How to Make the All Stars Quilt Block

The photo above © Modafabrics

Quilting is an art that combines precision, creativity, and a love for fabric. If you're looking for a fun and rewarding project, the All Stars quilt block is a perfect choice. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process of making this block, share helpful tips, and provide insights to ensure your quilting experience is enjoyable and successful.

What Makes the All Stars Block Special?

The All Stars block is a beautiful example of how simple shapes can come together to create something extraordinary. Designed by Lisa Bongean, this block uses half-square triangles and carefully placed fabric squares to form a striking star pattern. Whether you're making a single block for a sampler quilt or creating multiple blocks for a larger project, this design is versatile and visually appealing.

For this tutorial, I’ll focus on creating a 6-inch finished block, but the techniques can easily be adapted for larger sizes. Be sure to check out Lisa’s YouTube tutorial and blog post for additional tips, including her unique method of using triangle papers for HSTs.

Materials and Cutting Instructions

Before you begin, gather your materials. For the 6-inch block, you’ll need the following fabrics:

• Fabric A (Light Blue): Eight 2-inch squares
• Fabric B (Dark Brown): Sixteen 2-inch squares
• Fabric C (Gold): Eight 2-inch squares and four 1.5-inch squares

These fabrics create the contrast needed to make the star design stand out. Once your squares are cut, you’re ready to move on to the next step.

Step 1: Creating Half-Square Triangles (HSTs)

The All Stars block relies heavily on half-square triangles, so mastering this technique is essential. Here’s how I approached it:

1. Cutting the Squares: Instead of marking and sewing along a diagonal line, I cut all my squares in half diagonally. This method is ideal for chain piecing, which saves time and ensures consistency.
2. Starching the Fabric: To prevent issues with bias edges, I heavily starched my fabrics before sewing. This step adds stability and makes the fabric easier to handle.
3. Chain Piecing: I paired up the triangles with right sides together and sewed a scant quarter-inch seam along the edge. Chain piecing allows you to sew multiple pieces in one go, making the process faster and more efficient.
4. Pressing and Trimming: After sewing, I pressed the HSTs open, pressing the seams toward the darker fabric. Then, I trimmed them down to 1.5 inches using my ruler. The pattern is designed so that the HSTs are slightly oversized, giving you room to trim them to the perfect size.

Step 2: Assembling the Block

Once your HSTs are ready, it’s time to assemble the block. Here’s how I did it:

1. Laying Out the Pieces: I arranged the HSTs and the 1.5-inch squares into units of nine pieces. Each unit consists of eight HSTs and one center square, forming the foundation of the star design.
2. Sewing the Units: I sewed the pieces together in small units rather than long rows. This approach reduces the number of seams you need to match, making the process easier and more accurate. However, you can also sew them row by row if that’s your preferred method.
3. Pressing the Seams: After sewing, I pressed the seams open to reduce bulk. For the top and bottom rows, I pressed the seams toward the AB HSTs, and for the center rows, I pressed them toward the center square. This ensures that the seams nest together perfectly when assembling the final block.
4. Trimming the Units: Before sewing the units together, I gave them a quick trim to ensure they measured 3.5 inches, as required for the 6-inch block.

Step 3: Final Assembly and Finishing Touches

With all the units prepared, the final assembly is straightforward:

1. Sewing the Units Together: I sewed the four units together, pressing the seams open to create a flat and even block.
2. Checking the Size: After assembling, I double-checked that the block measured 6.5 inches (including seam allowances). If needed, I trimmed it down to the correct size.
3. Admiring the Finished Block: The All Stars block is now complete! The combination of colors and precise piecing creates a stunning star design that’s sure to be a standout in any quilt.

Tips for Success

• Use Starch: Starching your fabrics before cutting and sewing can make a world of difference, especially when working with bias edges.
• Chain Piecing: This technique saves time and ensures consistency when sewing multiple pieces.
• Press Seams Open: Pressing seams open reduces bulk and helps the block lie flat.
• Check Out Lisa’s Tutorial: Lisa Bongean’s method of using triangle papers for HSTs is a game-changer. Be sure to watch her video for more insights.

The All Stars block by Lisa Bongean is a delightful addition to any quilter’s repertoire. With its intricate design and clever use of half-square triangles, it’s a project that’s both challenging and rewarding. Whether you’re participating in the Blockheads 5 quilt-along or simply looking for a new project, this block is sure to inspire.

Happy quilting, and I can’t wait to see your All Stars blocks! Don’t forget to check out Lisa’s tutorial for even more tips and tricks. Until next time, keep stitching and creating!

Watch the Full Video Tutorial Here