In 2019, Jera Brandvig introduced her Loyal Heights fabric collection for Lecien Fabrics, blending vibrant colorways with deep, cozy hues inspired by the Loyal Heights neighborhood in Seattle. The pattern is named after the area where she found inspiration for her fourth collection.
Working with these fabrics, I found myself embracing the subtle joy of creating something that captures the heart of traditional quilting, bringing contemporary color schemes to classic star block designs. As I sewed, I could feel the quilt stitching together stories of the past and my experiences here in the present.
The Loyal Heights Quilt is an ideal project for quilters of all levels looking to work on a cozy, intricate design that remains straightforward in construction. This pattern is available in two sizes, offering flexibility for different project scales, whether you envision a small throw or a larger bedspread. In this guide, I’ll take you step-by-step through creating this beautiful star block quilt, celebrating a sense of community and craftsmanship with every stitch.
A Tribute to Tradition: The Star Block Design
At the heart of the Loyal Heights Quilt lies the iconic star block—a pattern steeped in tradition but refreshed here with Jera’s uniquely curated fabrics. This design’s layout involves assembling flying geese units and careful attention to color contrast, especially within the central star. The final quilt has an intricate look, yet each step is highly accessible and enjoyable.
With this project, you’ll create either nine star blocks for a smaller quilt or thirty for a larger version. Each block will come together piece-by-piece, combining small squares and rectangles that build into larger units. The visual effect is a quilt that echoes the warmth and togetherness of a close-knit community, blending colors and textures harmoniously.
Full Pattern: Click Here
Materials Needed
For the Loyal Heights Quilt, gather the following:
- Fabrics:
- Star Fabric: 15 assorted fat quarters or 1/4-yard cuts.
- Background: 4 1/2 yards for the larger quilt; 1 1/2 yards for the smaller.
- Border: 1 1/2 yards for the large quilt; 1 yard for the smaller quilt.
- Binding: 3/4 yard (small quilt) or 1/2 yard (large quilt).
- Backing: 5 1/2 yards for the larger quilt; 3 yards for the smaller.
- Cutting Tools: Rotary cutter, ruler, and self-healing mat.
- General Supplies: Sewing machine, coordinating threads, iron, pins.
- Additional Items: Marking pen for diagonal lines in flying geese, pressing cloth.
Getting Started: Tips Before You Begin
Before you start cutting or sewing, take some time to familiarize yourself with the layout. Pay attention to the “WOF” (width of fabric) instruction, as this will help maximize your cuts. As each fat quarter or 1/4-yard cut can make two blocks, organizing these pieces will save time and simplify assembly. For background fabric, cut all needed squares and rectangles ahead to streamline the block-building process.
Also, remember that the quilt pattern requires a consistent 1/4” seam allowance. Checking your machine settings to ensure accuracy here will ensure that the blocks align neatly when piecing together the top.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making the Star Block
- Assembling the Flying Geese Units:
- Take one 2” x 3 1/2” rectangle and place a 2” x 2” background square on one end. Draw a diagonal line from corner to corner, stitch directly along the line, trim 1/4” from the seam, and press open.
- Repeat on the opposite end of the rectangle with a second 2” x 2” square. This completes one flying geese unit.
- Make four flying geese units per star block by repeating this process.
- Creating the Star Center:
- Place a 3 1/2” x 3 1/2” square in the center of your block. For the larger quilt, use a background square; for the smaller quilt, use a printed fabric square for added contrast and visual interest.
- Constructing Each Star Block:
- Arrange the flying geese units around the central square, creating the star shape.
- Add 2” x 2” background squares to each corner of the block to complete the star formation.
- Assemble all pieces by sewing them in rows, pressing each row in opposite directions to nest seams. Sew the rows together and press for a crisp block.
- Repeating the Process:
- For the large quilt, make a total of 30 star blocks.
- For the small quilt, make a total of 9 star blocks.
Assembling the Quilt Top
- Adding Sashing:
- For the large quilt, cut 26 1 1/2” strips and sub-cut into 24 pieces of 1 1/2” x 12 1/2” to place between star blocks. The remaining sashing strips will go between rows.
- For the small quilt, use 9 1 1/2” strips, sub-cutting into 6 pieces for block separation, and the rest for between rows.
- Arranging and Attaching Rows:
- Layout each row with alternating star blocks and sashing strips.
- Join all rows, adding long sashing strips between each to create a smooth flow across the quilt.
- Adding Borders:
- Sew the 5 1/2” border strips together into one long piece, then trim and attach it to each side of the quilt top, framing it on all sides for a polished finish.
Finishing Touches
- Preparing the Backing:
- For the large quilt, cut 5 1/2 yards of backing fabric in half and join along the width. Repeat similarly for the small quilt, using 3 yards of fabric.
- Binding:
- From your binding fabric, cut nine 2 1/2” strips (large quilt) or six strips (small quilt), sew them end-to-end, and press in half lengthwise.
- Attach the binding to the quilt’s edge, stitching in place and finishing by hand or machine as desired.
- Basting and Quilting:
- After layering your quilt top, batting, and backing, baste and quilt as desired. This quilt looks lovely with hand-tied quilting or a classic stitch-in-the-ditch pattern to accentuate the stars.
Additional Tips for a Polished Finish
- Stay Organized: Keeping each star block’s cut pieces together in separate stacks can simplify your work, especially for the larger quilt.
- Press Seams Mindfully: Press toward the darker fabric or as directed in the pattern. Proper pressing makes a huge difference in the final quilt top appearance.
- Label Rows: Use pins or sticky notes to label each row as you sew them together, preventing mix-ups in layout.
The Loyal Heights Quilt is more than just a finished product; it’s an invitation to connect deeply with the timeless art of quilting. As you piece together the Loyal Heights Quilt, each stitch and seam draws you into a calming rhythm, creating a meditative experience that combines artistry with tradition.
Watching the quilt grow as you join individual stars into a cohesive design is incredibly rewarding. The Loyal Heights Quilt captures the warmth of a classic quilt with a fresh perspective, blending both heritage and modern style. Each star block contributes to a unified pattern that brings out the character of the Loyal Heights Quilt’s neighborhood inspiration.
Completing the Loyal Heights Quilt is a true celebration of dedication and creativity. Every stitch and fabric choice helps bring the beauty of Loyal Heights into your home, connecting you to a sense of history and the joy of making something lasting. The Loyal Heights Quilt is more than a project; it’s a comforting piece of art and tradition.