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.
Like the fabrics I used? Kits available from Vintage Pink & Green.
Block Three: Road to Oklahoma
This week, we’re creating the beautiful Road to Oklahoma block. Using squares and half-square triangles, this block is both fun and beginner-friendly.
We’ll be making a total of four blocks this week. These will fill in the corners of the layout we started last week, yielding in a mini quilt.
You could stop here (although I’d recommend subbing the green square for medium/dark blue if you do make the mini quilt). Of course there are nine more weeks of awesome blocks to go… so I hope you’ll stick around!
Materials Needed
Makes four (4) blocks:
- Eight (8) 2.5″ squares (light pink)
- Eight (8) 2.5″ squares (medium pink)
- Sixteen (16) 2.5″ squares (dark pink)
- Sixteen (16) 2.5″ squares (light green)
- Eight (8) 3″ squares (light pink)
- Eight (8) 3″ squares (dark pink)
Making the Block
1. Make the Half Square Triangles
Step 1: Pair the light pink and dark pink 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″
I have a video on my YouTube channel that details making Half Square Trianges if you need more detail (plus some tips and tricks!).
2. Assemble the Blocks
Arrange your squares into a 16-patch layout:
A diagonal line of green squares through the center.
Medium pink squares in two opposite corners.
Dark pink and light pink squares filling out the remaining spaces.
Arrange HSTs to form tulip-like shapes, emphasizing the light and dark pink fabrics.
- Sew the squares into four rows of four squares each. Once your rows are complete, join them together to complete the block.
- Repeat for a total of four blocks.
Set these aside until all the quilt blocks are ready to be assembled.
Tips for success
Precise Marking and Sewing: Ensure your sewing lines are accurate. For HSTs, stitch slightly closer to the center of the block for easier trimming and squaring up.
Trimming Tools: A bias square ruler and rotating mat make trimming HSTs easier and more precise. However, a standard ruler with a 45-degree angle works perfectly well.
Consistent Seams: Use a consistent seam allowance to keep your rows aligned and the block square.
Looking Ahead
Your Road to Oklahoma block is now complete! This block can be used as part of a mini quilt or incorporated into the larger Stars in My Garden quilt. We still have nine more exciting weeks of blocks to go, leading to a stunning lap-size or twin-size quilt.
Next week, we’ll add another star block to our garden. Stay tuned for week 4 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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