For Block #5, we will be piecing an Entwined Star. If you have already purchased the Diatom Quilt Along, you will receive an email today with the Block #5 instructions. Look for an email from newsletter@quiltingjetgirl.com with the subject Diatom Quilt Along – Block #5. 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 #5 at or after 3:15am Pacific. Check your spam directory if you don’t see the email!
Block 5 – Star Setting Twin, 4 Fabric Version
The Entwined Star uses a variety of stitch and flip units (flying geese, angled rectangles, snowballed corners, and square in a square blocks) along with general piecing techniques. This is a really fun block, and both versions took me some time to cut and layout the pieces correctly. The block fabric swatches are definitely going to come in handy for this block!
Stich and Flip Piecing Tip: Do not cut off the excess fabric in the seam allowance after sewing the seam along the marked diagonal line. Instead, press the small square open and measure the unit to make sure it measures to the size of the base unit. It’s much easier to use your seam ripper prior to trimming these blocks!
Block 5 – Postage Stamp Setting Throw, FQ Version
The Trailing Star block will not need any modifications if you want to fussy cut and work with directional prints. If you are using a directional print for Fabric D, note that the 3⅜” square should be cut on point as it is the center of a square-in-a-square block.
Postage Stamp Throw Curve Piecing Note: I have found that pinning the center and ends of these smaller 3″ finished curves is all I need. Feel free to explore what works best for you, including glue basting your fabrics instead of pinning them!
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
- 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
Thanks for sharing the stitch and flip tip. As much as I dislike ripping it is way better than having to cut new pieces.
I didn’t realize it was the week to get a new block. I’ll have to work hard this week to play catch up!
Your tip for not cutting is spot on. Your blocks always look so gorgeous!