I really like star blocks. I am not sure what it is that I like about them, I just do. There are so many different ones, a wonderful selection. Today I'm going to introduce you to an eight pointed star block called Andrea's LeMoyne star. There is a free template to download so you can work along too. Be warned though, this is not a beginner block. I found the easiest way to make this was with foundation pieces.
Andrea's LeMoyne 8-pointed star block
I'm making a 6" finished block. To make this I will need:
TWELVE 1 1/2" x 4" rectangles large star points
TWELVE 1 1/2" x 2 1/2" rectangles for both darker star points
FOUR 2 1/4" squares background
ONE 3 3/4" squares background cut through the diagonal twice to make four QST
EIGHT foundations (you can download the foundations here)
Start with the small sections - the two darker rectangles. Place them right sides together and place the foundation printed side up on the light fabric so section A1 is covered, leaving at least 1/4" around all sides. Stitch the short line. Do not stitch past the ends of the line.
Press the sections open so the darker of the two pieced covers A2.
Place the unit down on the cutting mat with foundation up. Place an index card or any piece of card will do, along the long line that runs through the center of the foundation.
Fold the foundation only, over the card.
Place the ruler on top so the 1/4" line on the ruler is even with the fold and trim. This leaves a 1/4" seam allowance beyond the fold.
Fold the foundation back in place and position the large star point, right side down on top of the two joined fabrics matching raw edge to the edge just trimmed.
Flip it over again to the foundation side and sew down the center seam line. Then press the large rectangle in place.
Now that the unit is complete, trim all edges 1/4" from solid line on foundation. You need to make eight of these in total.
Now comes the joining. All dark sections go toward the middle of the block. Place two units together ready to join.
Flip them on top of each other and sew the inner seam. Be careful not to stitch past the end of the printed line.
Position a background square or the square end of a triangle along one side of the pair of units just joined. The square will extend 1/4" pass the end point of the line on the foundation. You can see the stitching line in red on the background section. Turn the unit over and stitch on the other side.
Press the background piece over the seam allowance, then twist it around to meet the reminding seam.
Sew down the remaining line on the foundation to complete the setin corner.
Next you will add another foundation unit as you did before, then a triangle and so forth until you complete the block. Press the seams in the center of the block all in one direction so they sit flatter. You may need to trim the seam allowance a little to reduce the bulk. Give it a good press and remove the foundations.
