Originally Posted by fireworkslover

If you are making star blocks, another way to avoid having all those sections come together in the middle is make your block a different way. I draw my pattern like a circle within a circle. Cut on one of the spike lines to open the circle. Make sure to add seam allowance to both ends where the paper is cut apart. Roll up the extra paper and secure with a paper clip. Then start adding your fabric sections to the one end, unrolling a bit of paper and reclipping the pattern to keep it out of the way. When you have added all the sections, carefully line up the two ends, sew that last seam and you'll have a complete circle, which should lay flat. You can then applique a circle to the center opening.