Twinkling Star Quilt Block Pattern
- Pair a light 2-1/8" x 2-1/8 square with a darker square of the same size. Use the easy sandwich method to create two half square triangle units (HSTs) from the pair. Use a square ruler (best choice) to trim-back the unit to exactly 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" (or a hair larger), taking care that each half of the block is the same size (page 5 of the tutorial).
- Repeat to make a total of (24) 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" square HST units. Set aside.
- Pair a 3-7/8" x 3-7/8" neutral background square with a red square of the same size. Make two HSTs from the pair (not illustrated). Each completed unit should measure 3-1/2" x 3-1/2". Repeat to make two more identical units.
Make Patchwork Star Tips
- Gather (3) of your small HST units and three dark triangles (were cut by dividing 1-7/8" squares in half diagonally). Arrange the pieces into three rows as shown, upper left.
- Sew components in each row together. Use scant seam allowances and sew carefully -- don't stretch units as you sew. Press seam allowances in adjoining rows in opposite directions and join the rows. Make three more units from the remaining small HSTs and dark triangles.
- Sew each of the four patchwork units created in step 2 to a larger neutral triangle as shown, upper right. Press seam allowance towards the large triangle.
- Gather (3) of your small HST units and three light triangles (were cut by dividing 1-7/8" squares in half diagonally). Arrange the pieces into three rows as shown, middle of illustration - notice that triangles are oriented differently for this unit).
- Sew components in each row together. Use scant seam allowances and sew carefully -- don't stretch units as you sew. Press seam allowances in adjoining rows in opposite directions and join the rows. Make three more units from the remaining small HSTs and light triangles.
- Sew each of the four patchwork units created in step 5 to a larger green triangle as shown, middle right. Press seam allowance towards the large triangle.
- Arrange all components into four rows as shown, lower left. Sew components of each row together.
- Press seam allowances towards the larger, plain triangles and squares. Join the rows, butting seams for a perfect match. Press carefully. The quilt block should measure 12-1/2" x 12-1/2".
