Hi, I am trying to make the Blazing Star block and can not get it to work out. http://www.mccallsquilting.com/qb/pa...00/index1.html
I have tried everything to make the center to match and it does not match. Does anyone know how to make the star and an easier way?

Thanks so much!

Check to make sure you have 45^ (degree) parallelagrams.

Thank you I will check them.

Also, be sure that your fabric is starched heavily. With all those bias edges, the starch will really help.

Just started heeding this lesson....cant believe I took so long. Works like a charm

I have done 1 blazing star block I do love the pattern and had to try it..I got the same instructions you have.. The 1/4 inch is super important on this pattern. I am posting pic. to show you what I mean.. Look closely at the TOP HALF of the star it is done right..I was using my computer machine with a snail speed was late at night and couldn't wait.. changed the speed of machine to faster and that was done on the bottom half... My advise is make sure of you 1/4 inch seam and sew very slowly..as I did on the top half and didn't on the bottom. :roll: It made a cap and the seams should all meet :x :x But I saved this one pinned it on my designe wall to show me not to get in a big hurry... Good Luck.. This Block and the kalidascope is going to be 2 quilts I am making for myself.. Haven't been in sewing room for abt. 2 months. Sometimes life gets in the way of things you want to do... :D :D :D BillsBonBon

I think it looks great! I will give it a try, if I could get mine to look like yours I would be very happy! Thanks for sharing!

I haven't made this pattern but have made LeMoyne stars which uses the same construction of the 8 vanes. But first, instead of cutting all those diamonds, you could strip piece and cut slices on the angle needed, then sew the slices together for each vane.....perhaps trimming after to achieve the correct size & angle.

Sew 2 vanes together four times. Press seams all in the same direction. Sew 2 sets of two together and press seams in the same direction.

Then, as you've found, the true test is the last seam....make sure your centers line up. I found it easier to start stitching in the middle and go out to the edge....or baste the middle by hand to hold it in place when you're sewing with the machine. Go slow over that middle seam.....there's a lot of fabric!!

Gotta run! Good luck!