BLOCK OF THE MONTH

MAY: THE SPINNING STAR BLOCK

This easy 9 patch block uses 2 colours and a combination of whole squares and half-square triangles. The same squares can be rearranged to make an alternative block pattern called Ribbon.

Note: When your pieces are ready to be sewn together, make sure to trim them all to the same size to ensure they fit together correctly.

1. ORGANISE AND CUT THE FABRIC YOU'LL NEED

Cut six 4.5” squares from colour 1 and three 4.5” squares from colour 2. Use a strong contrast for best results.

2. CREATE HALF-SQUARE TRIANGLES

Use one square of each colour, and place right sides together.
Mark a diagonal line across the middle.
Stitch either side of this line, using the presser foot on your machine as a guide.
Cut along your original drawn line between the stitching. This creates 2 squares made up of triangles.
Open the squares up, and press the seams to the dark side
Repeat to create another 2 squares (4 in total).

3. ARRANGE THE PATTERN

Arrange the Spinning Star block as shown, with a whole square in the centre and at the corners.

Create the star effect using half-square triangles all “spinning” in the same direction.

4. SEW THE BLOCK TOGETHER

Sew the squares together row by row, pressing the seams as you go, and making sure the design is in the correct order.

Repeat the process, sewing your rows together.

Voilà!

5. WHY NOT TRY AN ALTERNATIVE DESIGN?

Repeat steps 1 and 2, but arrange your squares in different positions as shown to form the Ribbon block.

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