Hello, quilting enthusiasts! Today, we’re going to embark on a journey to create a stunning Double Star block. This pattern, with its intricate design, is equally striking in black and white or color. When repeated, it creates a secondary pattern of stars and diamonds that adds a unique charm to any quilt. So, grab your materials, and let’s get started!
SEE A NEW PATTERN HEREIntroduction to the Double Star Block
The Double Star block is a classic quilting pattern that has been loved by many for its versatility and striking design. The pattern uses a combination of half square triangles, fast flying geese, and regular squares to create a design that is both complex and visually appealing. When the blocks are joined together, they form a secondary pattern of stars and diamonds that is truly captivating.
Materials Needed
For this project, you’ll need fabric in five different shades. Here’s what you’ll need:
- White fabric: 4 squares, 2 7/8″ x 2 7/8″; 1 square 5 1/4″ x 5 1/4″
- Light Grey fabric: 8 squares, 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″
- Medium Grey fabric: 4 squares, 2 7/8″ x 2 7/8″; 1 square 5 1/4″ x 5 1/4″
- Dark Grey fabric: 1 square, 4 1/2″ x 4 1/2″
- Black fabric: 8 squares, 2 7/8″ x 2 7/8″
Step-by-Step Instructions
SEE A NEW PATTERN HERE1. Make Fast Flying Geese
The first step in creating the Double Star block is to make the fast flying geese. This is a technique that uses squares and triangles to create a geometric design that resembles a flock of geese flying in formation.
Start by laying 2 medium grey 2 7/8″ squares onto opposite corners of 1 white 5 1/4″ square, right sides together. Draw a line down the middle of the grey squares and sew 1/4″ away on either side of the drawn line.
Cut on the drawn line and open up the grey squares so they are sticking out. Lay another medium grey square onto each of the triangle geese units and draw another line. Sew 1/4″ on either side of the marked line and cut on the line to reveal 4 medium grey/white flying geese units.
Repeat this process with the small black squares and the larger medium grey squares, to create 4 black/medium grey flying geese units. Don’t forget to trim off the triangle tips! You should have 4 white/grey flying geese and 4 black/grey geese.
2. Make Half-Square Triangles
Half-square triangles, or HSTs, are another fundamental building block in quilting. They are simply a square made from two equal triangles.
Layer 4 white 2 7/8″ squares on top of 4 black 2 7/8″ squares. Draw a line down the middle and sew with 1/4″ seams on each side. Cut apart on the drawn line and press seams open to reveal 8 half-square triangles. Trim off the tips and any slivers of excess fabric to 2.5″ square. Make a total of 8 black/white half square triangles.
3. Block Assembly
Now comes the fun part – assembling your block! Lay out all 25 block units into a 5 x 5 grid. Join each unit into rows and press seams open. Join the rows to complete the block and press seams open.
Tips and Tricks
- Use a scant 1/4″ seam for the flying geese and HSTs. This means sewing a thread-width over from the line.
- If you are not confident in sewing accurate seams, up the HST squares to 3″ to give you some extra wiggle room and trim to 2.5″ square once you’ve sewn them up.
- Feel free to press your row seams in alternate directions so that when you sew your rows together, you can nest your seams.
Full Pattern: Click Here
And there you have it! Your very own Double Star block. This pattern is a beautiful addition to any quilting project, and we can’t wait to see what you create with it. Remember, the beauty of quilting lies not just in the final product, but in the journey of creation. Each stitch is a step on your creative journey, so take your time, enjoy the process, and most importantly, have fun!
