The Heartland Heritage block for March is Star Bright. Star Bright is a cheery block with a few special units to make it a show stopper in any quilt.
Those special units are the hourglass sections, and I thought I would share with you my process for accuracy in your quilt.
As included in the pattern, these are all the pieces needed for the block. To make the hourglass units, we just need to four largest squares.
On the wrong side of the lighter squares, mark a diagonal corner to corner.
Sew a 1/4″ away from both sides of the marked line. In my case, I’m using the guide beam on my machine instead of marking it.
Cut the units apart. This yields two half-square triangle units. Press all your seams to the same side, or open if that’s your preference. I pressed toward the pink fabric.
By pressing to the same fabric, I’m able to nest my seams for the next step. Lay two half-square triangle units together with the colors opposite each other, as shown.
I like to add a pin to the center to make sure things stay in place as I sew. Mark the diagonal, across the previous seam, then stitch 1/4″ away from both sides of the line.
Having all the edges line up isn’t necessary, but to get the sharp center you need to have those seams well nested. Cut the units a part, and press.
Once the units are pressed, it’s important to trim. In the pattern we included slightly larger than needed pieces, so that you can trim them down and have accurate blocks. Success is important!
Using a square ruler, or any ruler with a 45-degree line, line up the diagonal, and the block center to trim. In this case the trim size is 4 1/2″ so I place the 2 1/4″ marking on the center point. This will vary, depending on the size of your block, be sure to check the pattern for trim size.
A closer look at the center markings. Trim two sides, turn the unit and use the diagonal and trimmed edges to line up and trim the remaining two side of the hourglass unit.
Now your block is nearly complete!
Heartland Heritage – Star Bright
Visit Inspiring Stitches to see all the beautiful fabric choices being made this month – I love being inspired by all of you, and hope you will share your finished block too! Also visit Heather over at The Sewing Loft to see her Destiny II settings for sewing on the bias, without marking.
More information about Heartland Heritage can be found here.
Happy Quilting –
Amy
*Affiliate links included from brand partners we love.
Are the measurements somewhere ? Maybe this is a pattern I can purchase?
More information about Heartland Heritage can be found at shop.inspiring-stitches.com – there’s a link in the post too.
I love the guide beam! I am getting sewer’s envy…trying not to need the upgrade!