Pieced Star – December 2020

This is the 29th block for 2020, the Pieced Star block. Also known as the “Dolly Madison’s Star” or “Cowboy’s Star”.

We are continuing to do more blocks from the  “One Hundred and one Patchwork Patterns”  book by Ruby Short McKim.  The book was published in 1931, and my husband’s maternal Grandmother learned to quilt from this book.  These blocks are done in her honor.  

“THERE are many lovely versions of the star quilt piecing, varying from four points to eight, and even a feather edged pattern which scintillates with small points along all edges of its large ones.” (McKim)

The original block was an 11″ block, our block will be 12 1/2″ x 12 1/2″ unfinished (12″ x 12″ finished). 

Fabric Requirements

Color A – 8 1/4″ x 16 1/2″
Color B – 8 1/4″ x 16 1/2″

Fabric Cutting

Assembly

HST – 3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ unfinished

Using piece of each color 8″  x 8″ pieces, draw a line from corner to corner on the back on the lighter fabric, creating an “X”.

• Stitch 1/4″ on both sides of the drawn lines, creating a double X (Black lines)

Cut along the drawn lines, and then again vertical and horizontal halfway. (Cut on the Red lines)

• Square up the HST to make sure they are 3 1/2″ square. 
• Press open, and trim dog ears.

 Repeat using the other two pieces, creating a total of 16 HST – 3 1/2″ HST

Layout

Lay the pieces in the following layout

Sew the pieces together, you can use my method for the Chain Piecing, or the method you prefer.  Double check as you sew that you have not changed the layout.   Press seams.

You have now completed the December 2020 block, Pieced Star.

I look forward to seeing all your wonderful blocks!  Make sure to post on the Facebook group!  Remember to add the hashtag #BomPiecedStar

Thank you for joining us for this December 2020 block of the month!  

Click Here for a downloadable PDF of the instructions.

For the previous blocks, you can check under “Units” in the Facebook group.
Completed quilt layout of the Pieced Star Block.