I remember the first time I saw a Star quilt. It was at a local craft fair, and I was immediately drawn to its simple yet striking design.
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The quilt was made up of blocks of fabric strips arranged in a star pattern, creating a beautiful visual effect. I was so inspired by that quilt that I decided to learn how to make one myself.
Today, I want to share with you a detailed tutorial for an Easy DIY Star baby quilt. This is a beginner-friendly project that uses half-square triangle blocks to create a stunning pattern. Whether you’re a seasoned quilter or a beginner, this tutorial will be a valuable guide.
Easy DIY Star Baby Quilt
This quilt is a fast and beginner-friendly project that uses half-square triangle blocks for quick assembly. The finished quilt measures 40″ x 40″, making it perfect for a baby quilt.
Fabric Requirements
- 6 light 10″ x 10″ squares
- 6 colored 10″ x 10″ squares
- 4 light 9 ½” x 9 ½” squares
- 16 strips 2 ½” x 9 ½” and 4 squares 2 ½” x 2 ½” for borders (cut these from yardage or from remaining pre-cut 10″ squares)
- 1 ¼ yard backing
- ⅜ yard binding (cut into 4 strips 2 ½” x width of fabric)
Half-Square Triangle Blocks
Half-square triangle blocks are one of the basic elements of quilting. The design options are endless. For this tutorial, we’ll be using the traditional “Broken Dishes” layout of half-square triangle blocks. It’s such a simple pattern – perfect for showing off pretty fabric.
Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Cutting and Sewing: Start by drawing a diagonal line on the back of the six 10″ x 10″ light squares. Match them up with a colored square and sew a ¼” seam down both sides of the drawn line. Repeat with all six pairs.
- Cutting Blocks: Using a ruler and rotary cutter, cut all six pairs on the drawn line to create 2 half-square triangle blocks from each pair, for a total of 12 half-square triangle blocks. Press seams toward the dark fabric. Square up each block to 9 ½” x 9 ½”. This is an important step, or your quilt top could get misshapen.
Assembling the Quilt
- Creating the Rows: With solid light 9 ½” x 9 ½” blocks in the four corners, layout 12 half-square blocks in a star motif – 4 blocks across by 4 blocks down. You can use this layout or create one of your own. There are lots of options and variations.
- Sewing the Rows Together: Sew blocks into four rows. Press seams alternating directions for each row. (For example, press all seams to the right on odd rows – 1 &3 and press all seams to the left on even rows 2 & 4.) Then sew four rows together, pressing seams all the same direction.
- Adding Borders: To add borders, sew two sets of four 2 ½” x 9 ½” strips end to end. Decide which side of the quilt you want to sew them to and press the seams in alternating directions from the seams on that side of the quilt. Sew these two borders to opposite sides of the quilt. Press seams toward the borders. For final borders, sew two more sets of four 2 ½” x 9 ½” strips end to end and sew a 2 ½” x 2 ½” square to either end. Repeat the process of pressing seams alternating directions from the seams on the quilt side. Pin border at seams and sew final borders to quilt. Press seams toward the borders.
- Finishing the Quilt: To finish the quilt, layer the top, batting, and backing together. Cut the binding fabric into 4 strips 2 ½” x WOF and sew them end to end. Attach the binding to the quilt, and you’re done!
The Easy DIY Star baby quilt is a classic design that’s perfect for beginners. Its simplicity and the speed at which it can be assembled make it an ideal project for all. Whether you’re making it for a loved one or for yourself, this quilt is sure to be a treasured keepsake. So why wait? Grab your fabric and start quilting today!