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| The photo above © Susan Arnold |
Why the Hunter’s Star Quilt?
The Hunter’s Star quilt is a timeless design known for its striking geometric patterns and secondary blocks that create depth and movement. Traditionally, this pattern requires precise piecing and meticulous measurements, but Jenny Doan’s approach simplifies the process using pre-cut fabrics. This makes it accessible to quilters of all skill levels while still delivering a professional-looking result.
Materials You’ll Need
Before starting, gather the following supplies:
- One packet of 10-inch squares (layer cake) of a print fabric (Jenny used Tucker Prairie by One Canoe Two for Moda fabrics).
- 42 ten-inch squares of a background fabric.
- ¾ yard of fabric for a 2 ½-inch inner border.
- 1 ½ yards of fabric for a 5-inch outer border.
- Basic quilting tools: rotary cutter, cutting mat, ruler, sewing machine, iron, and thread.
Step 1: Preparing the Fabric
Jenny’s method uses 10-inch squares (layer cakes) for convenience, but you can also use charm packs (5-inch squares) if you prefer. Here’s how to prepare your fabric:
- Cut the Layer Cake: Take each 10-inch square and cut it into four 5-inch squares. Repeat this for all your print and background fabrics.
- Organize Your Squares: Separate the print and background squares to streamline the piecing process.
Step 2: Creating the Four-Patch Blocks
The four-patch block is the foundation of this quilt. Follow these steps to make it:
- Pair the Squares: Take one print square and one background square. Place them right sides together.
- Sew the Seams: Sew a ¼-inch seam along one side. Press the seam toward the darker fabric.
- Create the Four-Patch: Repeat with another pair of squares. Sew the two pairs together, nesting the seams to ensure they align perfectly. Press the block open.
- Repeat: Make a total of 28 four-patch blocks.
Step 3: Making the Half-Square Triangle (HST) Star Blocks
The star blocks are the highlight of the Hunter’s Star quilt. Here’s how to create them:
- Prepare the Squares: Place a print square and a background square right sides together. Sew a ¼-inch seam around all four edges.
- Cut the Squares: Cut the sewn squares diagonally in both directions to create four half-square triangles.
- Press and Trim: Press the HSTs open, ensuring the dark fabric is on top. Trim each HST to 2 ¾ inches using a ruler for precision.
- Assemble the Star Blocks: Arrange four HSTs to form a star block. Sew them together in pairs, then join the pairs to complete the block. Make 12 star blocks with the points facing one direction and 12 with the points facing the opposite direction.
Step 4: Assembling the Quilt Top
With all your blocks ready, it’s time to assemble the quilt top:
- Layout the Blocks: Arrange the blocks in a grid of 7 columns by 8 rows (56 blocks total). Alternate between star blocks and four-patch blocks, ensuring the four-patch blocks form a checkerboard pattern.
- Sew the Rows: Sew the blocks together row by row, pressing the seams as you go.
- Join the Rows: Sew the rows together to complete the quilt top.
Step 5: Adding the Borders
To frame your quilt and give it a polished look, add the borders:
- Inner Border: Cut strips of fabric 2 ½ inches wide. Sew them to the edges of the quilt top.
- Outer Border: Cut strips of fabric 5 inches wide. Sew them to the quilt top, enclosing the inner border.
Final Thoughts
You’ve just created a stunning Hunter’s Star quilt using Jenny Doan’s simplified method! This project demonstrates how pre-cut fabrics and clever techniques can make even the most complex patterns accessible to quilters of all skill levels.
For a visual guide, check out Jenny’s video tutorial on the Missouri Star Quilt Company’s YouTube channel. Happy quilting!
Watch the Full Video Tutorial Here
By following this guide, you’ll not only create a beautiful quilt but also gain confidence in your quilting skills. Share your finished project with the quilting community and inspire others to take on this rewarding craft!