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As I was trying to figure out what to do for my first block of the month, I decided it should be something easy, while at the same time, look much more complicated than it actually is. And, voila, here it is: Twinkle, Twinkle.
The pattern name comes from the fact that when I looked at this graphical representation of the finished quilt, it reminded me of lots of twinkling stars in the sky on a dark night. Plus, if you look at it closely, you will also notice that the center of the quilt forms its own eight-point star pattern, as well as a pinwheel star in the dead center.This pattern requires three different fabrics (two dark, one light) and it is comprised of two very simple blocks; Block A and Block B. Once these two blocks are finished, use them to create Block C, which then makes up the entire quilt (pictured above). The approximate finished size of this quilt is 80" x 80".
There are many layouts and colorations for this quilt pattern and I have taken the liberty to play with the design and show a few of them at the end of the instructions. It is important to note, however, that the instructions given below are specifically for the quilt pictured and that no matter what size (or color) you make the quilt, the blocks are all made in the same manner as described below. You would simply need to make minor adjustments to the number of blocks needed for the look you like and then change your colors accordingly. The samples show some great options.
I have two requests: 1) Since this is a free pattern, in lieu of payment, please send me a picture of a completed quilt or block when you finish, and 2) Please be sure to read my copyright notice before proceeding. I have strict (though very easy and reasonable) guidelines that users must adhere to. Thank you!
Should you run into any problems in making this quilt, or if something in the directions is incorrect, please contact me! It would be greatly appreciated!
INSTRUCTIONS
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Color Selections:
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*Fabric Requirements:
Color 1 - 1 1/2 yards *These vary depending on how you make the blocks. Be sure to read all of the instructions BEFORE beginning so that you have enough fabric for the layout you want. |
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These are Block A of the
quilt. As you can see, it can get no simpler than this
one! You need:
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This is Block B of the
quilt. It is also a very simple block, made from Fabrics
2 and 3. The finished size of this block is 12.5" x
12.5". There are a total of eight rectangles that make up this block, so cut:
Make 18 of Block B by following the instructions given below or use the Zip Tip located further down the page (for strip piecing). |
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Using each pile of 72
rectangles that were just cut, make 36 of these units,
called Unit A. You should have half of the piles left. |
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Using each pile of 72
rectangles that were just cut, make 36 of these units,
called Unit B. There should not be any rectangles from these two piles left. |
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Using a scant (just short
a few threads) 1/4" seam, stitch one Unit A to one
Unit B, as shown in the picture to the left. Press the
seam to the left. This is the top unit. You need 18 of
this unit. Then, stitch one Unit B to one Unit A, as shown in the picture to the left. Press the seam to the right. This is the bottom unit. You need 18 of these units. |
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Using a scant 1/4" seam, stitch the top unit to the bottom unit, as shown, snugging the intersection so that the seams match. Press the block flat. Trim to 12.5" x 12.5". You need 18 of these blocks. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ZIP TIP: To speed things up, strip piece these units by cutting a Color 3 strip 3 1/2" wide by the width of the fabric (44" or so) and by cutting a Color 2 strip 3 1/2" wide by the width of the fabric. Take a strip of each color and stitch Color A to B, lengthwise, then press the seam to one side. Cut the long, sewn strip into 6 1/2" segments. Take four of these segments and lay them out as shown in the block, sew the top two together, then the bottom two, then sew the two pieces together, being careful to match the intersecting seams in the middle. Make 18 of these blocks. | ACCURACY
CHECK! Here's what you should have at this point!
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It is now time to begin
making Block C, which is simply a combination of Blocks A
and Block B (half-squares of each). Using one Block A (Color 1) and one Block B, place them right sides together, with the wrong side of Block A on top. Draw a diagonal line from one corner of Block A to the opposite corner.
Stitch 1/4" on each side of the drawn line, not on the line. |
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Cut the piece you just
sewed in half, on the line that was drawn diagonally. For each pair that you sew, it gives you two of the light-colored Block C when cut. You need 24 of these blocks. It is important to note that the quilt shown above was made from 24 of these blocks, and did NOT use any of the reverse blocks that this makes. In order to get 24 of these blocks, you would need to double the amount made. Refer to the special note at the bottom of this page for an illustration of what the finished quilt could look like if you were to use the reverse blocks in the pattern, too. |
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The other 12 Block Cs
that you need use the same technique that was just done,
but instead of using Color 1 in Block A, you use Color 2. Using one Block A (Color 2) and one Block B, place them right sides together, with the wrong side of Block A on top. Draw a diagonal line from one corner of Block A to the opposite corner. Stitch 1/4" on each side of the drawn line. |
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Cut the piece you just
sewed in half, on the line that was drawn diagonally. For each pair that you sew, it gives you two of the dark-colored Block C when cut. You need 12 of these blocks. It is important to note that the quilt shown above was made from 12 of these blocks, and did NOT use any of the reverse blocks that this makes. In order to get 12 of these blocks, you would need to double the amount made. Refer to the special note at the bottom of this page for an illustration of what the finished quilt could look like if you were to use the reverse blocks in the pattern, too. |
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Finishing your quilt Place the 36 completed blocks in a layout like the one to the left. Add the borders, sandwich the quilt with the backing and batting, quilt, bind, and send me a picture! Enjoy! |
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SPECIAL NOTE: If you
choose to not double the pattern, and instead use the reverse blocks
made at the same time, here is what you will end up with:
A sample layout of this quilt is in STANDARD below, Sample 22. |
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DIFFERENT LAYOUTS
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Color 1 - Light blue
Color 2 - Dark blue, small print
Color 3 - Contrast with Color 2.
If you're left-handed, this could create a problem for you, so you might
adjust this by drawing a diagonal line from the lower right corner of
Block A to the opposite corner. This was a suggestion from a lefty
in Sweden via e-mail. See her beautiful quilt at the bottom!
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Terry's Quilt, NH Maria, Sweden |
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