Fractured Star

Hi Quilting Friends,

Welcome back to the “Black & White Delight” Quilt-Along. If you’re just joining us, you may want to have a look at the “Welcome” post to help you catch up.

This week’s block is called “Fractured Star”. It reminds me of the crystalline structure of a mineral, with light sparkling from the many facets.

• Fabric pieces from your Block 5 baggie
• Sewing machine (obviously!)
• Iron & ironing board
• Thread
• Scissors for snipping thread
• Pencil
• Rotary cutter & mat
• Ruler(s) I like my little 1″ by 6″ ruler for marking squares
• And my 3.5″ by 12.5″ ruler for cutting
• Beverage & snack(s) for hydration and energy!

The Fractured Star includes several combinations of fabric, made into HST squares. Let’s get started!

Begin by making 16 HST squares from Fabrics B and D, according to the instructions in Step 2, page 18, of the pattern packet. If you need to review the process for making HST squares, visit the “Friendship Star” post.

Use the Fabric B and Fabric E squares to make 16 HST squares, and then use the Fabric D and Fabric E squares to make 8 more HST squares.

Use the large Fabric A and Fabric B squares to make 8 large HST squares, according to the instructions in Step 12 on Page 20 of the pattern packet.

Now we’re going to assemble the Fractured Star block sides and corners!

The block sides are first, and you’ll need four sections:

And now the corners, making four sections with the remaining triangles and the small Fabric B squares:

Grab the Fabric C square (the middle of the block) and the block sides and corners. Sew the sections together into three rows:

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Now you’ll add a frame around the center block to finish it! You need the eight 4-patch blocks and four Fabric B squares from your Block 5 baggie, and the eight Fabric A/ Fabric B HST squares.

Start by sewing a HST to both sides of the Fabric B squares, to make four pieces like this:

Sew one of these to each side of the Fractured Star block, like this:

Now add a 4-patch square to both ends of the remaining two pieces, like this:

And sew them to the top and bottom of your Fractured Star Block! All done! This block will take between 1 and 2 hours to stitch.

You may purchase the “Fractured Star” quilt block pattern by clicking the button below.

Oops! Can you see where I made a boo-boo on my block? Make sure that your four-patch squares are rotated correctly for the frames. I found two mistakes like this, and I’ve already un-stitched this mistake. Here’s my new picture!

Time to show off your beautiful Fractured Star block! We’d ALL love to see a picture, so snap a photo and post it on Instagram please.

#bwqal_yourname @mspdesignsusa

Next week we’ll sew the Christmas Star block! Until then, may your stitches be straight, your bobbins full, and your seam ripper languishing in the sewing basket.

Happy quilting,

Sharon