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The secret to perfect alignment on a 6-point star is REVEALED!

by Claire Haillot

Welcome back! I’m sure you’re eager to find out the secret to 6-point stars without Y seams. So far, you learned how to create all the units to make two stunning 6-point stars. Today you’ll learn how to stitch them together in a cinch again using the Sew Easy 60° Triangle Ruler to trim your fabric to perfection. Simply grab your 4-patch and 16-patch units, and let’s make some magic.

Two 6-point star pillows in vibrant colors set on an orange couch

It’s Magic! 6-point stars without having to sew Y seams!

Instructions

Note: Read all instructions before you begin.

Step 1

Take your six 4-patch diamonds and your six 16-patch diamonds and lay them out to make two six-point stars, alternating the 4 and 16 patches.

A 6-point star with alternating 4-patch and 16-patch diamonds in vibrant colors on a white background

Position the units to form a 6-point star by alternating 4-patch and 16-patch diamonds.

Step 2

From the background fabric, cut 8 – 5” x 4½’’ rectangles.

  • With the Sew Easy Triangle Ruler 60°, trim one edge of a rectangle. Repeat to make 4 (A).
  • Then, trim the opposite edge of a rectangle. Repeat to make 4 (B).

A triangle ruler set on top of a piece of orange fabric showing how to trim the edge; Komfort Kut 360° Rotating Cutting Mat - 18" x 18", Sew Easy Triangle Ruler 60°, OLFA Quick Change Rotary Cutter

Use the Sew Easy Triangle Ruler 60° to trim the rectangles.

Two 5” x 4½” rectangles trimmed in opposite directions using the Sew Easy Triangle Ruler 60°; Komfort Kut 360° Rotating Cutting Mat - 18" x 18"

Cutting the background fabric to the perfect shape

Step 3

Position the A and B units from Step 2 on the left and right edges of your 6-point stars.

  • Stitch units A and B to the diamond units.
  • Repeat for both 6-point star units.

Orange background fabrics stitched to the sides of diamond units in vibrant colors

Position units on the left and right edges of the six-point stars.

Step 4

 From the background fabric, cut 4 – 12½” x 7½” rectangles.

  • Align the Sew Easy Triangle Ruler 60° using the 11’ horizontal line on the base of the rectangle.
  • Trim the opposite edges of the rectangle.
  • Repeat to make 4 (C).

Trimming both edges of the 12½” x 7½” orange fabric rectangles using a triangle ruler, rotary cutter, and cutting mat; Komfort Kut 360° Rotating Cutting Mat - 18" x 18", Sew Easy Triangle Ruler 60°, OLFA Quick Change Rotary Cutter

Trimming both edges using the Sew Easy Triangle Ruler 60°

Step 5

Position the C units from Step 4 on the top and bottom edges of the 6-point stars, as shown in the photo.

  • Stitch the C units to the diamond units.
  • Repeat for both 6-point star units.

Orange background fabrics stitched to the sides of the diamond units on a white background

Position units on the top and bottom edges of the six-point stars.

Step 6

 From the background fabric, cut four 8¾” x 7½” rectangles, then:

  • On the rectangle fabric, align the Sew Easy Triangle Ruler 60° using the 7½” horizontal line on the base of the rectangle.
  • Trim opposite edges of the rectangle.
  • Repeat to make 4 triangles. (D)

Step 7

 From the background fabric, cut 8 – 12½” x 7½” rectangles.

  • Use the Sew Easy Triangle Ruler 60° and trim one edge of the rectangle. Repeat to make 4. (E)
  • Then, trim the opposite edge of the rectangle. Repeat to make 4. (F)

Step 8

 Position the D triangles, E, and F units on the top and bottom edges of the six-point stars, as shown in the photo.

  • Stitch to the diamond units. There will be excess fabrics on the edges of E and F units.
  • Press the seams open.
  • Repeat for both 6-point star units.

Orange background fabrics stitched to the vibrant-colored diamond units placed on a white background

Position units on the top and bottom edges of the six-point stars.

Step 9

Stitch the top 3 diamond units together, and align the ‘ears’ from the background fabrics to ensure correct seam alignment.

  • Repeat with the bottom 3 diamond units.
  • Press the seams open.
  • Repeat for both 6-point star units.

The top half and bottom half of the orange and brightly-colored 6-point star pieced together and placed on a white background

Stitch the top 3 diamond units together and repeat for the bottom 3 units.

Step 10

Stitch the two 6-point star units together, and align the ‘ears’ from the background fabrics to ensure correct seam alignment.

  • The center of the star should align automatically.
  • Press the seams open.
  • Trim off excess fabrics. Makes an 18½” square.
  • Repeat for both 6-point star units.

Finished 6-point star design with an orange background and vibrant colors for the star, placed against a white background

Stitch top and bottom halves together!

The secret to perfect alignment is simple!

For proper alignment:

  1. Ensure diamonds are accurate using the Sew Easy Triangle Ruler 60°.
  2. Press the seams open using the Oliso Pro TG1600 Pro Plus Smart Iron.
  3. Align the fabric ‘ears’ when stitching.

A close-up of the back view of the 6-point star to see the seams open for proper alignment

The key to ensuring perfect alignment is behind the seams.

Hoping you’re enjoying the process and liking the results!

Two 6-point star pillows featuring Kaffe Fasset fabrics set on a navy-blue couch; On one pillow you see the full 6-point star, and for the other pillow you partially see the fabric used for the back of the pillow

Creating a 6-point star without having to sew Y seams!

Remember…using special tools and notions like the Komfort Kut 360° Rotating Cutting Mat, Sew Easy Triangle Ruler 60°, and OLFA Quick Change Rotary Cutter, are essential to successful 6-point stars. Come back tomorrow! That’s when I’ll show you how to finish your two beautiful pillows.

This is part 4 of 5 in this series

Go back to part 3: 16-patch diamonds are easy with the ESSENTIAL Sew Easy 60° Triangle Ruler

Go to part 5: Simple tricks for perfect echo quilting

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1 comment

Judy June 23, 2022 - 7:40 am

Awesome instruct, Claire. Thankyou for making it look fun!

Reply

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