Dazzling Diamond Quilts 9781573674973, 9781573674966

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Quilting QUILTING

DA Z ZLING

DIA MON D QUILTS

™

10

skill-building projects

141368

DA Z ZLING

DIA MON D QUILTS

™

Edited by Carolyn S. Vagts

2

Introduction Have you ever wanted to make a quilt with diamond shapes or to try your hand at a Lone Star pattern but felt it was beyond your skill level? Well, diamonds don’t have to be hard (forgive the pun). Dazzling Diamond Quilts will take the mystery out of making diamond shapes. Our designers will show you how to apply techniques to make perfect diamonds. It’s not as difficult as you might think. There are several techniques for making diamonds, and this book will explore many of them. There are time-saving shortcuts that actually take the pain out of working with angles. If template piecing scares you, this is the book that will help you overcome those fears. You’ll never avoid angles and templates again. Here you’ll find 10 projects that are all geared for your success, giving you options for assembly that will surprise you while allowing you to make beautiful diamond quilts. These projects will inspire you to expand your quilting knowledge and take the skills you learn from this book and apply them to other quilted projects. Don’t limit your quilting because you’re afraid to tackle angles or a new technique. It’s time to expand your quilting knowledge and be more creative. Not every quilt has to be difficult to be beautiful. Imagine your satisfaction at completing your first diamond quilt and conquering those dreaded angles.

Ta b l e o f C o n t e n t s 3 Diamond Chain Bed Runner 8 Diamond Pinwheels 13 Off Balance 19 Harlequin 23 Yellow Stones 26 Dramatic Diamonds 31 Stormy Weather 35 Solar Star Runner 39 Argyle Warmth 43 Radiant Star Topper Finishing Your Quilt, 48 Special Thanks to Suppliers, 48

Harlequin, page 19 Dazzling Diamond Quilts

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Diamond Chain Bed Runner Designed & Quilted by Holly Daniels

Grace your bed with a unique runner made using diagonal piecing and color placement. This can either be made with a diamond template or with the use of a rotary cutter and ruler. Specifications

Skill Level: Intermediate Runner Size: 100" x 211/2"

Materials • • • • • • • • • • •

3/4 yard light blue tonal 11/2 yards total white and cream tonals 12/3 yards dark blue tonal Backing to size Batting to size Thread Template material Ruler with 60-degree–angle line (optional) Double-stick tape (optional) Small hole punch (optional) Basic sewing tools and supplies

Cutting

Prepare templates for pieces A–D using patterns given on the pattern insert. Refer to How to Cut Diamonds on page 7 to cut 31/2" A pieces or use A template on strips. Refer to Figure 1 for cutting B, C and D pieces from strips. Refer to the tip on page 10 of the Diamond Pinwheels pattern for using templates to cut pieces from strips using a rotary cutter and ruler. Mark dots at seam intersections for more accurate stitching referring to Here’s a Tip on page 6. 33/4"

23/8" 21/2" D

B C DR

Figure 1

F rom light blue tona l: • Cut 5 (31/2" by fabric width) strips. Subcut 1 strip into 8 A3 pieces. Subcut remaining strips into 8 E1 pieces referring to Preparing the E Pieces. • Cut 1 (33/4" by fabric width) strip. Subcut strip into 2 B2 pieces. Dazzling Diamond Quilts

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F rom white & crea m tona ls: • Cut 7 (31/2" by fabric width) strips. Subcut strips into 62 A1 pieces. • Cut 1 (33/4" by fabric width) strip. Subcut strip into 4 B1 pieces. • Cut 4 (23/8" by fabric width) strips. Subcut strips into 30 C pieces. • Cut 1 (21/2" by fabric width) strip. Subcut strip into 2 each D and reverse D (DR) pieces.

2. Measure and mark 141/2" from the lower left point as shown in Figure 3.

F rom da rk blue tona l: • Cut 5 (31/2" by fabric width) strips. Subcut 1 strip into 8 A2 pieces. Subcut remaining strips into 8 E2 pieces as per instructions. • Cut 6 (21/2" by fabric width) F/G strips. Subcut 1 strip into 2 (21/2" x 18") F strips. • Cut 7 (21/4" by fabric width) binding strips.

4. Cut a total of eight E1 pieces from the four E1 strips.

Preparing the E Pieces

1. Using a rotary cutter and ruler, cut a 60-degree angle on the left end of one light blue tonal E1 strip as shown in Figure 2. Note: This is the same angle as A pieces. You may use the A template to cut this angle if desired. 60-degree–angle line

E1 141/2"

Figure 3

3. Cut a second 60-degree angle at the marked point to cut one E1 piece, again referring to Figure 3. 5. Repeat steps 1–4 with the dark blue tonal E2 strips to cut eight E2 pieces.

Completing the Bed Runner

1. Arrange and join the pieces in diagonal rows referring to the Assembly Diagram and being extremely careful with placement of pieces. Press seams toward the darker fabrics. 2. Join the rows to complete the runner center, again referring to the Assembly Diagram. Notice that one end of the E1 pieces extends beyond the rest of the pieces at each short end; trim even with the edges of the B and D pieces as shown in Figure 4. D A1 C

E1 B1

Figure 2 DR B2

Here’s a Tip There are many 60-degree triangle rulers available to quilters. They are worth the purchase price if you enjoy making projects using 60-degree triangles. They may be used for multiple sizes and usually include instructions to cut companion triangles using the same angle. Talk to other quilters and check out these rulers at your local quilt shop or online to choose the one that best fits your needs.

E1

A3

A2 E2

Figure 4

3. Sew the F strips to opposite short ends of the runner center; press seams toward F. 4. Join the G strips on the short ends to make a long strip; press. Subcut strip into two 21/2" x 1001/2" G strips. Sew a G strip to opposite long sides of the runner center to complete the runner top; press seams toward the G strips. 5. Create a quilt sandwich referring to Finishing Your Quilt on page 48. 6. Quilt as desired. 7. Bind referring to Finishing Your Quilt on page 48 to finish.

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Alternate Size Bed Runner

Here’s a Tip Use a small hole punch to make a hole at the seam intersections marked by dots on patterns. Mark dots on fabric pieces through the holes at the seam intersections made by the hole punch using a water-erasable marker or pencil. The dots make matching seams easier when joining strips. Simply insert a pin in one dot and through the dot on the matching piece to align pieces perfectly for stitching as shown in Figure A.

Specifications

Runner Size: 76" x 211/2"

Materials

• 5/8 yard light blue tonal • 11/4 yards total white and cream tonals • 13/8 yards dark blue tonal

Cutting

Prepare templates as for larger size. F rom light blue tona l: • Cut 4 (31/2" by fabric width) strips. Subcut 1 strip into 6 A3 pieces. Subcut remaining strips into 6 E1 pieces referring to Preparing the E pieces on page 4. • Cut 1 (33/4" by fabric width) strip. Subcut strip into 2 B2 pieces.

Figure A

D

G C

A1

A2

E2

B1

F DR

B2

E1

A3

Diamond Chain Bed Runner Assembly Diagram 100" x 211/2" D

G A1

B1

F DR

B2

A3

C A2

E2 E1

Diamond Chain Bed Runner Alternate Size Assembly Diagram 76" x 211/2" Make a shorter runner with fewer rows.

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F rom white & crea m tona ls: • Cut 6 (31/2" by fabric width) strips. Subcut strips into 46 A1 pieces. • Cut 1 (33/4" by fabric width) strip. Subcut strip into 4 B1 pieces. • Cut 3 (23/8" by fabric width) strips. Subcut strips into 22 C pieces. • Cut 1 (21/2" by fabric width) strip. Subcut strip into 2 each D and reverse D pieces.

F rom da rk blue tona l: • Cut 4 (31/2" by fabric width) strips. Subcut 1 strip into 6 A2 pieces. Subcut remaining strips into 6 E2 pieces as per instructions. • Cut 5 (21/2" by fabric width) F/G strips. Subcut 1 strip into 2 (21/2" x 18") F strips. • Cut 5 (21/4" by fabric width) binding strips. ■

How to Cut Diamonds Quilt patterns commonly call for diamonds with 30-degree, 45-degree or 60-degree angles at their narrow points. To cut diamonds without a template: 1. Cut a strip of fabric ½" wider than the diamond’s finished height.

4. Find the line on your rotary ruler that matches the cutting height of the diamond—the same line you used to cut the fabric strip. Match the line with the angled left edge of the fabric and align the degree line along the bottom edge of the strip. (Figure D)

2. Align the ruler’s 30/60-degree or 45-degree line with the far left bottom edge of the fabric, sliding it far enough onto the strip so that there’s fabric under its entire right edge (Figure B).

Figure D

5. Rotary-cut along the right side of the ruler to cut away the first diamond. Continue cutting diamond segments in the same manner as needed for your quilt. (Figure E) Figure B

3. Rotary-cut along the right edge of the ruler to create the diamond’s first angled side. (Figure C)

Figure E

Figure C

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Diamond Pinwheels Design by Holly Daniels Quilted by Amanda Daniels

Create a patchwork of interesting pinwheel diamonds with easy piecing techniques. Specifications

Skill Level: Confident Beginner Quilt Size: 60" x 60" Block Size: 8" x 12" finished Number of Blocks: 39

B2

B1 D

A1

A2

Materials • • • • • • • • • •

C

6 fat quarters dark prints 8 fat quarters tan prints 3/8 yard each 6 red prints 2 yards burgundy print Backing to size Batting to size Thread Double-stick tape (optional) Template material Basic sewing tools and supplies

D

Diamond Pinwheel 8" x 12" Finished Block Make 24

Cutting

Prepare templates for pieces A–C and E–G using patterns given on the pattern insert. Refer to Figure 1 for cutting all pieces. 3 /2" 1

2 /2" 1

3 /2" 1

A1 B1 A2

21/2"

B2

35/8"

C 21"

21"

D

D

18"

E

18" GR

F

E

E G

Figure 1

F rom da rk pr ints: • Cut 2 (31/2" x 21") A1 strips from each print. Subcut strips into 8 A1 pieces each fabric using the A template to cut 48 A1 pieces total.

Diamond-in-a-Diamond 8" x 12" Finished Block Make 15

• Cut 2 (21/2" x 21") B1 strips from each print. Subcut strips into 8 B1 pieces each fabric using the B template to cut 48 B1 pieces total. F rom ta n pr ints: • Cut 4 (21/4" x 21") D strips from each of 7 prints and 2 (21/4" x 21") D strips from the remaining print to cut 30 D strips total. • Cut E, F and G pieces as per patterns. F rom red pr ints: • Cut 1 (31/2" by fabric width) A2 strip from each print. Subcut each strip into 8 A2 pieces using the A template to cut 48 A2 pieces total. • Cut 1 (21/2" by fabric width) B2 strip from each print. Subcut each strip into 8 B2 pieces using the B template to cut 48 B2 pieces total. • Cut 1 (35/8" by fabric width) C strip from each print. Subcut 2 C pieces from each of 3 prints and 3 C pieces from each of 3 prints using the C template to cut 15 C pieces total. F rom bu rgu ndy pr int: • Cut 6 (61/2" by fabric width) H/I strips. • Cut 7 (21/4" by fabric width) binding strips.

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Completing the Diamond Pinwheel Blocks

1. Sort the A1 pieces into 24 sets of two same-fabric pairs. Repeat with the A2, B1 and B2 pieces. 2. To complete one Diamond Pinwheel block, select one set each of same-fabric A1 and B1 pieces, and one set each of same-fabric A2 and B2 pieces. Note: Each block uses just two fabrics. 3. Sew a B1 piece to a B2 piece along the long edge to make a B unit as shown in Figure 2; press seam toward the red print piece. Repeat to make a second B unit. Make 2

B2

B1

Completing the Diamond-in-a-Diamond Blocks

1. Sew a C piece to a D strip as shown in Figure 5; press seam toward the D strip. Trim as shown in Figure 5. C D

C D

Figure 5

2. Repeat step 1 with another same-fabric D strip on the opposite side of C as shown in Figure 6. Note: You can get one short and one long D strip from each 21/2" x 21" D strip.

Figure 2

4. Sew an A1 piece to a B2 side and an A2 piece to a B1 side to complete half the block as shown in Figure 3; press seams toward the red print pieces. Repeat to make the second half of the block.

Figure 6

Here’s a Tip A1

A2

Figure 3

5. Join the two block halves to complete one Diamond Pinwheel block as shown in Figure 4; press seam open.

Figure 4

6. Repeat steps 2–5 to complete a total of 24 blocks.

Use see-through template material and a permanent marker to trace patterns from the pattern insert to make templates. Carefully cut out templates on the marked lines. Transfer all information from pattern to template. To hold templates in place on the fabric strips or fabric pieces for cutting, adhere strips of thin double-stick tape to the back of each template. Place the template on the fabric strips, align edge of a rotary ruler with the edge of the template and cut out shapes. Replace tape as needed when it is no longer sticky. Be very careful not to cut the template during this process as even trimming a sliver off the template will change the size of the piece. Check the template against the original pattern often to be sure it has remained the same size.

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3. Using the remainder of the D strips, repeat step 1 on the remaining sides of C to complete one Diamond-in-a-Diamond block referring to Figure 7.

4. Create a quilt sandwich referring to Finishing Your Quilt on page 48. 5. Quilt as desired. 6. Bind referring to Finishing Your Quilt on page 48 to finish. ■

D

D

Figure 7

4. Repeat steps 1–3 to complete a total of 15 Diamond-in-a-Diamond blocks.

Completing the Quilt

1. Arrange and join the pieced blocks in diagonal rows with the E, F, G and reverse G (GR) pieces referring to the Assembly Diagram for positioning of pieces; press seams in adjacent rows in opposite directions. 2. Join the H/I strips on the short ends to make a long strip; press. Subcut strip into two each 61/2" x 481/2" H strips and 61/2" x 601/2" strips. 3. Sew the H strips to opposite sides and I strips to the top and bottom of the quilt center; press seams toward H and I strips. I

G

GR

E

F

H

Diamond Pinwheels Assembly Diagram 60" x 60"

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Off Balance Design by Christine A. Schultz Quilted by Theresa Levine

Turn a classic Lone Star into a work of art by adding additional background fabric. Set it off center and watch it appear to float. Specifications

Skill Level: Intermediate Quilt Size: Approximately 45" x 45"

1 (3" x 121/2") I rectangle. 1 (151/2" x 49") J rectangle. 1 (131/4") F square (4 total). .

• • • • • • • • • •

1/3 yard teal batik 1/3 yard gray/purple batik 1/2 yard purple/orange batik 1/2 yard multicolored floral 1/2 yard orange print 21/2 yards cream solid Backing to size Batting to size Thread Ruler with 45-degree–angle line, large square and long straightedge • Basic sewing tools and supplies

K

Materials

G

J F

I

Cutting F rom tea l batik: • Cut 2 (31/2" by fabric width) A strips. F rom gray/pur ple batik: • Cut 2 (31/2" by fabric width) B strips. F rom pu r ple/ora nge batik: • Cut 3 (31/2" by fabric width) C strips. F rom multicolored f lora l: • Cut 3 (31/2" by fabric width) D strips. F rom ora nge pr int: • Cut 4 (31/2" by fabric width) E strips. F rom crea m solid: • Cut 5 (21/4" by fabric width) binding strips. • Cut 1 (131/4" by fabric width) strip. Subcut strip into 3 (131/4") F squares. • Cut the following pieces from the remaining length of fabric referring to Figure 1. 1 (191/4") square; cut the square on both diagonals to make 4 G triangles. 1 (11" x 33") H rectangle.

Dazzling Diamond Quilts

Figure 1

Completing the Star Square

1. Join the A strips on the short ends to make a long strip; press seam open. Trim strip to 31/2" x 51". Repeat with the B strips. 2. Repeat step 1 with C and D strips to cut two each 31/2" x 51" C and D strips. 3. Repeat step 1 with the E strips to cut three 31/2" x 51" E strips. 4. Staggering the ends of the strips 31/2", sew a B strip to a C strip to an E strip along length to make a B-C-E strip set as shown in Figure 2; press seams open.

B C

31/2"

E

C E D

E D A

Figure 2

14

5. Repeat step 4 to make one strip set each C-E-D and E-D-A, again referring to Figure 2. 6. Lay the B-C-E strip set on a cutting mat aligning the bottom raw edge with a printed horizontal line on the cutting board. Using the 45-degree–angle line on the rotary ruler, trim excess at ends and cut eight 31/2" B-C-E segments from the strip referring to Figure 3. 31/2"

10. Join two star points, matching seam intersections, and starting and stopping stitching at the marked dots, to make a star quarter as shown in Figure 6; press seam to one side. Repeat to make a total of four star quarters, pressing seams in the same direction as the first star quarter. Make 4

B C E

Figure 3

Figure 6

11. Join two star quarters as in step 10 to make a star half as shown in Figure 7, pressing seam in the same direction as in the star quarters.

7. Repeat step 6 with the E-D-A and C-E-D strip sets to cut eight 31/2" segments from each strip set. 8. Mark the 1/4" seam allowance at corners and tips of each segment with a dot as shown in Figure 4. /4"

1

Figure 7

12. Repeat step 11 to make a second star half. Figure 4

9. Select and join one each B-C-E, E-D-A and C-E-D segments, matching seam intersections, to make one star point as shown in Figure 5; press seams open. Repeat to make eight star points.

13. Join the two star halves as shown in Figure 8, aligning seams, and starting and stopping stitching at the marked dots to complete the pieced star; press all seams in one direction around the star center as shown in Figure 9.

Make 8

Figure 5

Figure 8

Here’s a Tip Pin basting is invaluable for making sure seam intersections meet when putting the diamonds together. Figure 9

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14. Mark a dot at the seam intersection at the right angle corner of each G triangle and at one corner of each F square as shown in Figure 10.

1. Lay the star square right side up on a flat surface and mark dots on the top and right edge of the square as shown in Figure 14. 11/4" 5"

F

23/4"

10"

G

91/2" 13/4"

55/8"

63/8"

Figure 10 6"

15. Using a Y seam, insert a G triangle between two side star unit openings, starting stitching at the marked dot and stitching to the outside points referring to Figure 11; press seams away from G referring to Figure 12. Insert a G triangle in each of the remaining side star side openings.

12"

Figure 14

2. Referring to Figure 15, connect the dots using the long straightedge and check the top right corner using the large square; do not trim yet.

G

Figure 11

G

Figure 12

16. Repeat step 15 with the F squares at each corner of the star unit to complete the star square referring to Figure 13; press seams away from F, again referring to Figure 13. G F

Figure 15

3. Referring to Figure 16, sew H to the left edge of the marked square; press seam toward H. Note: The right top corner of the H rectangle should end at or near the marked dot on the left edge of the star square.

Figure 13

Offsetting the Star Design

Caution: After trimming the star square to make a skewed square, all edges will be bias and should be handled with extreme care to prevent stretching.

H

Figure 16 Dazzling Diamond Quilts

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4. Referring to Figure 17, lay the long straightedge along the top marked line with one end extending beyond the left edge of the star square about 12". Place the large square ruler against the edge of the long ruler and mark a 90-degree–angle line 101/2" from the H rectangle seam line along the left side of the square ruler. Extend this line with the long straightedge until it reaches the bottom of H to mark the top and partial left side edges of the new skewed star. Trim along the left side and top lines.

7. Sew the J rectangle to the bottom edge of the star; press seam toward J. 8. Trim the J edges to make 90-degree corners to finish the skewed star design referring to Figure 19.

451/2" 451/2"

1 " 10 /2

151/2"

J

151/2"

31/2"

451/2"

31/2"

ngle

a gree–

90-de H

J 1/2" 45

line

Figure 19 Figure 19

Completing the Quilt

Figure 17

5. Sew the I rectangle to the bottom right side of the original star square; press seam toward I. 6. Use the straightedge to trim the right edge as shown in Figure 18.

1. Create a quilt sandwich referring to Finishing Your Quilt on page 48. 2. Quilt as desired. 3. Bind referring to Finishing Your Quilt on page 48 to finish. ■

I

Figure 18

Here’s a Tip Gentle handling and pressing of stitched diamonds helps keep bias edges from stretching out of shape.

Off Balance Placement Diagram 45" x 45"

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“I love the Lone Star pattern and thought it would look more contemporary with a plain background, heavily quilted and a slightly skewed setting.” —Christine A. Schultz

19

Harlequin Designed & Quilted by Missy Shepler

The harlequin diamonds in this quilt are made with pairs of elongated triangles assembled in horizontal rows and matched at the base. Specifications

Skill Level: Confident Beginner Quilt Size: 56" x 72"

Materials

• 1/4 yard orange/green chevron batik (J) • 1/3 yard each batik: rust/gold (A) green/orange (B) yellow (C) animal print (E) • 1/2 yard each batik: bronze (F) burgundy wave (G) rust zigzag (H) • 7/8 yard gold herringbone batik (D) • 7/8 yard burgundy batik (I) • 21/8 yards native women print batik (directional) (K) • Backing to size • Batting to size • Thread • Template material • Basic sewing tools and supplies

Cutting

Prepare a template for the triangle piece using pattern given on the pattern insert. F rom ora nge/green chev ron batik: • Cut 4 (11/2" by fabric width) J strips. F rom A, B, C & E batiks: • Cut 1 (61/2" by fabric width) strip each fabric. Subcut each strip into 12 triangles for A, B, C and E using the template. F rom F, G & H batiks: • Cut 2 (61/2" by fabric width) strips each fabric. Subcut strips into 24 triangles each fabric for F, G and H using the template.

Dazzling Diamond Quilts

F rom gold her r ingbone batik: • Cut 1 (61/2" by fabric width) strip. Subcut strip into 12 D triangles using the template. • Cut 7 (21/4" by fabric width) binding strips. F rom burgu ndy batik: • Cut 4 (61/2" by fabric width) strips. Subcut strips into 48 I triangles using the template. F rom native women pr int batik: • Cut 2 (141/2" x 721/2") K strips along the length of the fabric.

Completing the Quilt

1. Select, arrange and join one each A, B, C, D and E triangle and two each F, G and H triangles, and four I triangles to complete one row as shown in Figure 1 and referring to the Perfect Triangle Points tip on page 20; press seams open. Repeat to make a total of six rows. Make 6 F

G D

I B

H C

A

E

Figure 1

2. Repeat step 1 except join pieces as shown in Figure 2 to complete a reverse row. Repeat to make a total of six reverse rows. Make 6

Figure 2

20

3. Using a rotary cutter and rotary ruler, trim each long outer end of each row, leaving a 1/4" seam allowance beyond the outer triangle points as shown in Figure 3.

/4"

1

Figure 3

4. Join one row and one reverse row to make a diamond row referring to Figure 4; press seam open. Repeat to make a total of six diamond rows.

7. Fold each J strip in half with wrong sides together along the length and press to make a doublelayered flange J strip. 8. Stitch a flange J strip to the left long side of one K strip and to the right long side of the second K strip. Sew these strips to the long sides of the quilt center to complete the quilt top. Note: If using a directional-print fabric as on sample quilt, make sure the K strips are “upright” when adding the flanges and when sewing onto the quilt center. 9. Create a quilt sandwich referring to Finishing Your Quilt on page 48. 10. Quilt as desired. 11. Bind referring to Finishing Your Quilt on page 48 to finish. ■

Make 6

“Careful fabric placement is key for creating the diamonds in the harlequin pattern in this quilt. It’s so much fun to shift colors and textures to see what ‘pops.’” —Missy Shepler Figure 4

J I

5. Join the rows to complete the quilt center; press seams open.

G

F D

I B

H C

A

E

6. Join two J strips on the short ends to make a long strip; press. Trim strip to make a 11/2" x 721/2" J strip. Repeat to make a second J strip.

Perfect Triangle Points To make perfect triangle points, align two triangle pieces along one adjacent raw edge, offsetting the ends so that the blunt tip of one triangle is 1/8" from the point of the second triangle as shown in Figure A.

K

/8 "

1

Figure A

Harlequin Assembly Diagram 56" x 72" Dazzling Diamond Quilts

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Ye l l o w S t o n e s Design by Gina Gempesaw Quilted by Carole Whaling

One block design set in vertical rows makes this quilt quick and easy. Specifications

Skill Level: Intermediate Quilt Size: 50" x 54" Block Size: 9" x 6" finished Number of blocks: 25

Materials • • • • • • • •

1/2 yard yellow tonal 11/8 yards black tonal 22/3 yards white solid Backing to size Batting to size Thread Template material Basic sewing tools and supplies

Cutting

Prepare a template for the A diamond using pattern given on the pattern insert.

BR

BR

A1

A2

B

B

Yellow Diamond 9" x 6" Finished Block Make 7

Completing the Blocks

1. Cut 25 B rectangles from the top right corner to the left bottom corner to make 50 B triangles as shown in Figure 1. Cut the remaining 25 B rectangles from the bottom right corner to the upper left corner to make 50 reverse B (BR) triangles, again referring to Figure 1. Note: These triangles are oversize and will be trimmed later.

F rom yellow tona l: • Cut 2 (51/2" by fabric width) strips. Subcut strips into 7 A1 pieces using template referring to Cutting Diamonds From Strips on page 24. F rom black tona l: • Cut 3 (51/2" by fabric width) strips. Subcut strips into 18 A2 pieces using template referring to Cutting Diamonds From Strips on page 24. • Cut 6 (21/4" by fabric width) binding strips. F rom white solid: • Cut 4 (91/2" by fabric width) strips. Subcut strips into 20 (31/2" x 91/2") C rectangles, 6 (61/2" x 91/2") D rectangles, and 2 each 11" x 91/2" E and 2" x 91/2" F rectangles. • Cut 6 (61/4" by fabric width) strips. Subcut strips into 50 (41/4" x 61/4") B rectangles. • Cut 3 (3" by fabric width) G strips.

Dazzling Diamond Quilts

Black Diamond 9" x 6" Finished Block Make 18

Reverse Cut 50

Cut 50 B

BR

Figure 1

2. To complete one Yellow Diamond block, select one A1 diamond and two each B and BR triangles. 3. Sew a B triangle to opposite sides of A1 as shown in Figure 2; press seams toward B.

B

A1

Figure 2

24

4. Repeat step 3 with the BR pieces to complete an oversize block as shown in Figure 3. BR

Completing the Quilt

1. Referring to the Assembly Diagram, join the Yellow and Black Diamond blocks with the C, D, E and F pieces to make five vertical rows; press seams away from the blocks. 2. Join the rows; press.

Figure 3

5. Trim the oversize block to 91/2" x 61/2" referring to Figure 4 and Using Oversized Pieces on page 25 to complete one Yellow Diamond block. 91/2"

3. Join the G strips on the short ends to make a long strip; press. Subcut the strip into two 3" x 541/2" G strips. 4. Sew a G strip to opposite long sides of the pieced rows to complete the quilt top; press seams toward the G strips.

61/2"

5. Create a quilt sandwich referring to Finishing Your Quilt on page 48. 6. Quilt as desired. Figure 4

6. Repeat steps 2–5 to complete a total of seven Yellow Diamond blocks. 7. Repeat steps 2–5 with A2 pieces to complete 18 Black Diamond blocks referring to the block drawing.

F

7. Bind referring to Finishing Your Quilt on page 48 to finish. ■

“In nature, yellow diamonds are very rare. This combination of yellow, black and white is simply stunning, just like yellow diamonds.” —Gina Gempesaw

Cutting Diamonds From Strips

D E

C

It’s easy to cut diamonds from precut fabricwidth strips. Place the template on the strip, align a ruler on the template edge, and use a rotary cutter to cut diamonds along the strip referring to Figure A. You can cut six diamonds from each strip.

G

A1

Figure A

Yellow Stones Assembly Diagram 50" x 54"

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25

Using Oversize Pieces Some quilters like to cut pieces larger than needed and trim to size after stitching. In the project shown, the B triangles are cut larger than necessary, and after stitching, the resulting rectangle block is trimmed to the right size. This guarantees that all the blocks will be the same size before being stitched together.

The important thing to remember when trimming is to make sure the ¼" seam allowance extends beyond the stitched points (Figure B) and that the diamond is centered in the trimmed rectangle. /4"

1

Figure B

26

Dramatic Diamonds Design by Nancy Scott Quilted by Masterpiece Quilting

By using strip piecing and a trimming template, each block quarter is easily made. After joining the quarters, simply stitch the blocks together into rows. Specifications

Skill Level: Intermediate Quilt Size: 60" x 80" Block Size: 10" x 20" finished Number of Blocks: 24

A C B

Materials • • • • • • • •

31/4 yards white solid 31/4 yards gray tonal 61/4 yards black solid Backing to size Batting to size Thread Template material Basic sewing tools and supplies

Cutting

Prepare the A and B trimming template using pattern given on the pattern insert. F rom white solid: • Cut 1 (108" by fabric width) strip. Subcut strip into 12 (23/4" x 108") C strips. F rom gray tona l: • Cut 1 (108" by fabric width) strip. Subcut strip into 12 (23/4" x 108") B strips. F rom black solid: • Cut 2 (108" by fabric width) strips. Subcut 1 strip into 13 (31/8" x 108") A strips. Subcut 1 strip into 11 (31/8" x 108") A strips and 3 (21/4" x 108") binding strips.

Completing the Blocks

1. Sew an A strip to a B strip along length; press. Repeat to sew an A strip to a C strip along length; press. Join the two strip sets on the B/C edges to make an A-B-C-A strip set; press. Repeat to make a total of 12 A-B-C-A strip sets.

Bling 10" x 20" Finished Block Make 24

2. Place the trimming template on a strip set, aligning the black dash-dot lines with the seams on the strip set and cut 48 A units as shown in Figure 1. Cut 48 A Units A B C A

Figure 1

3. Repeat step 2 using the red dash-dot lines on the trimming template to trim 48 B units as shown in Figure 2. Cut 48 B Units A B C A

Figure 2

4. To complete one Bling block, select two each A and B units.

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28

5. Sew an A unit to a B unit as shown in Figure 3 to make an A-B unit; press. Repeat to make a second A-B unit. A-B Unit Make 2

Figure 3

6. Join the two A-B units as shown in Figure 4 to complete one Bling block; press.

“I love black-and-white photography, and this quilt reminds me of it. The gray-frosted fabric provides just enough ‘bling’ to make it dramatic.” —Nancy Scott

Here’s a Tip The edges of the A and B units are bias and will stretch easily. Before cutting the units, apply spray starch to the strip sets to help stabilize the edges. Be sure to pin the units together to avoid stretching when sewing.

Figure 4

7. Repeat steps 4–6 to complete a total of 24 Bling blocks.

Completing the Quilt

1. Arrange and join six Bling blocks to make a row; press. Repeat to make a total of four rows. 2. Join the rows to complete the quilt top; press. 3. Create a quilt sandwich referring to Finishing Your Quilt on page 48. 4. Quilt as desired. 5. Bind referring to Finishing Your Quilt on page 48 to finish. ■

Here’s a Tip Pressing all seams open makes it easy to match the seams when stitching the block units together. There are no bulges or bumps created from layers coming together at points.

Dramatic Diamonds Assembly Diagram 60" x 80"

Dazzling Diamond Quilts

Dazzling Diamond Quilts

31

S t o r m y We a t h e r Designed & Quilted by Tricia Lynn Maloney

A Storm at Sea block when tossed and turned creates a quilt with lots of movement and an interesting use of diamonds. Specifications

ER

Skill Level: Intermediate Quilt Size: 551/2" x 551/2" Block Size: 12" x 12" finished Number of blocks: 16

D E C

B

A

Materials • • • • • • • • •

1/2 yard light gray batik 3/4 yard medium blue batik 15/8 yards aqua batik 17/8 yards navy batik Backing to size Batting to size Thread Template material Basic sewing tools and supplies

Cutting

Prepare a template for the D diamond using pattern given on the pattern insert. F rom light gray batik: • Cut 3 (33/4" by fabric width) strips. Subcut strips into 32 (33/4") squares. Cut each square in half on 1 diagonal to make 64 B triangles. F rom med iu m blue batik: • Cut 4 (47/8" by fabric width) strips. Subcut strips into 32 (47/8") squares. Cut each square in half on 1 diagonal to make 64 C triangles. • Cut 1 (3" by fabric width) strip. Subcut strips into 9 (3") F squares. F rom a qua batik: • Cut 4 (53/8" by fabric width) strips. Subcut strips into 64 (25/8" x 53/8") E rectangles. • Cut 2 (121/2" by fabric width) strips. Subcut strips into 24 (3" x 121/2") G strips.

Storm at Sea 12" x 12" Finished Block Make 16

F rom nav y batik: • Cut 5 (41/8" by fabric width) D strips. • Cut 4 (41/2" by fabric width) strips. Subcut strips into 32 (41/2") A squares. • Cut 6 (21/4" by fabric width) binding strips.

Completing the Blocks

1. Place the D template on a D strip and cut as shown in Figure 1. Repeat with remaining strips to cut a total of 32 D diamonds. D

Figure 1

2. Select and cut 32 E rectangles from the top right to the bottom left corners to make 64 E triangles referring to Figure 2. Repeat with the remaining 32 E rectangles, cutting from the lower right to the upper left corners to make 64 reverse E (ER) triangles, again referring to Figure 2. Cut 64

Reverse Cut 64

25/8" E

ER

53/8"

Figure 2

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3. To complete one Storm at Sea block, select two A squares, two D diamonds and four each B, C, E and ER triangles. 4. Sew a B triangle to each side of an A square to complete the A-B unit as shown in Figure 3; press seams toward B. B

B A

A

Figure 3

5. Sew a C triangle to each side of the A-B unit to complete the A-B-C unit as shown in Figure 4; press seams toward C. C

Figure 4

6. Sew an E triangle to opposite sides of a D triangle as shown in Figure 5; press seams toward E. E D

Figure 5

7. Sew an ER triangle to the remaining sides of D from step 6 to complete one rectangle unit as shown in Figure 6; press seams toward the ER triangles. Make 2 ER

Completing the Quilt

1. Referring to the Assembly Diagram, join four Storm at Sea blocks with three G strips to make a block row; press seams toward G. Repeat to make a total of four block rows. 2. Join three F squares with four G strips to make a sashing row; press seams toward G. Repeat to make a total of three sashing rows. 3. Join the block rows with the sashing rows to complete the quilt top referring to the Assembly Diagram for positioning of rows; press seams toward the sashing rows. 4. Create a quilt sandwich referring to Finishing Your Quilt on page 48. 5. Quilt as desired.

Figure 6

8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 to complete a second rectangle unit. 9. Sew one rectangle unit to one side of the A-B-C unit as shown in Figure 7; press seam toward the A-B-C unit.

Figure 7

10. Sew the remaining A square to one end of the remaining rectangle unit referring to Figure 8; press seam toward A.

6. Bind referring to Finishing Your Quilt on page 48 to finish. ■

“Although I find it challenging, I have always loved the Storm at Sea block.” —Tricia Lynn Maloney

G

F

A

Figure 8

11. Join the pieced units to complete one Storm at Sea block referring to Figure 9; press seam open.

Figure 9

12. Repeat steps 3–11 to complete a total of 16 Storm at Sea blocks.

Dazzling Diamond Quilts

Stormy Weather Assembly Diagram 551/2" x 551/2"

35

Solar Star Runner Designed & Quilted by Wendy Sheppard

This project is a skill builder for quilters who want to attempt a Feathered Star–style quilt using template piecing and a minimal amount of fabric with no set-in seams. Specifications

Skill Level: Advanced Runner Size: 48" x 20" Block Size: 18" x 18" finished Number of Blocks: 1

A4

C

B2 A3 B1 B3

A2 A1

D

Materials

• 1/8 yard each of the following: black-with-white print mint-with-white print red solid • 1/4 yard each of the following: orange-with-white print cream multicolored geometric aqua-with-white geometric peach floral • 1/2 yard beige-with-white print • 2/3 yard yellow stripe • Backing to size • Batting to size • Thread • Template material • Basic sewing tools and supplies

Cutting

Prepare templates for A and B using patterns given on the pattern insert. Cut as directed on each piece. F rom crea m multicolored geometr ic: • Cut 1 (4" by fabric width) strip. Subcut strip into 2 (4" x 201/2") G strips. F rom a qua-w ith-white geometr ic: • Cut 1 (5" by fabric width) strip. Subcut strip into 2 (5" x 201/2") H strips. F rom peach f lora l: • Cut 1 (51/2" by fabric width) strip. Subcut strip into 2 (51/2" x 201/2") I strips.

Solar Star 18" x 18" Finished Block Make 1

F rom beige -w ith-white pr int: • Cut 1 (61/8" by fabric width) strip. Subcut strip into 4 (61/8") C squares. Cut each square in half on 1 diagonal to make 8 C triangles. • Cut 1 (45/8" by fabric width) strip. Subcut strip into 4 (45/8") D squares. Cut each square in half on 1 diagonal to make 8 D triangles. F rom yellow str ipe: • Cut 3 (11/2" by fabric width) strips. Subcut strips into 2 (11/2" x 181/2") E strips and 4 (11/2" x 201/2") F strips. • Cut 4 (21/4" by fabric width) binding strips.

Completing the Block

1. Select and join one each A1 and A2 piece with one each B1 and B2 piece to make unit 1 as shown in Figure 1; press. Repeat to make eight unit 1’s. Unit 1 Make 8 B2

B1

A2

A1

Figure 1

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36

2. Select and join one each A2 and A3 piece with one each B2 and B3 piece to make unit 2 as shown in Figure 2; press. Repeat to make eight unit 2’s.

8. Join one star wedge and one reverse star wedge to make a block quarter as shown in Figure 7; press. Repeat to make a total of four block quarters. Make 4

Unit 2 Make 8 B2

A3

B3

A2

Figure 2

3. Select and join one A4 piece with one each B1 and B3 piece and two B2 pieces to make unit 3 as shown in Figure 3; press. Repeat to make eight unit 3’s. Unit 3 Make 8 A4

B2

B3

B2

Figure 7

9. Referring to Figure 8, join two block quarters to make a row; press. Repeat to make a second row. Join the rows to complete the Solar Star block; press.

B1

Figure 3

4. Arrange and join one each unit 1, 2 and 3 to make a star unit as shown in Figure 4; press. Make 8

Figure 8 Figure 4

5. Repeat step 4 to make a total of eight star units. 6. Sew a C triangle to the left top side and a D triangle to the right top side of one star unit to make a star wedge as shown in Figure 5; press. Repeat to make a total of four star wedges. Make 4 D

C

Completing the Runner

1. Sew an E strip to opposite sides and F strips to the top and bottom of the Solar Star block; press. 2. Sew a G strip to an H strip to an F strip to an I strip to make a pieced end strip referring to the Assembly Diagram; press. Repeat to make a second end strip. 3. Sew an end strip to opposite ends of the bordered block to complete the runner top referring to the Assembly Diagram for positioning of strips; press. 4. Create a quilt sandwich referring to Finishing Your Quilt on page 48.

Figure 5

7. Sew a C triangle to the right top side and a D triangle to the left top side of one star unit to make a reverse star wedge as shown in Figure 6; press. Repeat to make a total of four reverse star wedges. Reverse Make 4 D

C

Figure 6

5. Quilt as desired. 6. Bind referring to Finishing Your Quilt on page 48 to finish. ■

Here’s a Tip To eliminate set-in seams, this block uses a seam in the corner squares and side triangles. This makes it possible to piece the eight star points and then join them to complete the block with straight seams starting in the center and ending at the outside of the block. Dazzling Diamond Quilts

37

F

I

F

H

G

E

Solar Star Runner Assembly Diagram 48" x 20"

39

A r g y l e Wa r m t h Design by Angie Buckles Quilted by Nancy Scott of Masterpiece Quilting

Create an argyle illusion when you add some decorative stitching to this quick and easy quilt. Specifications

Skill Level: Intermediate Quilt Size: 60" x 84"

Materials • • • • • •

Completing the Quilt

1. Mark the seam allowances at the corners of each

triangle as shown in Figure 1. /4"

1

/8"

5

/4"

1

12/3 yards grape tonal 47/8 yards gray tonal Backing to size Batting to size Thread Basic sewing tools and supplies

Cutting F rom grape tona l: • Cut 4 (127/8" by fabric width) strips. Subcut strips into 10 (127/8") squares. Cut 1 isosceles triangle from each square to make 10 A triangles, referring to Making Diamonds From Isosceles Triangles on page 40. F rom gray tona l: • Cut 3 (127/8" by fabric width) strips. Subcut strips into 8 (127/8") squares. Cut 1 isosceles triangle from each square to make 8 B triangles, referring to Making Diamonds From Isosceles Triangles on page 40. • Cut 1 (63/4" by fabric width) strip. Subcut strips into 2 (63/4" x 131/4") rectangles. Cut rectangles on 1 diagonal to make 2 each left-hand side (C) and right-hand side (CR) triangles referring to Making Diamonds From Isosceles Triangles on page 40. • Cut 1 (42" x 601/2") E rectangle from remaining length. • Cut 1 (42" x 601/2") rectangle from remaining length. Subcut rectangle into 1 (19" x 601/2") D rectangle and 5 (21/4" x 601/2") binding strips.

Dazzling Diamond Quilts

Figure 1

2. Join five A, four B and one each C and CR side

triangles to make a triangle row referring to Figure 2 and Matching Angled Seams on page 42; press seams toward A triangles. C

CR

B A

Figure 2

3. Repeat step 2 to make a second triangle row; press seams toward B triangles. 4. Join the triangle rows, matching the A triangle

bases and seams to complete the diamond row as shown in Figure 3; press seam open.

Figure 3

40

Making Diamonds From Isosceles Triangles Diamonds can easily be made from two isosceles triangles—triangles with two equal sides (Figure A), stitched together at their bases. To make single diamond blocks or diamond rows, cut isosceles triangles and side triangles.

For a diamond that measures 4" wide and 8" long, cut a rectangle 23/4" x 51/4" (Figure D). 23/4"

51/4"

A=B A

B

Isosceles triangle

Figure A

To Cut Isosceles Tr iangles:

Figure D

Layer two rectangles wrong sides together and cut once diagonally to make two each left-hand and right-hand side triangles (Figure E).

Measure the finished center width and length of the diamond (Figure B). 8" 4"

Left-hand side triangles

Right-hand side triangles

Figure E Figure B

Cut a square the desired-size diamond width plus 7/8". For example, if the finished diamond is 4" wide, cut a 47/8" square. Finger-press the square in half. Cut diagonally from the top center crease to a bottom corner. Rotate the ruler to the opposite bottom corner and cut diagonally (Figure C).

Single Diamond Blocks

Single diamond blocks can be made from two triangle-in-a-square units. Stitch a right-hand and left-hand side triangle to an isosceles triangle to make a triangle-in-a-square unit (Figure F). Repeat to make two units.

Figure F

Stitch units together to make a single diamond block (Figure G). Figure C

To Cut Side Tr iangles:

Cut two rectangles half the finished width of the diamond plus 3/4" and half the finished length of the diamond plus 11/4".

Figure G

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41

5. Stitch D and E rectangles to the diamond row

Mak ing Diamond Rows

Diamond rows can be made from isosceles and side triangles stitched together to make the required row length. Stitch isosceles triangles together, turning every other triangle (Figure H).

matching the 601/2" edges to complete the quilt top referring to the Assembly Diagram; press seams toward D and E.

6. Create a quilt sandwich referring to Finishing

Your Quilt on page 48. 7. Quilt as desired.

8. Bind referring to Finishing Your Quilt on page 48 to finish. ■

Figure H

Complete the row by stitching right-hand and lefthand side triangles to the row ends (Figure I). E

Figure I

Repeat to make a second row. Stitch the rows together, rotating one row to match the triangle bases, referring to Figure J to complete a diamond row.

Figure J

D

Argyle Warmth Assembly Diagram 60" x 84"

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Getting That Argyle Look A traditional argyle pattern includes diamonds, which

Argyle Warmth Warmth Argyle Quilting Diagram Diagram Quilting

usually run horizontally and are bisected by diagonal lines. This was achieved in the sample quilt by stitching a triple line in dark red thread that bisects the grape tonal diamonds and runs to the edges of the quilt. The grape tonal diamonds were quilted in four sections of concentric diamonds, and the diamonds created by the triple-line stitching were quilted in larger concentric diamonds.

• appliquéing 1/4"–3/8"-wide strips diagonally across the quilt, bisecting the diamonds as seen in the Your Way sample, before or after the quilting is completed; or

You can make this look even more pronounced by:

• couching pearl cotton or ribbon along the diagonal lines after quilting is completed and before binding.

• using an even darker thread to stitch the diagonal lines;

Matching Angled Seams To make sure your angled seams match well between blocks, units or rows: • Press seams in opposite directions as you would if matching straight seams that are to be butted or nested together (Photo 1).

• Stitch the joining seam, removing the pins as you come to them. Do not stitch over pins (Photo 3). Photo 3

Photo 1

• Position a pin 1/4" from the edge through the seams at the intersection of the seam allowances where the seams will cross to form an X. Pin the edges together (Photo 2). Photo 2

• Press the joining seam open to distribute fabric bulk (Photo 4).

Photo 4

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R a d i a n t S t a r To p p e r Designed & Quilted by Sandra L. Hatch

Stitch a traditional Lone Star wall hanging in your choice of fabrics. This project will teach you how to strip-piece the star points and do the set-in seams. It’s a true classic. Specifications

Skill Level: Intermediate Quilt Size: 413/4" x 413/4"

Materials • • • • • • • • • •

1/4 yard yellow tonal 3/8 yard blue tonal 1/2 yard red tonal 7/8 yard rainbow stripe 13/8 yards black solid Backing to size Batting to size Thread Ruler with 45-degree–angle line Basic sewing tools and supplies

Cutting F rom yellow tona l: • Cut 3 (2" by fabric width) A strips. F rom blue tona l: • Cut 5 (2" by fabric width) B strips. F rom red tona l: • Cut 7 (2" by fabric width) C strips. F rom ra inbow str ipe: • Cut 4 (2" by fabric width) strips. Trim strips to 2 each 2" x 331/4" H strips and 2" x 361/4" I strips. • Cut 5 (21/4" by fabric width) binding strips. F rom black solid: • Cut 4 (11/2" by fabric width) strips. Trim strips to 2 each 11/2" x 311/4" F strips and 11/2" x 331/4" G strips. • Cut 1 (191/4" by fabric width) strip. Subcut strip into 1 (191/4") E square and 4 (67/8") D squares. Cut the E square on both diagonals to make 4 E triangles. • Cut 4 (31/2" by fabric width) strips. Trim strips to 2 each 31/2" x 361/4" J strips and 31/2" x 421/4" K strips. Dazzling Diamond Quilts

Completing the Diamond Units

1. Sew an A strip to a C strip to a B strip along length to make an A-C-B strip set; press seams toward C. Repeat to make a total of three A-C-B strip sets. 2. Using a ruler with a 45-degree–angle line and a rotary cutter, starting with the A strip on the bottom, trim one end of one A-C-B strip set at a 45-degree angle as shown in Figure 1. 45-degree-angle line

B C A

Figure 1

44

3. Subcut the A-C-B strip set into 2" A-C-B segments as shown in Figure 2. Repeat with the remaining strip sets to cut a total of 32 A-C-B segments.

2. Join two star units to make a star point, stopping stitching at the marked seam allowance at each end as shown in Figure 6; press seam open. Repeat to make a total of eight star points. Make 8

2"

Figure 2

4. Sew a B strip between two C strips along length to make a C-B-C strip set; press seams toward C. Repeat to make a second C-B-C strip set. 5. Repeat steps 2 and 3 with the C-B-C strip sets to cut 16 C-B-C segments referring to Figure 3.

Figure 6

3. Pin a D square to one inside edge of one star point matching dots at the inside and outside points and right sides together. Stitch from the marked dot on the inside seam allowance to the outer edge, securing seams at both ends as shown in Figure 7.

C 2"

B C

Figure 3

6. Select one C-B-C and two A-C-B segments and join to complete one star unit as shown in Figure 4; press seams in one direction.

D

Figure 7

4. Repeat step 3 to stitch the adjacent side of D to the opposite inside edge of the star point referring to Figure 8; press seams away from D.

Make 16 A

C

B

Figure 4

7. Repeat step 6 to complete a total of 16 star units.

Completing the Quilt

1. Mark the seam allowance at the corners of each of the star units referring to Figure 5; mark each corner of each D square and points of E triangles in the same manner.

Figure 8

5. Set the remaining sides of D into a second star point as in steps 3 and 4 to complete a D unit as shown in Figure 9; press seams away from D. Make 4

C

Figure 5 Figure 9

6. Repeat steps 3–5 to complete a total of four D units.

Dazzling Diamond Quilts

46

7. Join two D units and set in an E triangle in the same manner as steps 3–5 to complete an E unit as shown in Figure 10. Make 2

E

13. Sew J strips to opposite sides and K strips to the top and bottom of the pieced center; press seams toward J and K strips. 14. Create a quilt sandwich referring to Finishing Your Quilt on page 48. 15. Quilt as desired. 16. Bind referring to Finishing Your Quilt on page 48 to finish. ■

Figure 10

“I love antique Amish quilts. Many of them used black with bright colors, and it seems as if the designs just pop right off the quilt. This small wall quilt was inspired by a larger antique version with similar colors.” —Sandra L. Hatch

8. Press pieced section seam open and remaining seams toward E as shown in Figure 11.

K

Figure 11

9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 to make a second E unit.

I G

10. Join the two E units and set in the remaining two E triangles to complete the pieced center referring to Figure 12; press seams as in step 8.

J

H

F

Figure 12

11. Sew F strips to opposite sides and G strips to the top and bottom of the pieced center; press seams toward F and G strips. 12. Sew H strips to opposite sides and I strips to the top and bottom of the pieced center; press seams toward H and I strips.

Radiant Star Topper Assembly Diagram 413/4" x 413/4"

Dazzling Diamond Quilts

47

Machine-Stitching Set-In Seams Many star designs require set-in or Y seams. Here are the secrets to success for machine stitching. • Accurately mark dots at the seam allowance intersections at the corners and tips of the pieces (Figure A). /4"

1

• Holding the adjacent seam allowance out of the way, insert the needle into the inner dot, and sew from the inner dot to the outer edge (Figure D).

/4"

1

Figure D Figure A

• Join two diamond pieces, stopping and starting stitching at the dots; secure seams at dots (Figure B). Press seam open.

• Repeat stitching from the inner dot to the outer edge on the other part of the Y, holding adjacent seam out of the way (Figure E).

Figure E Figure B

• Press seams referring to Figure F.

• Pin the triangle or square piece to the stitched diamond units, matching the dots (Figure C).

Figure F

Figure C

Some people prefer to stitch from the outer edge to the inner dot so that the seam allowances will not be in the way under the presser foot. If you have any movement at all during stitching, sewing from the outside to the inside means that the dots at the center may not align or you may get a tiny wrinkle. This is avoided when sewing from the center dot toward the outer edge.

48

F i n i s h i n g Yo u r Q u i l t 1. Press quilt top on both sides; check for proper seam pressing and trim all loose threads. 2. Sandwich batting between the stitched top and the prepared backing piece; pin or baste layers together to hold. Mark quilting design and quilt as desired by hand or machine. 3. When quilting is complete, remove pins or basting. Trim batting and backing fabric edges even with raw edges of quilt top.

4. Join binding strips on short ends with diagonal seams to make one long strip; trim seams to 1/4" and press seams open. 5. Fold the binding strip in half with wrong sides together along length; press. 6. Sew binding to quilt edges, matching raw edges, mitering corners and overlapping ends. 7. Fold binding to the back side and stitch in place to finish.

Special Thanks to Suppliers We would like to thank the following manufacturers who provided materials to our designers to make sample projects for this book. Diamond Chain Bed Runner, page 3: Warm & White batting from The Warm Company. Diamond Pinwheels, page 8: Kansas Troubles Favorites II fabric collection from Moda; Warm & White batting from The Warm Company. Harlequin, page 19: Tonga Nairobi batiks from Timeless Treasures.

Yellow Stones, page 23: Fabrics from Quilting Treasures. Dramatic Diamonds, page 26: Digital quilting pattern from TK Quilting & Designs. Stormy Weather, page 31: Batik Paradise fabrics and Essential thread from Connecting Threads; Heirloom Premium 80/20 batting from Hobbs.

Solar Star Runner, page 35: Palm Springs fabric collection from Benartex; American Spirit Classic cotton batting from Fairfield; Mako 50 wt cotton thread from Aurifil. Argyle Warmth, page 39: Art Gallery Fabrics; Quilters Dream batting.

Dazzling Diamond Quilts is published by Annie’s, 306 East Parr Road, Berne, IN 46711. Printed in USA. Copyright © 2014 Annie’s. All rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced in part or in whole without written permission from the publisher. RETAIL STORES: If you would like to carry this pattern book or any other Annie’s publication, visit AnniesWSL.com. Every effort has been made to ensure that the instructions in this pattern book are complete and accurate. We cannot, however, take responsibility for human error, typographical mistakes or variations in individual work. Please visit AnniesCustomerCare.com to check for pattern updates.

ISBN: 978-1-57367-496-6 123456789 Dazzling Diamond Quilts

When printing pattern pieces check to make sure your print settings are set to print at 100 percent and page scaling displays “None”.

Straight Grain

Diamond Pinwheels B Cut 8 each dark print from B1 strips Cut 8 each red print from B2 strips Straight Grain

Diamond Pinwheels A Cut 8 each dark print from A1 strips Cut 8 each red print from A2 strips

Place on fold to prepare full-size template before cutting

Diamond Pinwheels E Cut 10 from tan fat quarters

Straight Grain

Straight Grain

Diamond Pinwheels C Cut 2 pieces from each of 3 red print strips & 3 pieces from each of 3 red print strips to total 15 C pieces

When printing pattern pieces check to make sure your print settings are set to print at 100 percent and page scaling displays “None”.

Diamond Pinwheels G Cut 2 from tan fat quarters Reverse & cut 2 from tan fat quarters

Diamond Pinwheels F Cut 6 from tan fat quarters

Straight Grain

Place on fold to prepare full-size template before cutting

es

iec

p /E2

rim

E1

t igh ra St

dg

se

hi et

ot et

Us

ain Gr

Diamond Chain Bed Runner A Cut 62 A1 pieces white & cream tonals from strips Cut 8 A2 pieces dark blue tonal from strip Cut 8 A3 pieces light blue tonal from strip

Diamond Chain Bed Runner B Cut 4 B1 pieces white & cream tonals from strip Cut 2 B2 pieces light blue tonal from strip Straight Grain Straight Grain

Diamond Chain Bed Runner C Cut 30 white & cream tonals from strips

Straight Grain

When printing pattern pieces check to make sure your print settings are set to print at 100 percent and page scaling displays “None”.

Diamond Chain Bed Runner D Cut 2 white & cream tonals from strips Cut 2 reverse white & cream tonals from strips

t igh Stra ain Gr Solar Star Runner A Cut 8 A1 black-with-white print Cut 16 A2 yellow stripe Cut 8 A3 mint-with-white print Cut 8 A4 orange-with-white print

Straight Grain

Straight Grain

When printing pattern pieces check to make sure your print settings are set to print at 100 percent and page scaling displays “None”.

Harlequin Triangle Cut 12 each batiks A, B, C, D & E Cut 24 each batiks F, G & H Cut 48 batik I

Solar Star Runner B Cut 16 B1 red solid Cut 32 B2 beige-with-white print Cut 16 B3 orange-with-white print

When printing pattern pieces check to make sure your print settings are set to print at 100 percent and page scaling displays “None”.

Yellow Stones A Cut 7 yellow tonal (A1) & 18 black tonal (A2)

St

ra ig

ht

Gr ain

When printing pattern pieces check to make sure your print settings are set to print at 100 percent and page scaling displays “None”.

Stormy Weather D Cut 32 navy batik from D strips as per instructions

Str aig

ht

Gra

in

When printing pattern pieces check to make sure your print settings are set to print at 100 percent and page scaling displays “None”.

Dramatic Diamonds Trimming Template Use black lines for A and red lines for B

Diamond quilts don't have to be difficult to be stunning. Dazzling Diamond Quilts will give you options for making those diamonds with ease in both classic, traditional settings and more contemporary pattern styles. Whatever style you prefer— we have it covered.