Diatom Digital Quilt Pattern

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Skill Level: 2-3 out of 5 (Confident Beginner to Intermediate)

The Diatom digital quilt pattern is a large star block sampler pattern that offers 12 star blocks in 4 setting options and multiple colorways. Due to the nature of the pattern, the yardage requirements are more generous than I normally would suggest. This allows for making the quilt in a scrappy manner or in a block of the month style.

This was the 2022-2023 Quilting Jetgirl quilt along. For lots of additional colorway inspiration, visit the Diatom QAL Final Linkup.

Pattern Description

Diatoms are unicellular organisms and they are either solitary cells or colonies. Diatom colonies can take the shape of ribbons, fans, zigzags, or stars. Living diatoms make up a significant portion of the Earth’s biomass and they generate a large percentage of the oxygen produced on the planet each year. The Diatom quilt is a collection (or colony, if you will) of star blocks.

The Diatom quilt pattern can either use 4 fabrics OR a fat quarter bundle (with 24 or more FQs) with supporting background and star point yardage. There are coloring pages for each quilt setting and size. The instructions for each block will also have individual fabric requirements in case you would prefer to make your version even more scrappy.

I am really excited about how versatile this 92 page star sampler pattern is; there are so many wonderful options for you to consider and explore! Not interested in making such a large quilt? How about making all 12 blocks but making a double sided quilt? 6 throw blocks will make a 36″ x 54″ quilt and 6 twin blocks will make a 48″ x 72″ quilt, prior to any borders you may want to add.

Sizing / Finished Measurements

• Star Setting Throw (54″ x 72″) (no curves)
• Star Setting Twin (72″ x 96″) (no curves)
• Postage Stamp Setting Throw (54″ x 72″) (3″ finished curved piecing)
• Postage Stamp Setting Twin (72″ x 96″) (6″ finished curved piecing)

Postage Stamp Setting Templates and Template Preparation

The Postage Stamp Setting piecing requires the use of curve templates, which are included in the pattern. Cut out the Convex and Concave Templates on page 17 (Postage Stamp Setting Throw) or page 18 (Postage Stamp Setting Twin), checking to make sure that the printed reference square measures 1″ horizontally and vertically. You may use the printed templates and a fabric marking device of your choice or using template material, trace the paper templates onto the material and create templates. Alternatively, you may use any drunkard’s path templates that you own that create 3½” unfinished / 3″ finished drunkard’s path blocks (throw) or 6½” unfinished / 6″ finished drunkard’s path blocks (twin). I personally use acrylic templates from Jen Carlton-Bailly.

Agreement Not to Copy – This pattern is provided for the buyer’s individual use only. By purchasing this pattern, the buyer agrees not to copy, reproduce or distribute copies or reproductions of this pattern to any person or persons, or to allow others to do so, without first obtaining written permission from Yvonne Fuchs.