The Double Star quilt is a beautiful and intricate design that adds dimension to any quilt. This stunning quilt pattern is a combination of two stars nested together to create a striking visual effect.
In this tutorial, we’ll guide you step by step on how to create your own Double Star quilt, from fabric cutting to piecing.
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Materials and Fabric Selection
When creating your Double Star quilt, fabric selection is key. You’ll want to choose fabrics that contrast well to highlight the star patterns.
Start by selecting your fabrics. You’ll need two contrasting fabrics for the stars and a background fabric to make the stars stand out. For a small throw-size quilt, you will need the following:
- 1 yard of fabric for the inner star
- 1 yard of fabric for the outer star
- 2 yards of background fabric
- 1 yard for the border and binding
- 4 yards of backing fabric
For the batting, a standard 45″ x 60″ batting will work for a small throw quilt. If you want to go larger, adjust the fabric and batting accordingly. Once you’ve gathered your materials, you’re ready to begin your Double Star quilt pattern.
Cutting Your Fabric
Precision is essential when cutting fabric for quilt patterns, and the Double Star quilt is no exception. Start by preparing your cutting tools—sharp rotary cutters, rulers, and a cutting mat are all necessary for this process.
Cut the following pieces:
- Inner Star Fabric: 8 squares, 4 ½” x 4 ½”; 4 squares, 5 ¼” x 5 ¼” (for half-square triangles)
- Outer Star Fabric: 8 squares, 4 ½” x 4 ½”; 4 squares, 5 ¼” x 5 ¼”
- Background Fabric: 8 squares, 4 ½” x 4 ½”; 4 squares, 5 ¼” x 5 ¼”; 16 rectangles, 4 ½” x 9 ½”
- Border Fabric: Cut 5 strips, 3” wide
- Binding Fabric: Cut 6 strips, 2 ½” wide for binding
With your fabric pieces ready, you’re now prepared to start assembling the Double Star quilt block. Ensure that your cuts are precise for clean seams and accurate piecing.
Constructing the Inner Star
The first step in piecing the Double Star quilt is to construct the inner star. This central feature is the smaller of the two stars and will serve as the focal point of the design.
Begin by making the half-square triangles (HSTs). Take the 5 ¼” squares of the inner star fabric and the background fabric. Place one square of each right sides together, draw a diagonal line from corner to corner, and sew ¼” on each side of the drawn line. Cut along the line to yield two HST units. Repeat this for all four pairs of fabric.
Once you have the HST units, trim them to measure 4 ½” square. Lay out the 4 ½” squares and the HSTs in a 9-patch configuration, placing the HSTs in the corners and the 4 ½” squares in between to form the star. Sew the units together, row by row, ensuring the points of the star align for a sharp finish.
Constructing the Outer Star
Now it’s time to build the larger, outer star. This second star encircles the inner star and gives the Double Star quilt pattern its unique layered effect.
Like the inner star, the outer star also requires HSTs. Use the 5 ¼” squares of the outer star fabric and background fabric, and create eight HST units using the same method as before. Trim the HST units to 4 ½” square for a neat and precise fit.
Lay out the 4 ½” squares, the HST units, and the inner star block in a 9-patch layout, ensuring that the outer star fabrics are positioned to form the points of the star. Sew each row together, keeping the seams consistent and the star points aligned. Once completed, press your seams and admire the Double Star taking shape.
Assembling the Quilt Top
With both the inner and outer stars completed, it’s time to assemble the full quilt top. This process will bring together your hard work, creating a cohesive quilt.
Start by placing the completed Double Star block in the center of your workspace. Surround it with the 4 ½” x 9 ½” background fabric rectangles. These rectangles will act as spacers to extend the design and add negative space around the star, giving it a floating effect. Sew the rectangles together, creating a frame around the star block.
Once the center block and spacers are sewn together, it’s time to attach the borders. Cut five 3” strips of border fabric and sew them together to create one continuous strip. Attach the border to the quilt top, mitering the corners for a professional finish. The Double Star quilt top is now complete, ready for the next steps.
Quilting the Double Star
Quilting your Double Star quilt will enhance the overall design, adding texture and dimension to the finished piece. Decide whether you’d prefer to quilt by hand or machine, depending on your skill level and available tools.
If you choose machine quilting, a simple all-over meander or stitch-in-the-ditch along the star lines will highlight the design without overpowering it. Alternatively, free-motion quilting allows for more intricate designs, such as echoing the star shapes to create a radiating effect.
For hand quilting, choose a thread color that contrasts slightly with the fabric to emphasize the stitching. Quilting around the star shapes and adding some detail in the background areas will give the quilt a handmade, heirloom quality. Whichever method you choose, take your time to ensure neat, even stitches that will last for years to come.
Binding and Finishing
Once the quilting is complete, the final step is binding the quilt edges. This step ensures the edges are protected and gives the quilt a polished look.
To bind the quilt, take the 2 ½” strips you cut earlier and sew them together to create a long continuous strip. Fold the strip in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and press. Starting along one edge of the quilt, sew the binding to the front of the quilt with a ¼” seam, folding the binding over to the back and hand-stitching it down for a clean finish.
Be sure to miter the corners for a professional appearance. Once the binding is complete, give your Double Star quilt a final press. Your Double Star quilt is now finished and ready to be displayed or gifted to a loved one.
Creating a Double Star quilt is a rewarding project that combines precision piecing with beautiful design.
By following this step-by-step guide, you can make your own stunning quilt that showcases the timeless Double Star pattern.
Whether you’re new to quilting or an experienced quilter, this pattern offers a great balance of challenge and beauty. Now that you’ve completed your Double Star quilt, enjoy the fruits of your labor and share your finished quilt with the world.
