Martha Washington Star quilt block tutorial
If the Martha Washington Star quilt block seems a bit familiar, it probably is. The flying geese around the outside are just like a Sawtooth Star quilt block, but the inside is a fun pinwheel.
This block is nice on its own or as part of the Twinkle Sampler Quilt.
Fabric requirements
for a 12″ block
- four 3-1/2″ squares background fabric
- four 3-1/2″ x 6-1/2″ flying geese*, background and fabric 1
- four 3-1/2″ split half-square triangles**, background and fabric 2
*Use your favourite method to make flying geese. For this block, I recommend the Most Popular Method. It makes four at a time, which is perfect since this block requires four.
**Use your favourite method to make split half-square triangles. For this block, I recommend the Obvious Method. If you are making more than one block, you might want to try the Most Popular Method.
Block assembly
Lay out the pieces according to the diagram.
Begin by joining the inner pieces to make the pinwheel. The squares join together like a four-patch. Join in pairs, then join the pairs together.
On the second seam of the pinwheel square, press the seams open.
This will alleviate some of the bulk in the middle of the block. There is a lot of fabric there with all the seams coming together.
The pinwheel piece should be 6-1/2″ square. Once it is done, the block goes together just like a regular sawtooth star quilt block. The pinwheel takes the place of the plain fabric square.
Join the pieces in rows, pressing away from the flying geese.
Then join the rows together.
Give a final press.
That’s how easy it is!
The block will be 12-1/2″ square.
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