quilt along

Diatom QAL {Block #3}

Congratulations; once you have pieced Block #3, you will have made 25% of the Diatom blocks. Well done! If you have already purchased the Diatom Quilt Along, you will receive an email today with the Block #3 instructions. Look for an email from newsletter@quiltingjetgirl.com with the subject Diatom Quilt Along – Block #3. If you haven’t joined in yet, simply purchase the Diatom Quilt Along and I will add you to the email list and get the information out to you soon!

Note: This is my blog post and not the newsletter email with the pattern links. Look for an email from newsletter@quiltingjetgirl.com with the subject Diatom Quilt Along – Block #3 at or after 3:15am Pacific. Check your spam directory if you don’t see the email!

Block 3 - Star Setting Twin, 4 Fabric Version

Block 3 – Star Setting Twin, 4 Fabric Version

The Moonlight Star block uses half-square triangles, square in a square blocks, and general piecing techniques.

Square in a Square Piecing Tip: When sewing the triangles onto the center square, use a full ¼” seam allowance. If you sew a scant ¼” seam allowance, you will find that it is hard (if not impossible) to trim the square and preserve ¼” beyond the points of the center square.

Block 3 - Postage Stamp Setting Throw, FQ Version

Block 3 – Postage Stamp Setting Throw, FQ Version

I did not have any directional fabric used in my Moonlight Star block. If you do have a directional print used in the same location as Fabric B, note that the 3⅜” squares should be cut on point as they are the center of the square in a square blocks.

Be sure to share photos of your block(s) in the Quilting Jetgirl Facebook group or on social media using the hashtag #DiatomQuiltAlong.

Upcoming Diatom Quilt Along Schedule

  • February 17, 2023 – Block 4
  • March 3, 2023 – Block 5
  • March 17, 2023 – Block 6
  • March 31, 2023 – Block 7
  • April 14, 2023 – Block 8
  • April 28, 2023 – Block 9
  • May 12, 2023 – Block 10
  • May 26, 2023 – Block 11
  • June 9, 2023 – Block 12 & Finishing Instructions
  • June 23, 2023 through July 31, 2023 – Final Linkup for Pieced Quilt Tops or Finished Quilts

3 thoughts on “Diatom QAL {Block #3}

  1. 1/4 of the way done….nice. I hope to catch up as I just started making the drunkard’s path for block 1 but am cutting the next few at the same time.

  2. Kate says:

    These have been such fun blocks to make. I’ve not started on number 4 yet. Thank you for being clear on when to use scant 1/4″ and when you need to use a full 1/4″. It does make putting the parts together much easier.

  3. Liz says:

    I am finally starting to feel better and ready to start cutting my fabrics and I went looking for block 3 in my email and it’s not there, I checked everywhere before I came here to message you Yvonne, I got blocks 1 and 2 but for some reason 3 isn’t coming up. I’m sorry to bother you.

I really appreciate the time and thought you take to comment, and I look forward to conversing with you. :)