How to Sew a North Star Quilt Block
The North Star Quilt pattern is believed to have originated as part of the "secret code" of quilts that helped escaping slaves find their way to freedom. The North Star is one of 10 patterns used to pass along instructions by draping the quilt over a porch rail or clothesline. The message conveyed was to "proceed north by night," following the North Star.
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Things You'll Need
- Construction paper in three colors, A, B and C
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Poster board
- Glue
Instructions
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1
Cut out one 6-inch square from color A. Cut three 6-inch squares from color B. Measure the diagonal (corner to corner) of one of the squares. Use color C and cut out two smaller squares. Make the side of each square the same length as the diagonal of the larger squares.
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2
Take the three larger squares of color B and fold them in half, lining up the two sides. Fold them again, this time lining up the two ends. Note that each of the two squares has fold lines dividing it into four small, equal squares.
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3
Fold the two smaller squares (color C) in half with the corners touching. Unfold and then fold them again, this time with the other corners touching.
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4
Mark lightly along the fold lines of all five squares with the pencil. Use the ruler or a straight edge. Glue the two small squares onto two of the squares of color B. Line up the pencil marks so that the smaller squares are set like diamonds in the larger squares.
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5
Cut all the squares along the pencil lines. Make 2 piles: four solid-colored squares of color B and eight squares that are combine B and C along the diagonal.
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6
Glue the central square (color A) to the center of the poster board. Place a solid color square (B) at each corner. Set two of the 8 dual-colored squares along each edge of the central square. Arrange them so that the color C edge is aligned with the edge of the central square.
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7
Secure all the pieces with glue. Make sure they are all perfectly aligned to create the star pattern. Refer to the template for placement. (See Resources)
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