Carol B

I need help please. I am attempting to do my first stars quilt. It comprises of 8 star points, each which is made up of 9 diamonds and once joined are supposed to match up exactly in the centre of the main star. Well it doesn't matter how careful I am when I iron or how precise I am with each seam I just cant get the centre points to all join up and match. AGH!!!!!!!!! I have made 3 whole stars and one is such a mess that I nearly gave up there and then. I am a fairly new quilter and maybe I should stick to the more simple quilt tops at the moment, but I really did think that I would be able to do it!! Is there anyone out there who has had the same problem and can tell me what in the heck I need to do. i can't afford to throw it away and that's just what I feel like doing at the moment!!! :oops:

Cyn

Is there a way to paper piece it? I have never done something like this. Good Luck!

mmonohon

Do a mock up on paper to see if the 1/4 inch needs to be more or less or if swirling the seams can help.

Up North

Send us a Picture so we can be of more help.

amma

Can we see a link to the pattern?
When working with diamonds, I starch the fabric really stiff. You are working with a lot of bias, and if it stretches you will have difficulty lining those diamonds up :D:D:D

Jim

I too starch bias eadges heavy...points seem to everyone nightmare if they dont meet

Quiltforme

Dont' iron until you are done. The iron can warp your pieces and then you have an issue.

JCquilts

Try putting a small mark where the 1/4 inch seam allowance crasses at the point. Then when you are peicing the diamonds together, stop the seam at the mark instead of sewing to the end of the fabric. When you press, press all seams in the same direction. Be sure to use pins on this one.

Carol B

After reading the replys on this site I went home locked myself in my sewing room and told myself ... You can do this... Well lo and behold I actually got the last of the 4 stars to all come together. I did starch the diamonds and that was a great tip. Thanks to you all for giving a frustrated Aussie some very useful help. I will post a picture when I have the top finished. Once again thanks all :lol:

pocoellie

Actually, you don't want to "iron", you want to "press". Glad you got the problem solved. Definitely, starch.