This page will help you decide which piecing approach to use when making your personalised star quilt. We think you’ll make a decision based on your quilt making experience and possibly the size of quilt you are looking to make. You’ll find a basic explanation of the different techniques below along with some useful additional information about each pattern.
Machine piecing involves cutting and aligning fabrics that you sew together with your machine. Accurate cutting means your fabrics will align well and your blocks will come together nicely.
All you need for machine piecing is a domestic sewing machine, rotary cutter, sewing ruler, cutting mat and some glorious fabrics to get started.
Reulanch (‘Abounding with stars’) is a machine piecing pattern. It involves y-seams joining three fabrics together in the shape of a ‘Y’. Not into y-seams? No problem! When you purchase the machine piecing pattern you will also receive a PDF with instructions on how to construct your pattern without y-seams so you can choose whether to make your quilt with y-seams or without. You’ll also have access to a video tutorial showing you how to construct your blocks without y-seams. This is a great pattern if you’re wanting to try y-seams in a quilt but with a safety net just in case!
The Reulanach pattern includes instructions for making 4 quilt sizes: 48” x 64” (Throw), 80” x 88” (Double), 88” x 88” (Queen) and 112” x 112” (King). This pattern brings together Lone, Le Moyne, and Half Square Triangle stars.
Foundation paper piecing involves stitching directly on to a paper template. The beauty of foundation paper piecing is that you can easily and accurately piece more intricate designs than are possible with machine piecing. The technique is fast to put blocks together. Once constructed, you remove the stabilising paper. This can take a bit of time but with a pair of tweezers and a cup of tea is a wonderful opportunity to practice some mindfulness.
Reul-iùil (‘Guiding star’) is a foundation paper piecing pattern. If you’re new to quilt making it’s probably the best starting point. When you purchase the Reul-iùil pattern you’ll have access to a tutorial video showing you how to piece each block.
The Reul-iùil pattern includes instructions for making 4 quilt sizes: 42” x 48” (Baby), 72” x 84” (Twin), 84” x 90” (Double), 90” x 90” (Queen). This pattern brings together a 5 Point, Geometric and Swirling stars.
We hope this page helps you make that first decision about which pattern to choose. Any other questions, do get in touch!