Star Cluster Quilt-a-Long #5

Block #5 - Mini Stars

We're well over halfway to completing our Star Cluster blocks! This week and next, we'll be piecing mini stars and churn dash blocks that measure 3" square and finish 2 1/2" square. I don't usually work with blocks this small, but I've enjoyed challenging myself and have learned a couple of tricks along the way.

As with any star point units, large or small, follow these simple rules.

Step #1 - When making connecting corners (CC) for star points, lay a square on the end of a rectangle, right sides together. For a perfectly straight stitching line, mark a line diagonally from corner to corner with a chalk marker (or your favorite marking tool) on the wrong side of the dark star point square. Follow the line to stitch. Or line up the outer corner with the "0" line on your sewing machine tray, as shown below, and stitch toward the corner. Use the method you're most comfortable with that delivers the best results for you. My tip is: Always begin stitching from the inside corner, not the outside corner. If you begin stitching on the outside corner, there is more chance your fabric will bunch as it's pushed by your presser foot and not stitch as smoothly. 

 Step #2 - After trimming the excess tan and dark triangles 1/8" away from your stitching line, press the seam open, beginning in the center, not on the corner. At this point, you're pressing across bias edges. This helps prevent stretching and distortion of the star point connecting corner and the background rectangle. I open the seam and finger press it open first, then follow up with just a touch of spray of sizing and press again for a nice, crisp finish.

Step #3 - Layered Trimming - After sewing the corners onto the star point units, trim the seam of the corner squares ONLY to 1/8". I left the star point unit seam at 1/4" so both edges weren't at the same place. Much like layering a haircut, this offers less bulk and a smoother transition when joining seams. I like to press toward the corners and toward the center square for opposing seams. It was surprising how much less bulk there was when pinning/stitching across the intersections.

  

More Layered Trimming - After sewing the three rows of the block together, trim one seam to 1/8" seam, leaving the remaining seam at 1/4". This is the block before pressing the final seams.

Mini Star Block 3" x 3" - Here's the unvarnished truth - my block is pretty darn close, but not perfect. I can adjust in the seam allowance, if needed, but I have a true 1/4" beyond the star points, so it's all good. It's funny how noticeable a thread's width on these mini blocks is, where it would be almost insignificant on a 6" block. Do your best, breathe... and enjoy the process.

I'll see you next week for the final block, Mini Churn Dash. The last week of the quilt-a-long, we'll make the spacer blocks and half square triangles for the borders and put it all together. I can't wait!