AUNT ELIZA'S STAR

This is another add on to the blocks that I posted about earlier today.  With this one, I'm closer to the 12 blocks that I'd like to have to make a complete quilt.  The blocks measure out at 12 1/2 inches.

Another star block.  You'll need two different fabrics; one medium or dark and one background fabric.

First, cut your fabrics.  Cut the medium fabric into two 5 3/8 inch squares.  Then cut the background fabric into two 5 3/8 inch squares as well as four 4 1/2 inch squares.

Then you will layer on dark/medium 5 3/8 inch square on top of a background 5 3/8 inch square.  You will either draw a diagonal line or use The Angler 2 quilt tool to be able to take those sandwiched squares to your sewing machine and sew a 1/4 inch line on either side of the center diagonal.   I referred to The Angler 2 quilt tool in another tutorial.  I love this tool and leave it on my machine constantly.

In the picture below you can see the Angler on my sewing machine.  

 After you sew the two lines a 1/4 inch from the center diagonal, you will need to take them to your cutting mat and cut them diagonally in two directions so that you have four resulting quarter square triangles. Note that they will be in two different directions after you've cut them apart.

After you have them all cut apart, you should have 4  quarter square triangles.  You will need to arrange them in this pattern.

Sew them together, nesting your seams as you go.  I almost never use pins.  Nesting the seams always produces a much nicer joint for me.  After you sew them together, measure them out to make sure that they are  4 1/2 inches square. Use that 45 degree angle on your ruler to help line up the seams before you cut them down to size.  

Now you're ready to lay them out in the block pattern.  Notice how I have sewn the top two together.  I had to rip out the 2nd two rows as I had the hour glass blocks oriented incorrectly.

Once you have them sewn together in rows, you can sew them together as a block.  Remember to nest those seams.  

The block should measure 12 1/2 inches. 

 I've added a link on my tutorials page for a direct link to the directions.  Here's hoping that those links actually work! :)