About the Quilt-Along
The Stars in My Garden quilt-along is a free series designed to guide you through creating a colorful, star-themed quilt. The guide for this quilt is available to download for free, and you can also join the Stars in My Garden email list to receive weekly reminders and links to written instructions and videos for each block.
Block Four: Mosaic Star
The block we’re making this week is similar to our very first block—the Sawtooth Star—but with a twist! Instead of plain corner squares, we are adding half-square triangles. This subtle change creates a lovely effect and begins forming the next layer of our quilt’s design.
In this step, you will be making eight of these Mosaic Star blocks, which will add movement and depth as they surround the center of the quilt. It’s always so fun to see how each block contributes to the overall pattern!
Materials Needed
Makes eight (8) blocks:
- Thirty-two (32) 2.5″ x 4.5″ rectangles for flying geese (medium blue)
- Sixty-four (64) 2.5″ squares for flying geese units (white)
- Sixteen (16) 3″ squares for half-square triangle corners (medium blue)
- Sixteen (16) 3″ squares for half-square triangle corners (light pink)
- Eight (8) 4.5″ squares for center (light green)
Making the Block
1. Make the Flying Geese
- Step 1: Take one small white square and place it on one end of a blue rectangle, right sides together. Draw a diagonal line from corner to corner on the square.
- Step 2: Sew directly on the drawn line and press the square back to form a triangle.
- Step 3: Trim off the excess fabric. Save the scraps for future projects or leader/ender sewing.
- Step 4: Repeat this process on the other end of the rectangle to complete the flying geese unit. Make thirty-two (32) flying geese units.
2. Make the Half-Square Triangles (HST)
Step 1: Pair the light pink and medium blue 3″ squares. Mark a diagonal on the square — this is the cutting line (after sewing!)
Step 2: Mark 1/4″ on each side of the diagonal — these are the sewing lines.
Step 3: Sew along the marked sewing lines.
Step 4: Cut along the center diagonal, being careful not to cut any sewing lines.
Step 5: Press each square and trim to 2-1/2″
- Step 6: Repeat this process until you have thirty-two (32) half-square triangle units.
I have a video on my YouTube channel that details making flying geese and half-square triangles (HST) if you need more detail (plus some tips and tricks!).
3. Assemble the Blocks
Arrange the flying geese, the center square, and the corner HSTs into three rows.
Sew the pieces of each row together, ensuring seams are pressed for a flat assembly.
Join the rows to complete the block.
- Repeat for a total of eight blocks.
Block shown with rows sewn together
Tips for success
Fabric Placement: If you’re working with batiks, you’ll love that both sides of the fabric are the same—no need to worry about right or wrong sides!
Precision: Take your time with the Flying Geese and HST units to ensure sharp, even points.
Batch Sewing: Chain-piece your Flying Geese and HSTs to save time and keep the process efficient.
Looking Ahead
Next week is a whole new block – with lots of squares and a little twist. Stay tuned for week 5 of the quilt-along.
Resources & Links
Don’t forget to check out these resources to make your quilting journey easier:
- Free Quilt-along Guide: Download it here to follow along with the written instructions.
- Email List: Join the “Stars in My Garden” email list for weekly reminders and exclusive tips.
- Quilt Kits: Love the colors in this quilt? Get your kit from Vintage Pink and Green.
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