Making stars with CHARM PACKS

[Mary Darby]

Hello, I am trying to make some very EASY stars for a quilt, using CHARM PACKS. I want to use, as the center of each star, one 5" by 5" square, surrounded by 1/2 square triangles, which I will make using my "Triangulations" software. I'm quite LOUSY at math . . . . can anyone direct me as to what SIZE each of my 1/2 square triangles should be? Please help . . . I'm going crazy searching through pattern books and nothing is coming up. Thank You!

[auntiemern]

Re: Making stars with CHARM PACKS

I would go to quilters cache and look up stars. The Ohio star is very easy but not sure what size the center block is. Karen should be here with an answer soon. She is the one that is really good at that. I would guess using 6" squares marking the middle, and sewing on either side, and cutting in 2 should be pretty close. But I don't know...someone in the know should come along soon.

[K. McEuen]

Re: Making stars with CHARM PACKS

I've always read add 7/8" to your measurement for HST. So 5 & 7/8", but cutting 6" and squaring up to the correct size after sewing always works for me.

[brenmar]

Re: Making stars with CHARM PACKS

Not sure I've understood the question (but that's just me) Could The Big Star quilt be an option but using charm squares (see tutorial at 10.33) but without the snowballs.
The Big Star Quilt - Quilting Made Easy! - YouTube
Just a thought.

[mary3100]

Re: Making stars with CHARM PACKS

I think if you also use your charm pack for the triangle half squares you would have to size your center to 4.5.

[Vonnie]

Re: Making stars with CHARM PACKS

If her center square is a charm pack square which is 5". It should be cut down to 4 1/2" to get a 4" finished square.

So if the center square finishes at 4" to get a star point, those two directly on top would need to finish at 2" square. I like to use full inches and then trim. So I would use 3" squares to make half square triangle units then square trim to 2 1/2".

If she wants to make a friendship star instead - which would be easier with a charm pack. I would just use the 5" squares for making half square triangle units and trim to 4 1/2".

Friendstar pattern: Friendship Star Quilt Block Pattern

Sawtoothed Star: Quilt Blocks Galore 54

[coffeebreak]

Re: Making stars with CHARM PACKS

all you have to do is make Flying Geese the same (finished) size as the center block. One flying geese assembly makes for flying geese pieces. Four flying geese on the sides of the center block and 4 squares same size as center square equals star. My most favorite block to make!

[Smg1678]

Re: Making stars with CHARM PACKS

I would go to quilters cache and look up stars. The Ohio star is very easy but not sure what size the center block is. Karen should be here with an answer soon. She is the one that is really good at that. I would guess using 6" squares marking the middle, and sewing on either side, and cutting in 2 should be pretty close. But I don't know...someone in the know should come along soon.

I have never heard of the quilters cache.s..thanks,,,,I know what I will be looking at tonight...thanks for the tip

[Mary Darby]

Re: Making stars with CHARM PACKS

Thank you "coffee break." I've actually found some great patterns using flying geese, but I don't know how to make them. I "believe" my triangulations software has flying geese on it, but AGAIN I'm stumped for the right size. Thanks for your response!

[Mary Darby]

Re: Making stars with CHARM PACKS

Wow . . . I was totally impressed with all the blocks on the Quilter's Cache. Thanks for recommending it. I love to paper piece, and I found some awesome patterns that I want to try. Thanks for your input !

[Mary Darby]

Re: Making stars with CHARM PACKS

Thank you, Mary. Based on what I've been reading, I will either have to make my center block smaller or larger. I appreciate your response !

[Mimis-quilts]

Re: Making stars with CHARM PACKS

This is what has worked for me too Karen.

I've always read add 7/8" to your measurement for HST. So 5 & 7/8", but cutting 6" and squaring up to the correct size after sewing always works for me.

[Mary Darby]

Re: Making stars with CHARM PACKS

I just finished watching this video. It's awesome! Thanks for recommending it!

[Mary Darby]

Re: Making stars with CHARM PACKS

This is very helpful, Vonnie. Thank you for responding !

[coffeebreak]

Re: Making stars with CHARM PACKS

Thank you "coffee break." I've actually found some great patterns using flying geese, but I don't know how to make them. I "believe" my triangulations software has flying geese on it, but AGAIN I'm stumped for the right size. Thanks for your response!

CHeck out "Quilt in a Day" by Eleanor Burns...that is her site. She gives great instructions and has videos of most of her TV shows. They are so easy. Buy her templates (you get 2 sizes on one template) and the instructions with the template are so easy to follow. Basically it is a large square with a bit smaller square on top...seam and cut, press open then place them on top of each other again opposite sides and seam and cut, press and then use the template to make the "beak" and the "wings". Quick and easy!