How to Make Stars

What would an Americana quilt be without stars? To get a closer look at the quilt and its patterns, download this three-page PDF of the Americana Summer Quilted Table Runner.

To make the stars:

1. Assemble 3 small stars. From cream, cut one 13/4 X 44-inch strip. From this strip, cut twelve 13/4-inch squares and twenty-four 1-inch squares. From star point fabric, cut one 13/4 X 44-inch strip. From this strip, cut twenty-four 13/4 X 1-inch rectangles. From star center fabric, cut three 11/2-inch squares.
   
   
2. Using template-free angle piecing technique, with right sides together, stitch twelve 1-inch cream squares to twelve 13/4 X 1-inch star point pieces with angles going 1 direction. Stitch remaining 12 with angles going in the opposite direction. Press each set of 12 in opposite directions. Stitch star points together. Make 12 units.
   

   ©2007 Publications International, Ltd. Step 2

3. Assemble 3 stars as shown in diagram. Each star should measure 4 square inches. Stitch star blocks together in a row.
   

   ©2007 Publications International, Ltd. Step 3

4. Assemble large star. From cream, cut one 47/8 X 22-inch strip and one 2 X 44-inch strip. From 47/8 X 22-inch strip, cut one 47/8-inch square and four 4-inch squares. From 2 X 44-inch strip, cut two 2 X 141/2-inch strips. Cut one 47/8 square each from dark red, light red, and blue. From white, cut one 4-inch square.
   
   
5. With right sides together, pair up 47/8-inch dark red square with cream square, and light red square with blue square. Draw an X on wrong side of red squares, and sew 1/4 inch from lines as shown in diagram. Cut apart on the drawn lines and press toward red. Join dark red/cream triangles to light red/blue triangles to form squares. Make 4. Units should measure 4 inches; trim if needed. Assemble large star block.
   

   ©2007 Publications International, Ltd. Step 5

6. Stitch the small stars to right side of large star block and add 2 X 141/2-inch cream strips to top and bottom. Block should measure 141/2 X 14 inches.

Next up: hearts in a row. Learn how to piece them together in the next section.

Not what you're looking for? Try these:

• Looking for a different quilted table runner? Choose one from our Quilted Table Runner Patterns.
• Flip through our Quilt Patterns to find your next quilting project.
• Learn How to Quilt or brush up on the basics with our refresher course.