When I first stumbled upon the Whirling Star pattern, I was instantly captivated by its dynamic movement and intricate design.
I remember being a novice quilter, nervously flipping through the pages of Barbara Brackman’s book, “The Encyclopedia Of Pieced Quilt Patterns,” and landing on page 310, where this striking pattern, originally attributed to Nancy Cabot, first caught my eye.
It was a challenge that I wasn’t sure I was ready for, but the promise of creating something so visually stunning pushed me forward. Little did I know that this would be my introduction to the world of paper piecing – a technique that would become one of my favorites.
Over the years, I’ve come to realize that quilting is not just about creating a beautiful piece; it’s about the journey of learning and mastering new techniques. The Whirling Star block, with its precise points and geometric intricacy, is a perfect example of how a quilt can be both a test of skill and a celebration of craftsmanship.
Today, I’m excited to guide you through creating this block as part of the Solstice Stars Series. If you’re new to paper piecing, don’t worry – we’ll walk through every step together, and soon enough, you’ll find yourself whirling through the process with confidence!
A Closer Look at the Whirling Star: Embracing the Art of Paper Piecing
The Whirling Star quilt block is not only visually captivating but also serves as an excellent introduction to paper piecing, a quilting technique that ensures precision and sharp points, which can often be challenging with traditional piecing methods.
This block comprises six smaller paper-pieced sections that come together to form a harmonious star with a sense of movement, almost as if it’s spinning on the fabric canvas. The careful arrangement of colors and fabrics plays a significant role in achieving the “whirling” effect, making it a versatile block for a variety of quilt designs, from modern to traditional.
Paper piecing can be daunting for beginners, but it’s incredibly rewarding once you get the hang of it. The Whirling Star block is an ideal project to practice this technique because it’s broken down into manageable steps that build on each other.
This approach allows you to focus on perfecting each small section before assembling the final block. As you piece together each section, you’ll start to see the star come to life, giving you a sense of accomplishment at every stage. Let’s dive into the materials and preparation steps to get started!
Preparing for the Whirling Star Journey
Getting to Know the Basics: Tools, Tips, and Preparation
Before we begin stitching our Whirling Star, it’s essential to familiarize ourselves with the necessary materials and the unique considerations for paper piecing. This method relies on sewing fabric onto a paper template, allowing for precise construction and sharp points. Remember, accuracy in preparation sets the foundation for a flawless quilt block. Let’s go over what you’ll need.
Materials Needed
For this project, you’ll need the following materials. These are specifically tailored for the Whirling Star block, ensuring you have everything required to complete this beautiful design.
- Fabric:
- Print/Color Fabric: Various prints or solids for star points and accents
- 1A: Cut 2 pieces, 4.5″ x 5.5”
- 3A: Cut 2 pieces, 4.5″ x 5.5”
- 5A: Cut 1 piece, 4″ x 4″, then cut diagonally
- 6A: Cut 1 piece, 4″ x 4″, then cut diagonally
- 1B: Cut 4 pieces, 4.5” x 5.5”
- White/Background Fabric:
- 2A: Cut 2 pieces, 4.5″ x 5.5”
- 4A: Cut 2 pieces, 4.5” x 5.5”
- 2B: Cut 4 pieces, 3.5” x 7”
- 3B: Cut 4 pieces, 3.5” x 7”
- Print/Color Fabric: Various prints or solids for star points and accents
- Paper Piecing Templates:
- Print 2 of Template A and 4 of Template B at 100% scale. Verify accuracy with a ruler before cutting.
- Tools:
- Sewing machine with a reduced stitch length (set to 1.4 for ease in perforating the paper)
- Rotary cutter and mat
- Ruler
- Pins or fabric glue stick
- Iron and ironing board
- Scissors for trimming paper and fabric
Preparing Your Workspace and Mindset
Before diving into the steps, prepare your workspace for a smooth and enjoyable quilting experience:
- Set Up Your Sewing Area: Ensure your sewing machine is ready with a reduced stitch length (about 1.4). This adjustment will make removing the paper from your completed blocks easier.
- Organize Your Fabrics: I like to label my fabrics with their respective template pieces. It helps me avoid confusion during the piecing process, especially when working with similar colors.
- Practice Patience and Precision: Paper piecing requires careful alignment and sewing, so take your time with each step. This isn’t a race, and precision will yield the most stunning results.
Now that we’re all set up and ready to go, let’s get started with the step-by-step instructions to create the Whirling Star block!
Full Pattern: Click Here
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Whirling Star Block
Now that we have all our materials ready and our mindset prepared, it’s time to begin the exciting process of creating the Whirling Star block! Follow these steps closely, and remember, practice and patience are key to mastering paper piecing.
Step 1: Preparing the Templates
First, let’s prepare the paper templates for piecing.
- Print and Cut the Templates:
- Print 2 copies of Template A and 4 copies of Template B at 100% scale. Make sure to check the scale with a ruler to ensure accuracy.
- Cut out each template along the outer seam allowance line. This outer line will be your guide for trimming later on, so accuracy is important.
- Organize the Templates:
- Label each template with its corresponding piece (1A, 2A, etc.). This will help keep things organized as we move through the steps.
Step 2: Begin with Template A
Now, let’s start assembling our first paper-pieced block using Template A.
- Place Piece 1A:
- Take the fabric piece cut for 1A (Print/Color, 4.5″ x 5.5”). Place it right side up on the back side of Template A, ensuring it covers the entire area of section 1A plus the seam allowance. Pin it in place or use a fabric glue stick to secure it.
- Add Piece 2A:
- Take the fabric piece cut for 2A (White/Background, 4.5” x 5.5”). Place it right side together with Piece 1A, aligning the edge where these pieces will be sewn together. Ensure that at least 1/4″ of fabric overlaps into section 2A.
- Hold the template up to the light to check alignment. Pin the fabric in place.
- Sew Along the Seam Line:
- Sew along the line between sections 1A and 2A. Make sure to start sewing a bit into the seam allowance area. This step reinforces your seams and helps with alignment later on.
- After sewing, remove the pins.
- Press and Trim:
- Flip the fabric so the right side is facing up. Use your iron to press the seam open. Be gentle with the fabric to avoid distorting the template.
- Turn the block over and trim the seam allowance to 1/4″, using the paper as your guide. This will help reduce bulk as you add more pieces.
Step 3: Continue Building Template A
- Add Piece 3A:
- Place the fabric cut for Piece 3A (Print/Color, 4.5″ x 5.5”) right sides together with the assembled 1A and 2A. Make sure at least 1/4″ overlaps into section 3A. Pin in place.
- Sew, Press, and Trim:
- Sew along the seam line between sections 2A and 3A, again sewing into the seam allowance.
- Press the fabric open and trim the seam allowance to 1/4″.
- Repeat for Pieces 4A, 5A, and 6A:
- Follow the same process for Pieces 4A (White/Background), 5A (Print/Color, cut diagonally), and 6A (Print/Color, cut diagonally). Pin, sew, press, and trim each piece in order.
- Trim the Template to Size:
- Once all pieces are sewn onto Template A, flip the block over and trim the excess fabric and paper around the outer edge of the template, following the solid outer line.
- Repeat for Second Template A:
- Follow the same steps to create a second Template A block. Both blocks will be used for the central part of the Whirling Star.
Step 4: Assemble Template B Blocks
Now, let’s move on to assembling the four Template B blocks.
- Place Piece 1B:
- Take the fabric cut for Piece 1B (Print/Color, 4.5” x 5.5”) and place it right side up on the back side of Template B, covering the entire area of section 1B. Pin or glue it in place.
- Add Piece 2B:
- Take the fabric cut for Piece 2B (White/Background, 3.5” x 7”). Place it right side together with Piece 1B, ensuring it covers section 2B plus the seam allowance. Pin it in place.
- Sew, Press, and Trim:
- Sew along the seam line between sections 1B and 2B, starting and ending in the seam allowance. Remove pins, press the seam open, and trim to a 1/4″ seam allowance.
- Continue with Pieces 3B:
- Repeat the same process for Piece 3B (White/Background, 3.5” x 7”). Align, pin, sew, press, and trim.
- Finish Template B:
- Follow the same process to complete all four Template B blocks.
- Trim All Template B Blocks:
- Once all pieces are attached to the Template B blocks, trim the excess fabric and paper around the outer edges.
Step 5: Assemble the Whirling Star Block
Now that you have all six sections pieced, it’s time to bring them together to form the Whirling Star block.
- Join Template A Blocks:
- Align the two Template A blocks right sides together, making sure the center seam aligns perfectly. Pin in place.
- Sew along the seam line, ensuring the center points match up for a crisp star appearance. Press the seam open.
- Attach Template B Blocks:
- Arrange the four Template B blocks around the joined Template A blocks, positioning them in each corner. Align the seams and pin them in place.
- Sew each Template B block to the center, joining them carefully to maintain the block’s symmetry.
- Press and Finish:
- After all the blocks are sewn together, give your finished Whirling Star block a final press. Remove the paper from the back of the block, which should come off easily due to the reduced stitch length. This leaves you with a crisp and precise quilt block.
Additional Tips for Perfecting Your Whirling Star
- Check Your Fabric Placement: Always double-check that your fabric is covering the intended area plus seam allowances. This avoids any shortfalls and ensures full coverage.
- Mind Your Ironing: Ironing after each step helps set seams and keeps your block crisp and neat. Be mindful to avoid stretching or distorting the fabric.
- Stay Organized: Label your pieces and templates to avoid confusion. This is especially helpful when working with similar colors or prints.
- Practice Makes Perfect: If you’re new to paper piecing, consider making a practice block to get comfortable with the process. It will help build confidence and improve your accuracy.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully completed the Whirling Star block, a beautiful testament to the art of paper piecing. This block not only adds a dynamic flair to your quilt but also marks a significant step in your quilting journey, showcasing your skills in precision and design. As you reflect on the process, take pride in mastering a new technique and creating something unique and striking. Quilting is a blend of patience, creativity, and attention to detail, and with each block, you’re weaving a story of skill and passion.
Now that you’ve conquered the Whirling Star, you’re well-prepared to explore more intricate designs and techniques. The possibilities are endless, and each quilt block is a new adventure. Keep sewing, keep learning, and most importantly, enjoy the journey!