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Quilt Block of the Month: February

Have you ever wanted to make a quilt but couldn't find just what you had in mind? The editors of Quilter's World have compiled some block patterns, from the thousands of traditional blocks available, that you can download for free. With a few basic skills and a variety of block patterns, you can create countless designs in no time.

A new block download will be available each month along with helpful hints, tips and tricks. We will also give you ideas for block combinations and possible quilt settings from time to time to help you create fabulous quilted projects. We hope these blocks will inspire you to experiment with quilt design and create your own layouts. So get a binder and some page protectors to fill with block patterns and samples to fuel your creative juices.

Martha Washington Star

Finished Block Size
8" x 8"
Martha Washington Star

Martha Washington Star
8" x 8" Block

Cutting

From Light Fabric:

  • Cut one each 5 1/4" A and 3 1/4" B squares. Subcut both squares on both diagonals to cut four A and B triangles.
    Martha Washington Star
  • Cut two 2 7/8" C squares. Subcut squares on one diagonal to make four C triangles.
    Martha Washington Star Martha Washington Star
  • Cut four 2 1/2" D squares.
    Martha Washington Star
From Dark Fabric:

  • Cut one 3 1/4" E square; subcut square on both diagonals to cut four E triangles.
    Martha Washington Star
  • Cut four 2 7/8" F squares; subcut each square on one diagonal to cut eight F triangles.
    Martha Washington Star

Assembly

  1. Stitch B and E triangles right sides together referring to Figure 1; press seam toward E. Repeat to make four B-E units.
    Martha Washington Star
  2. Stitch a B-E unit to a C triangle along long edge referring to Figure 2; press seam toward C. Repeat to make four B-E-C units.
    Martha Washington Star
  3. Position and stitch B-E-C units as shown in Figure 3a to make two rows. Press seams in opposite directions.
    Martha Washington Star
  4. Sew rows together to make center pinwheel unit referring to Figure 3b. Press seam open.
  5. Sew F triangles to opposite sides of an A triangle (Figure 4). Press seams toward A. Repeat to make four A-F rectangles.
    Martha Washington Star
  6. Join D squares to opposite short sides of an A-F rectangle (Figure 5). Press seams toward D squares. Repeat to make a top and bottom row; set aside.
    Martha Washington Star
  7. Join an A-F rectangle to opposite sides of the center pinwheel unit to make a center row (Figure 6). Press seams toward center unit.
    Martha Washington Star
  8. Sew a top/bottom row from step 6 to the top and bottom of the center row, matching seams and referring to the block diagram for orientation. Press seams in one direction.

Helpful Hints

  • Martha Washington Star blocks are made with lots of triangles. This means working with bias edges. And while bias edges have a reputation for being difficult to work with, a few tips and a little practice make them manageable.
  • Bias is any diagonal line between the lengthwise or crosswise grain. At these angles the fabric is less stable and stretches easily. The true bias of a woven fabric is a 45-degree angle between the lengthwise and crosswise grain lines. The fibers that run either parallel (lengthwise grain) or perpendicular (crosswise grain) to the fabric selvage are straight grain. A triangle will have at least one edge that is cut on the bias, so it is even more important to handle the edges with care. You can tell immediately when a bias edge has been mistreated. It will become wavy! When cutting, keep the fabric flat and move it as little as possible. Even gentle smoothing in place can pull the edges. Never pull or stretch bias edges when stitching. Slow down and let your sewing machine gently feed the fabric under the needle. It truly doesn't need your help! We suggest pressing bias edges with a dry iron. Lift the iron straight up off the fabric, then move to a new position and lower it straight down. Don't slide the iron over the seam allowances. This can stretch even straight grain edges. If you consistently have trouble with bias edges, you can try starching your fabric before cutting with a laundry starch or, on smaller pieces of fabric, a spray starch. Starching will give the fabric more stability overall.
  • Choose a light and dark fabric for this block. Use scraps from other projects, or purchase fat eighths (9" x 22") or fat quarters (18" x 22") to make one sample block.
  • Cut individual pieces from scraps or cut strips and then individual pieces from strips if using yardage or large pieces of fabric. For example, to cut 5 1/4" A squares, cut a 5 1/4"-wide strip the width of the fabric. Subcut this strip into 5 1/4" A squares.

Copyright © 2013 Annie's. All rights reserved.

For more detailed help with quilting techniques, view our Quilting Lessons or consult a complete quilting guide. Your local library will probably have several on hand that you can review before purchasing one.

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