Sampler Quilt 2011 - Week 39 - Diamond Star

The Diamond Star block is set in a 4 patch layout with each quarter foundation paper pieced and using 3 fabrics. You'll need to print 4 copies of the foundation template printed at 100%.

Fabric instructions

Background: Cut 4 rectangles 2½ by 5 inches.

Accent 1: Cut 4 rectangles 3 by 4½ inches.

Accent 2: Cut 2 squares 3 inches. 

Diamond Star instructions

1. Print or draw foundation on a light weight piece of paper. Align 1st fabric with foundation paper wrong sides together.
2. Fold paper back on sewing line and trim underlying fabric to ¼ inch from folded seam line.
3. Align 2nd fabric piece to raw edge of 1st fabric and pin in place.
4. Sew on sewing line between 1st and 2nd pieces.
5. Gently press open fabric pieces being careful not to stretch bias.
6. Fold back foundation paper on next sewing line.
7. Trim underlying fabric to ¼ inch from folded seam line.
8. Align 3rd fabric piece to raw edge of previously trimmed piece and pin in place.
9. Sew on seam line from paper side.
10. Gently press open from fabric side.
11. Fold back on last sewing line of foundation paper.
12. Trim underlying fabric to ¼ inch from paper fold.
13. Align last fabric piece to raw edge of previously trimmed piece and pin in place.
14. Sew on last seam line from paper side.
15. Gently press open from fabric side.
16. From paper side, trim block to size including seam allowance.
17. Leave paper on until you are ready to sew the rest of the block to keep from stretching.
    
    
18. Make 3 more quarter units.
19. Gently tear paper away from the block on perforated sewing lines and be careful not to overly stretch fabric.
20. Sew quarter units together with small triangles in the center using a ¼ inch seam.
21. Press seams to one side.

Each quarter should measure 3½ inches and the finished block 6½ inches.