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| Woven Star Block Quilt |
Make bold geometry and smart constructions in the Woven Star Block Quilt. This pattern was designed by Joan of CaliQuilter and is a bold look as it has sharp points and a complex design of secondary stars that are formed after the blocks are assembled. What is more brilliant though is the technique: it is a reusable freezer paper underpinning technique. It is a foolproof method of piecing with high accuracy and does not result in the type of waste and frustration that may occur with paper backing, and this makes it an ideal project to the efficiency-conscious quilter.
What Is the Woven Star Block?
The Woven Star block is a 10'' finished quilt block that is made using foundation paper piecing (FPP)- however, Joan uses freezer paper as the foundation rather than paper. Freezer paper is shiny and just grips enough to be used during stitching and the templates can be used several times.
Every block consists of two types of units named Unit A and Unit B and four blocks are included in each of the two types. Since each unit has only three seams, it is a comparatively fast method of construction of an FPP block.
How the Block Comes Together:
1. Foundation Preparation:
When you use freezer paper you do not sew through the foundation, but through the folds that answer to each seam. Apply patches of press fabric on the glossy part of freezer paper as you proceed and crease along the reference lines of the seams in order to have the seams accurate.
2. Units A and B:
- Cut fabric pieces that are a bit bigger than the areas in the pattern indicated on the pattern so each one is able to cover over the area that it is supposed to cover.
- Align the patches one on top of the other (right-sides-together) with the patch that came before and sew along an adjacent edge of the template.
- Pin and bast as required between rows of stitching.
- Such a procedure is to be repeated with four A units and four B units.
3. Block Assembly:
Sew one A and B unit together when your A and B units are complete. Sewing on the press seams are done to allow the star pattern to lie flat. Then form pairs on the top and bottom rows and then the rows are sewn together to make the block complete.
This nesting and pressing one over another of the seams, produces a hollow-like center, flattish, and spiral in effect, which disperses bulk perfectly and gives to the back of the block nearly the look of polish that the front.
Design Appeal:
- Secondary Star Effect: When you stack up several blocks of woven stars in a quilt the placement of rich colors will have a secondary star effect over the top of the quilt- a gorgeous unexpected sight.
- Scrap-Friendly: The woven star blocks are an excellent method to employ the small scraps or contrasting prints to play with colors in a dynamic manner.
- Templates that can be used over and over again: Paper used with freezer paper templates conserves paper and also ensures that repeated blocks are more uniform.
Tips for Success:
- Proper Cutting: Cut the pieces of fabric slightly bigger than you need to be sure that you do not run out of fabric to cover the seams.
- Careful Pressing: To make the freezer paper straight and in line with your sewing lines, fold the paper along seam lines, then stitch.
- Color Placement: Use dark and light contrasts to dramatic stars, a tonal palette would create a lighter woven look.
Ready to Give It a Try?
You can see the entire Woven Star Block Quilt Pattern here.
The Woven Star Block Quilt is an exquisite piece of the combination of traditional star quilt design and accurate imaging with piecing. This block is versatile and aesthetic regardless of whether you are creating a sampler quilt, wall hanging or a large bed quilt. Freezer paper is also a better material to use with foundation piecing and also makes it easier and more fun, particularly when using repeat blocks.
