When I showed you the beginning of this block design and construction, I had printed out the foundation pattern using the EQ automatic grouping and numbering. I cut the pieces apart and started in sewing, then I noticed a problem. One of the sections would have a y-seam.

I pulled up the design in EQ8 again, and set the foundation export to group and number the sections manually. This way, I can eliminate the y-seam. Now, I have four sections with all straight seams, and one triangle corner for each quarter. I colored the quarters with pencils because I forgot to print in color.

As I went along, adding the next colors, I sometimes forgot to look closely at where the fabric needed to cover. When I flipped this one over, it was a surprise.

One way to be sure it covers the lines is to hold it up to a light. In this case, it was barely enough to get to the outside of the seam line.

Another tip is to draw a line to where you will be sewing across the seam allowance to the edge and be sure the fabric will cover it. Note that this may be more fabric than it initially looks like. For this one, we’ll look at how much fabric I need for the bottom yellow. Look at how far above the actual yellow section that I need for the seam line, plus another quarter inch.

Sewn and trimmed, the first 8 sections are done.

Let’s look at how to figure this next section. I place a ruler with the quarter-inch line on the sewing line for the piece in grey on the foundation paper. Now, look where the edge of the ruler crosses the exterior cutting line. This is the minimum amount your pattern should cover.

Once the black piece is sewn on, you can see how much bigger than the pattern the piece had to be. I just cut it oversize and trim, not worrying about the waste. In the photo below, you can see the black, and I’ve marked where the yellow has to go (pencil is pointing to that point) so I can measure and cut bits of yellow.

My first measurement is really tight. I made the strip 5-1/2 inches long, but look at how close it is to both the point indicated by the pencil, and the top of the cutting line for the shape. If I cut this size, my placement precision will need to be spot on.

So, I added half an inch to the length to allow some wiggle room. I checked to be sure that when the piece is flipped up, it will cover the tip of the pattern before I sew it.

Looks good!

All pieces trimmed to the cutting lines, I lay them out to be sure I sew them in the correct order. It is easy to sew the wrong side.

I put the same piece on top, sewing on the right edge. I put a pin where the points come together. Then I add clips to hold the edges.

I don’t push the pin sideways to anchor it, as it will shift the pieces so the points no longer come together.

Sew, removing the clips and pins as the foot gets to them. I use an open foot so I can see the sewing line.

I put the sections together in sets of two.

The two pieces form a nice point with the black and blue. So, I’m feeling pretty smug now, and gleefully sew all eight sections.

I press them all with the seams open. I hope this will reduce some of the bulk in the center where now 16 seams will come together.

Then I notice my mistake – yes on all eight sections. Crap on a cracker! I didn’t pin the green point at the bottom. Argh. But, I am too far along so I just left them. This is a live and learn moment.

The sections of 2 are pinned into sets of 4.

Those are sewn, then two sets of four are sewn to create two halves of the star. Here’s another tip. When I do another block like this, I’ll take the paper out of the center before sewing the halves together. It was difficult to get all the paper out of the center point, and doing it at this stage would make that part easier.

Center section done.

Adding the last triangles, I didn’t use the paper as it wasn’t needed to match any points.

Sewn and trimmed, the block is complete.

I like the contrast of the light and dark. The blue is a nice accent. The green points don’t look too bad, but I am sure they will get noticed by a judge. So, next time I will need to be more careful pinning all the points. Now to decide what to do with it. Maybe with some borders added it can be a table topper. The daisies and bees speak of spring. I’ll work on that this week. We’ll see!

EQ8 is a fantastic and powerful design program, with so many ways to design and export patterns. Kaleidoscope Two is currently on sale for $29.95 if you already own EQ8. This collection adds over 500 kaleidoscope-style blocks to the EQ8 Block Library. Mix and match the blocks for amazing quilt designs. Print the foundation paper piecing patterns at any size using EQ8 software and start sewing! Click on the Electric Quilt store. If you have this software, be sure to check out the EQ8 Books and Booklet, BlockBase+, and Barbara Brackman’s Encyclopedia.

Do you enjoy foundation paper piecing?