colour 1), candy pink (colour 2) and valentine (colour 3):

Cut the following for each block:

We need to make a boat-load of HSTs for this star. Sort your 3.5″ squares into three piles: six of background + colour 2, six of background + colour 3, and two of colour 2 + colour 3:

Make HSTs in the usual way by drawing a diagonal line across the wrong side of the lighter square, sewing a scant 1/4” from each side of the drawn line on each pair, then cutting along the line to make two HSTs:

Press with the seam towards the darker fabric and trim to 2.5” x 2.5”, making sure the 45º line on your ruler is in line with the seam. You will end up with 28 HSTs:

Lay out your pieces to match the block diagram and sew together:

Add the sashing according to the block layout diagrams. Attach the 12.5” pieces to the top and bottom of the block first, press, then add the 18.5” strips to the sides.