I am fairly new to quilting and have only completed about 6 projects so far. I am currently working on The Star of Bethlehem (or broken star whichever you wish to call it) and am having some trouble, possibly a bit more than I should have taken on without more experience. Anyway my problem is this, I have the quilt top all sewn together but the squares that go in between the center star and the outer star do not lay flat. They pucker and I know it is because of the way I had to stretch things when sewing it all together. I guess I was just wondering what if anything I can do to make this better without ripping it all out. Will wetting the quilt and blocking the top prior to quilting help fix my problem or will it shrink back up when I take the pins out? Or any other suggestions. When I lay it out on the floor and stretch each side to make them even the quilt looks good but of course as soon as I let it go it shrinks back up. Sorry no pictures at this time.

can you give us a picture? makes it better to see the problem

I can try to take a picture tonight.

Ya probably a lot of bias stretch.

I have had very good luck with wetting and blocking. I have done it with individual blocks on numerous occassions with outstanding results. I would say try doing it with your quilt top. Just make sure you let it dry all the way before removing the pins. It should keep the blocked shape and not revert back if it isn't too bad.

I am sure you will have good results. Once you do this I would recommend pressing and starching it well so it will not distort in the quilting process. Actually I have read here where some use starch in the blocking process so you could try that as well.

when you layer and quilt, it will help hide these imperfections, especially if you do an all over meander.

You can use old fashioned starch and hot iron. That will help with shrinking the fabric back into shape.

Thanks everyone. I believe I will try the starch and if that doesn't work then blocking or vice versa. Have a great day all!