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

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.

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.

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).

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

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The key to ensuring perfect alignment is behind the seams.

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

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!
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