Ah yes it is that time again… I am setting another block for my fellow Do Good Stitches gang… and this month snuck up on me so I have resorted to a variation of an old faithful….the wonky star…
For this 12 inch block I used:
- Fifteen (15) low volume 3 1/2 inch squares
- One (1) black/dark grey 3 1/2 inch square
- Eight (8) black grey triangles – I used scraps but you can cut a 3 inch square in half to make the triangles.
Step one is to make the star points:
To make the star points you will need 4 of your low volume squares and your triangle pieces.
Take one of the squares and sew a triangle onto one corner, making sure the pattern sides of your fabric are together and when the triangle is flipped it covers the corner of your square.
Next trim the excess low volume fabric from the corner and press the triangle over into place.
Then add another triangle of fabric to the other side of the square…. sew it down … trim the excess low volume fabric and press over.
Your next step is to trim your block back down to 3 1/2 inches square.
The back of your block should look like this…. now repeat the process until you have 4 star point sections.
Step Two:
Lay out your block as illustrated….
Step Three:
Sew the block together in rows… then sew the rows together to make a completed block.
What I love about this block is that has built in negative space which allows for you to stagger the stars layout when putting the quilt top together. You can also make a couple of blocks that are just low volume squares (no star) to break up the layout of the quilt.
In the coming months I will have two different variations of this quilt to show you, as I also used this block recently at out Guild charity sew day. For the sew day we used a rainbow of solids and a white star which gave us a really fun bright quilt. If you want to see a work in progress shot of that quilt head over to my Instagram account.
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I love these Wonky Stars Quilts. Always so effective, whether the Stars are white/cream or pastels. I haven’t seen one with black/dark grey stars so I’m looking forward to seeing your when it’s finished.
Thanks Linda. I do not use a lot of black so I am also interested to see how it all looks when done.
I really like this concept of floating the star in a larger patched block of various low-volume fabrics. Brava!
Thanks Jan. That extra save does make it more fun to layout.
I really like the asymmetrical layout, and your suggestion that not every block has to contain a star. Should make a lovely quilt, and I’m looking forward to seeing it. Don’t forget to post the result 🙂
Kate I promise to post the finished quilts. I have lots to share now that it has stopped raining in Portland.
Mr Wombat’s arms will be aching… It has stopped raining here (mostly) too, and is nice and cool. Winter is coming (quilt faster!).
After looking at your finished quilts, I have decided to become a charity! Lol
Too funny. A couple of my friends have said the same thing.
Holy Heck Hermione, Seems like there is always a new way to build a star. Such a fun block to try. I’m thinking they may become addictive and a great way to use up itsy bitsy scraps.
Velda wonky stars are crazy addictive and so much fun. But they are also really easy and quickly making them a pretty perfect block.
I love your wonky star block — what a great way to use up scraps! Thanks for sharing how to make the block — can’t wait to see the finished quilt! I love your blue wonky star quilt!
Wonky stars really are my go to and I have made a lot of them….but that blue one is one of my favorite.
I like that you can stagger the stars in the blocks or make them uniform. Nice idea.
I didn’t think it was possible to improve on the wonky star as the perfect idiot-proof group block, but I was wrong. Add negative space! Genius!
It really is suitable for all skill levels. We make a lot of wonky star quilts in our charity program because they are so easy.
Thanks for sharing the “how To” on this block. My grandmother taught me to machine sew by making a 9 patch quilt. Any seam not straight was ripped out. How relaxing to know i can make a wonky seam and be fine with it. Gram wouldn’t be, but I am!
Gram gave you a wonderful start with the nine patch and this is just a variation of it. Best of both worlds.
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I can’t wait to make this. So much fun! Hmm, now I might need to get some low volume prints.
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