CANDY STAR Quilt Along, Part 2: Cut Fabric and Make 5 Blocks

I’m Satomi from Satomi Quilts and welcome to CANDY STAR QAL PART 2! This week, we are cutting the fabric, coordinating the colors for each block and then making 5 blocks. It sounds like a lot to do but working on each process one day at a time will make the entire project much easier.

If you just found out about this QAL, don’t worry! You can download the pattern from below and check the first QAL blog post here for all info and fabric selection.

CUT FABRIC

First, cut the fabric according to the instructions. I added the FQ cutting diagram in the instructions to support your work and hope that will be helpful. And please don’t forget to label each cutting piece. That’s very important!

COORDINATE THE COLORS

Next, coordinate the colors for each block. Each block includes 3 color groups as I mentioned in the instructions. I placed the large piece of Square F first and saw the color balance. After that I placed the pieces for the inner diamond, Square C, D and E on top of Square.  Then I placed the pieces for the star units and added the third color. Doing it this way allows you to see the color balance of the quilt top. Now you have all the pieces for nine blocks.

MAKE 5 BLOCKS

Go ahead and make 5 blocks this week.

 Tip 1:

If you are unfamiliar with No-Waste Four at a Time Flying Geese method, making the sawtooth star may be a little tricky at first. But this method is so useful especially when we have to make a lot of units. So be brave! I have a video here on how to make Flying Geese units to help you get started.

Tip 2:

When you trim the block to 12 1/2″ x 12 1/2″ square, make sure to have 1/4″ seam allowance so that you don’t lose the nice diamond points.

CANDY STAR Quilt Along Schedule

• PART 1: PREPARE FABRICS
• PART 2: CUT FABRIC AND MAKE 5 BLOCKS
• PART 3: MAKE 4 BLOCKS AND CORNERSTONES
• PART 4: ASSEMBLE THE QUILT TOP
• PART 5: START QUILTING
• PART 6: FINISH QUILTING AND COMPLETE

Next week will be PART 3. We are making 4 blocks and the cornerstone.

Thank you for joining us and happy quilting!