Building Blocks with Friends–Star Crossed Lovers Block

Last year I was asked to make some Lemoyne Star blocks for the quilt bee that I was a part of and I was fascinated at the fact that this block was pieced using HST.  I had made this block for a quilt years ago using diamond shaped templates and set in seams, which is not hard to do, but it definitely takes more time. 

Anyways, fast forward some time and waiting for just the right project… I had this idea of deconstructing the HST’s Lemoyne Star a bit and rearranging it.  You know shaking the quilt tree a little and seeing what falls out.  Then I saw that June was a pillow swap in my Bee a {modern} Swapper Flickr group.  I was very excited, but when I received the info on my partners likes and dislikes, I just knew this was a perfect opportunity to put my plan into action. 

Before we get started I wanted to let you know that this tutorial is for a miniature block and it is about 6 1/2” unfinished.  I made 9 of these blocks to make this pillow.  If you want you can enlarge your HST’s to make this a larger block.  If you are not good at the quilt math for this just let me know I can help you with that.

Also, when picking out your fabrics keep in mind that is you want this block to really pop consider using fabrics that are shades of light and dark or prints and solids.

Let’s get started.

Cut:

4 – 2 1/2” lt. grey squares

4 – 2 1/2” dark grey squares

4 – 2 1/2” aqua squares

4 – 2” white squares

Pair:

2 - lt. grey squares and 2 - dark grey squares

2 – lt. grey squares and 2 - aqua squares

2 - dark grey squares and 2 - aqua squares

Sew your pairs into HST’s. 

You should end up with:

4 – lt grey and dark grey HST’s

4 – lt grey and aqua HST’s

4 – dark grey and aqua HST’s

Then press open and trim to a 2” square.

For those of you who have never made HST’s before here are some quick instructions.

Step 1 – Pair 2 squares right side together.

Step 2 – With a light pencil or marking pen draw a line diagonally down the center on one of the squares.  Then sew a 1/4” seam on each side of that diagonal line.

Step 3 – Cut in half along the center diagonal line

Step 4 – Press open and trim.

Constructing this block is done in segments.  You need to make 4 of the above segments for each block.  I like to sew the top 2 squares together, then the bottom 2 squares together.  Next, I go the the ironing board and press those seams open.  Then matching my center seam I sew the top 2 squares to the bottom 2 squares.  As pictured above.

Once your segments are put together we can now make our block.  Using the layout above I sewed together my 4 segments together similarly.  First sewing the top 2 and bottom 2 together, pressing, then sewing the top to the bottom.  All the while being mindful to match all my seams as I go along. 

Now you have yourself a completes block.  You can use this block for many of your smaller projects including pillows, miniature quilts, and table runners.  Remember you can rearrange your segments, as I have done below, and you can create a Lemoyne Star or something completely new.  Enjoy!

I will be linking this block up to Sew Modern Monday, Fabric Tuesday, and some of these other great linky parties.

Thanks for stopping by, and remember if you have a block you want to share, let me know.  I am always taking submissions for Building Blocks with Friends.  There is more info here as well as some other great block tutorials.

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