How To {make that block}

I worked all day {don't you feel bad for me :( } on a tutorial for how I made this block....

So here goes....keep in mind you can change the sizes - you certainly don't have to keep the same size block I made....

I started with a 5.5 inch square...

you need 4 of these to get one star....

 In the center we are going to draw lines to make a kite shape {similar to a spiderweb block}.  I made a dot 2 inches from the top point on both sides....

 Then draw a line from the dot to the point just opposite the top point on the block...

Remember you can cut this block as big or small as you like and you can place the dots where you like as long as you use the same measurement on both sides.

This creates a 'kite' shape in the center....

Next cut your fabric strips.  You may cut them all the same width or you can vary the width.  I cut mine 1.5 inches.

   Cut a strip that will cover you first line and extend some at the beginning and the end....

lay the fabric {right sides facing} edge next to the drawn line on the kite portion of the block....

  Using a quarter inch seam allowance stitch from top to bottom....remember the drawn line is not the stitch line...it is just to line up the strip.

Press this strip back...

Take the next strip and place it right sides facing - on top of the first strip - raw edges even....

**Just a note** I am not including that selvedge edge in my stitching...it will be trimmed off. Selvedge edges should be trimmed and not included in your sewing as the tight weave shrinks at a different rate than the rest of your fabric.

Again, stitch this strip and press back...

  Continue adding strips until the corner is completely covered...

Flip the block over so the right side is face down on your mat and trim the excess strips of fabric.  Use the block as your trimming guide.

 Then begin the same process on the other side of the kite...

Line this strip up next to the drawn line and stitch.... 

Continue adding strips, stitching and pressing until you have this corner covered...

Flip the block over and trim the excess....

Here is what all four finished will look like...

Stitch the top two and the bottom two....then stitch the two halves together....

If you want to use strips of different widths you get something that looks like this....

This is the secondary pattern.  I love it!

Hope this helps if you were interested in trying out this block!!!

Happy Tuesday!

mary