The Hunter’s Star quilt is a striking pattern that combines precision and beauty, perfect for both novice and experienced quilters. In this tutorial, we’ll guide you through creating your own Hunter’s Star quilt using the Magic 8 method for half-square triangles (HSTs). Let’s dive into the materials you’ll need and step-by-step instructions to complete this stunning quilt.
Materials
4 yards dark fabric
4 yards light fabric
1 panel quilt backing (82 x 94 inches)
1 panel quilt batting (82 x 94 inches)
340 inches continuous double-fold binding
Thread for piecing and/or machine quilting
Instructions
Cut the Individual Units
The Magic 8 method for half-square triangle units (HST) is ideal for the Hunter’s Star quilt, even for scrappy versions. Each patchwork section requires eight HSTs. This method is straightforward and ensures the fabric’s sturdy straight grain aligns with the outer edges of your HSTs.
Understand the Magic 8 Method: If you’re new to this method or prefer to make oversized units and trim them, make sure you’re familiar with it. Consider sewing a test set by stitching a scant quarter-inch seam on paired fabrics and measuring the results.
Cutting the Squares: Cut 42 light 7 3/4-inch squares and 42 dark 7 3/4-inch squares. Pair each light fabric square with a dark fabric square to produce eight 3 1/2-inch HSTs per pair, resulting in 336 HSTs total.
Sew the Hunter’s Star Quilt
Arrange HSTs: Grab four HSTs and arrange them into two rows (Figure 1, left). Use straight pins to keep seams from shifting. Pay attention to the triangles’ orientation. Sew the units in each row together and press the seam allowances in opposite directions.
Join Rows: Join the rows and press the seam allowance in any direction (Figure 1, middle). The joined HSTs should measure 6 1/2 inches by 6 1/2 inches.
Add Light Squares: Sew a 6 1/2-inch light square to the right-hand side of the HST patchwork (Figure 1, right). Press the seam allowance toward the plain square. Repeat to make 42 rows with light 6 1/2-inch squares.
Tip
Accuracy is crucial. Measure as you go and correct any issues before assembling more blocks.
Make the Figure 2 Patchwork Unit
Arrange and Sew HSTs: Arrange four HST units into two rows (Figure 2, left). Sew the units in each row together and press the seams in opposite directions. Join the rows to form a 6 1/2-inch by 6 1/2-inch patchwork unit (Figure 2, middle).
Add Matching Squares: Sew a matching (or scrappy) 6 1/2-inch square to the left side of the patchwork (Figure 2, right). Press the seam allowance toward the plain square. Make 42 patchwork units in this configuration. Join two rows to make a new block measuring 12 1/2 inches by 12 1/2 inches (Figure 3).
Assemble a Cluster of Four Blocks
Arrange Large Blocks: Gather four 12 1/2-inch square blocks and arrange them into two rows (Figure 4). Sew the two blocks in each row together (Figure 5) and press the seam allowances toward the blocks with darker edges.
Join Rows: Join the two rows and press the seam allowance in any direction (Figure 6). The large quilt block should measure 24 1/2 inches square. Repeat to make a total of nine large quilt blocks. You should have six 12 1/2-inch block sections left.
Sew the Rows to Finish the Quilt
- Assemble Narrow Units: Sew the remaining smaller blocks together in pairs and press towards the dark fabric (Figure 7). Sew three large blocks together side by side and add the narrow unit to the end. Repeat to make two more rows.
- Join the Rows: Press seam allowances in adjoining rows in opposite directions and join the rows. Mark for quilting if necessary.
- Sandwich the Quilt: Layer the quilt top with batting and backing. Quilt the quilt, then trim excess batting and backing, ensuring not to trim the quarter-inch seam allowance around the top.
- Bind the Quilt: Sew double-fold mitered binding around the edges or finish as desired.
Tip
Adding five more 6 1/2-inch by 12 1/2-inch sections will produce three rows of larger blocks, increasing the quilt’s size. Assemble these sections as you did the others for a larger quilt.
📜✨ The pattern is available below in PDF! 📥⬇️
By following these steps, you’ll create a beautiful Hunter’s Star quilt, perfect for cozying up on cool nights or displaying as a stunning piece of art. Happy quilting.
