Maui Star Block
DIFFICULTY LEVEL ‣ ADVANCED
FINISHED BLOCK SIZE: 12″ x 12″
We don’t know the origin of this block, although it appears to be a variation of Blazing Star. It was featured in a quilt made by one of our editor’s grandmother, Bernice Norton. The quilt featured Hawaiian prints and ice-cream–soft peach, so we though Maui Star was a fitting name. This pattern requires the use of templates and has long, thin star points, ranking it in our advanced category.
Instructions:
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
Read through entire pattern before beginning project. Use ¼” seam allowances with fabric right sides together. Pressing arrows are included with diagrams. Basic quiltmaking supplies are assumed. If working with directional prints, you may want to purchase more fabric than called for. Pattern based on antique quilt has been simplified as needed for ease of construction and may differ slightly from original.
Print template patterns at 100%, making sure your printer is set to No Scaling. Trace template patterns onto quilter’s template plastic and transfer all marks and dots. Using an awl or thick needle, poke holes through templates at dots. Place template right side down on wrong side of fabric. Trace around template and transfer dots to fabric by marking through holes with fabric pen or pencil. Cut out on marked lines.
FABRIC:
Fabric A: 1 fat eighth (9″ x 20″) white solid fabric
Fabric B: 1 fat eighth (9″ x 20″) peach solid fabric
ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES:
Quilter’s template plastic
Awl or thick needle
CUTTING:
From Fabric A, cut:
• 4 pieces from Template A
• 4 pieces from Template A reversed (flip template over)
From Fabric B, cut:
• 4 pieces from Template B
• 4 pieces from Template C
Block Assembly:
Referring to Diagram 1, place (1) Fabric A Template A patch over (1) Fabric B Template B patch. Sew ¼” from edge. Press toward Fabric B. Repeat on opposite side with Fabric A on top to make Corner Unit. Make 4.
Align (2) Fabric B Template C patches along short sides. Referring to Diagram 2, sew ¼” from edge. Press toward 1 Fabric B. Repeat, pressing seam allowances toward opposite Fabric B. Place 2 halves together and stitch to make (1) Center Unit. Open center and press seam allowances in opposite directions.
Paying attention to orientation, lay out (4) Corner Units and (1) Center Unit as shown in Diagram 3. Sew Corner Units on each side of Center Unit using set-in seams. Sew units together complete Maui Star Block.
