It's month 9 of the JUMBO BLOCKS ROCK series!
For some fun in 2021, I picked out (12) traditional style blocks, gave them a modern twist, and then upsized them into 18" blocks. Once a month, I will post the free tutorial for one block here on my blog for everyone to make!
Here is the tutorial for the Variable Star Remix Block from August in case you missed it. You can go to my Tutorials page to see all the other blocks!
BLOCK 9 - HIDDEN STAR REMIX
This month I took the traditional Hidden Star quilt block, added a diamond to the center, some solid inner sections, and some HSTs on the outside.
This is an example of what both blocks would look like in a 72" quilt.
BLOCK #9 TUTORIAL
PATTERN NOTES
- Please read through all instructions before beginning.
- Seam allowances are 1/4" unless specified.
- WOF = Width of Fabric; pattern assumes a minimum of 42"
- RST = Right Sides Together
- F8 = Fat Eighth Precut (9" × 21")
- FQ = Fat Quarter Precut (18" × 21")
- Press all seams open (or in preferred direction) unless specified.
FABRIC REQUIREMENTS
This block pattern uses (5) accent fabrics [FABRIC A] and (1) background fabric [FABRIC B]. Below are the requirements to make ONE 18" BLOCK.
NOTE - If you would like to make a SCRAPPY VERSION of this block, just use the exact quantities and sizes of fabric pieces listed below in the cutting directions.
CUTTING DIRECTIONS
From FABRIC A1, cut:
(1) 6½" × 26", subcut:
- (4) 6½" squares
From FABRIC A2, cut:
(1) 3½" × 28", subcut:
- (8) 3½" squares
From FABRIC A3, cut:
(1) 4¼" × 8½", subcut:
- (2) 4¼" squares
From FABRIC A4, cut:
(1) 8" square
From FABRIC A5, cut:
(1) 5½" squares
From FABRIC B1, cut:
- (1) 8" square
- (1) 5½" square
- (1) 4¾" square
- (4) 3½" squares
DIRECTIONS
PART 1 - MAKING THE CENTER SQUARE IN SQUARE BLOCK
Using the (4) A3 pieces and the (1) 4¾" Background Color B1 square, you will create a SQUARE IN SQUARE BLOCK by the steps 1-4 below.
1. Prepare the (2) 4¼" Color A3 squares by cutting them in half diagonally in half to make (4) triangle pieces.
💡 TIP - Before beginning, fold and iron a small crease in the middle of the (4) triangle pieces and in the middle of each side of the B1 square, as shown by the pink dotted line. Before sewing the triangle pieces to the sides of the square in the steps below, line up the creases. This is an easy way to make sure all pieces are centered.
2. First, align the long side of (1) triangle piece RST to both the left and right edge of the B1 square. Sew together by stitching ¼" away from the edge. Flip and press triangle pieces open, then trim off the very tips of the triangles so they are even with the top and bottom edges of the square. This helps to reduce unnecessary fabric bulk.
3. Next, align the long side of (1) triangle piece RST to both the top and bottom edge of the square. Sew together by stitching ¼" away from the edge. Flip and press the triangle pieces open.
4. Trim the block to 6½" square by positioning the ruler so the points of the green diamond are about ¼" away from the edge (see the red markings on the diagram below).
💡 TIP - A 6½" square ruler is the easiest tool to use here because you can trim all four sides at once. However, you can use a larger ruler to trim two sides at a time. Before cutting, use your ruler to check where all your diamond points fall. They may not be exactly perfect, but try to center them inside a 6" square area of the ruler the best that you can so you have ¼ seam allowance on the other edge of the point.
PART 2 - MAKING THE CORNER UNITS
5. Create HSTs using the 4 at a time method. Pair the A5 and B1 5½" squares RST. Stitch a scant 1/4" around the edge of the squares. Cut the squares diagonally on each side. Press the (4) HSTs with seams open and trim to 3½".
6. Create HSTs using the 8 at a time method (also known as the "Magic 8" method). Pair the A4 and B1 8" squares RST. On the wrong side of one square, draw a diagonal line in each direction using a fabric marker. Stitch a SCANT 1/4" seam on each side of both diagonal lines. Cut along the red lines into 8 HST pieces. Press the (8) HSTs with seams open and trim to 3½".
7. Lay out (1) A5/B1 HST, (2) A4/B1 HSTs, and (1) 3½" B1 square as shown below. Sew each row together and then sew the rows together.
💡 TIP - If you want to nest your seams here, just press the center seam in the top row to the left and center seam in the bottom row to the right.
8. Repeat STEP 7 to create a total of 4 CORNER UNITS.
PART 3 - MAKING THE CENTER EDGE UNITS
9. For each center edge unit, you will be using (2) 3½" A2 squares to create a point on side of (1) 6½" A3 square using the "Stitch and Flip" method. Before beginning, prepare all (4) 3½" A2 squares by marking a diagonal line on the wrong side of the fabric using a fabric marker.
10. Pair (1) 3½" A2 square RST on the top left corner of the 6½" A1 square. Stitch on the line, trim 1/4" on the outside of the line, flip triangle over, and press seam open.
11. Pair (1) 3½" A2 square RST on the top right corner of the block from STEP 10. Stitch on the line, trim 1/4" on the outside of the line, flip triangle over, and press seam open.
12. Repeat STEPS 10-11 to create a total of 4 CORNER UNITS.
PART 4 - BLOCK CONSTRUCTION
13. Lay out the CENTER SQUARE, the (4) CORNER UNITS, and the (4) CENTER EDGE UNITS as shown below.
14. Sew the (3) units in each row together. Press open.
15. Sew the (3) rows together. Press open.
16. Your HIDDEN STAR REMIX block is now complete! Trim to 18½" square if needed.
If you'd like to turn your block into a pillow, check out THIS POST on sewing an envelope pillow backing.
Until later, happy sewing!
Jamie
Find the other blocks in the #JumboBlocksRock here:
- Block 1 - Antique Tile Remix
- Block 2 - Maple Star Remix
- Block 3 - Amish Star Remix
- Block 4 - Salem Star Remix
- Block 5 - Sunflower Star Remix
- Block 6 - Boxed Basket Remix
- Block 7 - Illinois Diamond Remix
- Block 8 - Variable Star Remix
- Block 9 - Hidden Star Remix
- Block 10 - Honeymoon Diamond Remix
- Block 11 - Nine Patch Pinwheel Remix
- Block 12 - Blocks and Stars Remix