• Antique String Stars

Antique String Stars

Antique String Stars is the perfect pattern for a quilter who is looking for a scrappy project. String quilts have been around for a long time. This turn-of-the-century quilt used both string-quilting techniques and foundation piecing to create a one-of-a-kind eight-point star block. If you're up for a challenge, this is just what you're looking for. Get out your scraps! 

From the collection of Sue Harvey

The maker of this turn-of-the-century quilt found a way to use her many scraps in the points of these eight-pointed stars. She saved the centers for the patriotic combination of red, white and blue fabrics.

Project Note

The antique quilt shown was pieced as one unit with large and small squares set in between the points of the stars. To simplify piecing, the stars were separated into individual blocks in these instructions.

Project Specifications

Skill Level: Advanced
Quilt Size: 69" x 83"
Block Size: 14" x 14"
Number of Blocks: 20

Materials

• 3/4 yard total each red and white scraps
• 3/4 yard red print
• 1 yard total navy scraps
• 2 yards muslin
• 3 yards total assorted scraps
• 3 3/4 yards green print
• Backing 73" x 86"
• Batting 73" x 86"
• All-purpose thread to match fabrics
• White quilting thread
• Basic sewing tools and supplies

Instructions

Step 1. Prepare templates for pattern pieces given; cut as directed on each piece for one block. Patterns can be found here.

Step 2. Place an assorted scrap strip wrong side against one end of C as shown in Figure 1.

Step 3. Place another assorted scrap strip right sides together with the first strip; stitch along the edge as shown in Figure 2. Trim the seam allowance to 1/4"; press the second strip open.

Step 4. Continue to add scrap strips in random widths and shapes to completely cover C; trim scrap edges even with C. Repeat to make four each crazy-pieced C and CR pieces.

Step 5. Sew a red scrap and a white scrap B to adjacent sides of A as shown in Figure 3; press seams toward B. Repeat for eight A-B units.

Step 6. Sew a crazy-pieced C to the B end of an A-B unit as shown in Figure 4; repeat for eight A-B-C units.

Step 7. Join the A-B-C units as shown in Figure 5; set in the D and E pieces to complete one block as shown in Figure 6. Repeat to make 20 blocks.

Step 8. Join four blocks to make a row; repeat for five rows. Join the rows to complete the pieced center.

Step 9. Cut and piece two strips each 2 1/2" x 56 1/2" and 2 1/2" x 74 1/2" red print. Sew the shorter strips to the top and bottom of the pieced center and the longer strips to opposite long sides; press seams toward strips.

Step 10. Cut and piece two strips each 5" x 60 1/2" and 5" x 83 1/2" green print. Sew the shorter strips to the top and bottom of the pieced center and the longer strips to opposite long sides; press seams toward strips to complete the top.

Sandwich, quilt and bind your quilt as desired.

Copyright © 2002 The Ultimate Collection of Classic Quilt Blocks, House of White Birches. All rights reserved.