Block 11: Star gathering – Textured quilt sampler tutorial

Closeup

This block requires hand sewing.

Block type: log cabin

Block size: 11 inches

Colour scheme: reds and neutrals

Texture/fabric manipulation: star gathering

Quilt size: The finished quilt is 52 ½ x 52 ½.

Needs:

• one 7 in x 7 in square in white
• two 5 in x 3 ½ in rectangles and two 11 in x 3 ½ in rectangles for the border
• matching stranded cotton

Making the star gathering

Cut one 7in x 7in square and mark it in a grid at 2 in intervals alternating in rows on the wrong side of the fabric. See drawing below.

The circles are 3/8 in in diameter. They are spaced 2 inches apart from top to bottom and 1 inch apart from left to right.

I drew the circles by hand though you could use a template. I don’t think it will show in the result if the circle is not perfect.

You will notice I drew double circles. This is so because I started with 1/4 inch circles and they turned out too small so I drew them larger.

Now, following the circle lines start stitching with a running stitch. When you reach the starting knot, pull the thread very tight to make a very small puff and then secure the thread by making two more stitches on top of the last one and cut the thread.

I stitched all the puffs on the diagonal though it doesn’t matter how you stitch your puffs.

This is the reverse side of the square.

This is the right side.

Stretch the square on to some padded board or iron table and pin. Then use the iron to steam the square really well without pressing. This is enough to flatten the piece and preserve the nice gathering.

This is what the square looks like after steaming.

The texture is quite subtle because the circles are only 3/8.

And the back.

Now let’s trim the square to 5 inches. Mark the back of the square to 5 inches.

Trim.

Cut two 5 in x 3 ½ in rectangles and two 11 in x 3 ½ in rectangles for the border.

Attach the border and you’re done.

Textured blocks tutorials

This is the 11th block in a series of 25 exploring texture in fabric.

Each block is made out of a centre 5 inch square featuring some fabric texture such as pin tucks, smocking, shirring and the like. Then a 3 1/2 wide border encloses each centre square.

The colour scheme is red and white/cream alternating reds and white/cream for the centre square and border.

Some of the textures show better on plain colours than on heavily patterned fabric.

See all Textured quilt sampler tutorials for this quilt.

Share your pictures

Are you making this quilt? Share your pictures on Flickr’s TeresaDownUnder group.