Deb Tucker hunter's star
 

Hi ladies. Long time lurker here. I recently made a small hunter's star using Deb's ruler. All my seams measured 1/4 inch (a miracle) and I was careful with my pressing. When I went to square up the blocks, none of the seam lines on my diamonds matched up with the diamonds on the template. My pieces were smaller than the ruler. I "split the difference" when squaring up, and the blocks went together pretty well, but I'm wondering if others using Deb's ruler have had this happen. I want to make a larger quilt and would like my blocks to come out right without having to adjust the alignment of each block and hope for the best, or try for that ever-elusive "scant" 1/4 inch seam.

I can't speak to Deb's ruler. I do know I stopped having this sort of problem when I realized that a "scant" 1/4" is measured from the hairy edge of the fabric, which is a couple of threads over from where I thought it should be.

I just am finishing up a hunter's star quilt and found the same thing. I know I was accurate on my seams, and many of the center squares miss the mark on the ruler. However, when assembled, it doesn't appear to make a difference since nothing is matched up with the center squares. Since you trim down the block to the size of the ruler, the blocks go together like a charm.

I had some problems getting my stars to line up properly too. I used Deb's ruler. I think it was a combo of a few things - my seam allowance, and I didn't starch my fabric. Usually I starch any fabric that's going to be used in precise piecing.

I just made a runner and table topper using her template, mine didnt line up either but I had plenty to trim off to square them up....are you sure you are squaring them to the proper size block, I actually had over a 1/4 inch on all sides to trim... all my stars did match up tho!

I just bought her ruler but haven't used it yet. I am glad to read this thread. I'll do a practice star and check the size before I start chain piecing. Thanks.

I try to avoid any pattern that has to be so precise. I just don't have that much patience. Try as I might, things don't usually come out as they should.
Welcome from outside St. Louis.

I love that ruler and I've made 3 hunter's star quilts using it. I had plenty to trim to square up. Check your lines carefully!

I'm glad to know it's not just me. My block was plenty big enough to square up, it was just the inside seams (the diamond) that didn't match up with the lines on the ruler. I'll starch and move my needle slightly before I start my big project.

This post was intriguing enough to send me into members, tutorials, etc. trying to figure out more about using the ruler. Talk about a wild goose chase! What a duh moment. Today started fresh and googled Deb Turner and found all the answers. Also decided this was information I might want to refer back to so had to delete it from my subscriptions folder then resubscribe to place it in my Stars folder. I think I do everything the hard way!!

Oops -- meant to say I googled Deb Tucker!

I took a class using the Deb Tucker ruler. I have not finished the quilt yet but so far all the squares match up. I am loving the look and can't wait to get it finished.

I am just working on a Hunter's Star using her ruler & have had no problems with it. When it comes to squaring up, are you sure you are putting the ruler on the block matching the correct spots on the ruler? You put the diagonal line on your diagonal line but also with the 6" point (if you are making a 6" block) on the one point of the trapezoid. You match those points + matching the diagonal line & it should match up. This is difficult to explain without showing a picture but if you watch her video it is a very good video. Hopefully this will help. I love the Hunter's Star & I am told you can do it without the ruler but I really find the ruler a good method.

If you all have to make all these adjustments what good is the ruler? Glad I don't have one. I make enough of a mess all by myself, I don't need outside help! LOL

I have used Deb's ruler and did not find this problem.

Haven't tried that one yet.

I have all her rulers and love them. I've made 3 or 4 Hunter's Star quilts - 2 color, 3 color and a scrappy one. Sometimes I have to split the difference on the blades , but when the whole star goes together and matches with another star, they are generally right on the money! Even if it is off a teensy bit, I've found that it goes together music easier and quicker than any other Hunter Star method I've used.

I have used the Hunter's Star with great success - but I have taken a class from her and reviewed videos. She is a fun and encouraging teacher!

Hunter's Stars
 

No photos from any of you!! Would love to see your photos!

Don't you hate when that happens? Makes me crazy. LOL

thanks for all the responses. My problem lies not with the overall size of my block prior to trimming/squaring up, the problem is the inside part (the trapezoid/star area). I cut my strips correctly, I had my accurate 1/4 inch seam and, darn it, I want my seams to match up with the template and they don't. My trapezoid/star part of the block is smaller than the template - it's not as long nor as wide. My sister would tell me I'm being way too picky, and my sister is quite often correct (though I will deny ever saying that). Picture attached (haven't sewn the binding down yet).


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The best hunter star block is in the Sharon Hultgren book. she also has rulers that work with her books You cut the patches and sew them and they are perfect...I have her five books and the rulers and most of her blocks are traditional and all come out perfect. Here rulers can be used all by themselves too.

Maybe you were supposed to use a "scant" 1/4" seam ?? I don't know but your quilt sure looks good to me. So what if your trapezoid is smaller than the rulers - if things match up, isn't that the main objective. That is a very pretty quilt. Enjoy it - don't dwell on the negative (if any ???) bask in the positive !

hi,
I love her rulers!, Deb will tell you they come out a little oversized and your supposed to use the ruler to square them up and trim to size.

I love her rulers also. I'm hoping they will make a larger Square Squared. Like maybe for 7 - 12 inch blocks. I'd like to take a class with her. Where do you find out about them?

Deb Tucker's hunter star block
 

Ladies, I have been wanting to make this quilt for years and I'm getting discouraged reading your posts. Has anyone had the seams match up?

I have made one block to test the ruler...it came out perfect. I usually have problems matching seams and my blocks are usually not as accurate as I would like. I am so happy that I found this ruler. After finishing a couple of small UFO's I am going to make a queen size Hunter's Star quilt using this ruler. My block is posted here as " Hunter's Star"

I just watched a you tube video of hers and she stated that she cuts a touch more than required becasue it is easier to sqaure up. You can extra but not get back something that was cut or sewn to small.

I just finished a Deb Tucker Hunter's Star wall hanging. It was a class taught at my LQS; the teacher told the class that she had problems getting "perfect" blocks and had us cut the strips for the star points and trapezoids slightly wider (1/4 inch) so we had room to cut the finished blocks down. It worked out great :)

I have this ruler and have only made one block so far because I am trying to finish WIP's before starting something new.
I am happy to say that my block was a dream to make and everything matched perfectly. Maybe it was a fluke but I love this ruler.