How to Finish a LeMoyne Star
10-08-2025, 06:57 AM
#1
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2023
Posts: 80
How to Finish a LeMoyne Star
Hello everyone, I'm so excited! I have almost finished 4 LeMoyne star blocks to use as corner blocks for an 1850s reproduction quilt. The blocks need to be blocked, washed, and ironed. Later on, it will need to be quilted.
Since I usually do applique quilts, I don't know how to "finish" the pieced LeMoyne stars. Should I starch them before I add the blocks to the quilt's background fabric? if so, should I starch them on the front side, back side, or both? Any tips for achieving a great finished look?
How would you do any sewing inside the block- on the flowers, white background with the leaves and stems, etc. Stitch-in-the ditch everywhere? Sew an outline edge 1/4" around the shapes?
I really don't know what to do on this. These are just guesses, so any and all help would be greatly appreciated!
Since I usually do applique quilts, I don't know how to "finish" the pieced LeMoyne stars. Should I starch them before I add the blocks to the quilt's background fabric? if so, should I starch them on the front side, back side, or both? Any tips for achieving a great finished look?
How would you do any sewing inside the block- on the flowers, white background with the leaves and stems, etc. Stitch-in-the ditch everywhere? Sew an outline edge 1/4" around the shapes?
I really don't know what to do on this. These are just guesses, so any and all help would be greatly appreciated!
Last edited by LadyAg77; 10-08-2025 at 07:12 AM. Reason: Upload different photo
10-08-2025, 08:40 AM
#2
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Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Peoria, IL -- Midwest Transplant
Posts: 7,293
The block you are showing looks to me more like a version of Carolina Lily or Noonday Lily block.
Choosing quilting designs is another one of my non-super powers
but maybe doing some searches on those block names might lead you to something that works!
Gorgeous project. So far out of what I'm willing to do but I always appreciite the applique!
Choosing quilting designs is another one of my non-super powers
but maybe doing some searches on those block names might lead you to something that works!Gorgeous project. So far out of what I'm willing to do but I always appreciite the applique!
10-08-2025, 09:43 AM
#4
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Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Southeast Georgia, USA
Posts: 9,305
i'd feel most safe waiting until the blocks were attached to the background before starching - very carefully and front only.
those blocks look pretty darned good. (thumbs up)
you don't want to press them out of shape by accident.
ahhh... key word here is "press." (iron moves only up and down) avoid the temptation to iron (moving the iron sideways in one or more directions across the surface.
those blocks look pretty darned good. (thumbs up)
you don't want to press them out of shape by accident.
ahhh... key word here is "press." (iron moves only up and down) avoid the temptation to iron (moving the iron sideways in one or more directions across the surface.
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10-08-2025, 09:55 AM
#5
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2023
Posts: 80
The block you are showing looks to me more like a version of Carolina Lily or Noonday Lily block.
Choosing quilting designs is another one of my non-super powers but maybe doing some searches on those block names might lead you to something that works!
Gorgeous project. So far out of what I'm willing to do but I always appreciite the applique!
Choosing quilting designs is another one of my non-super powers
but maybe doing some searches on those block names might lead you to something that works!Gorgeous project. So far out of what I'm willing to do but I always appreciite the applique!
10-08-2025, 04:45 PM
#6
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2023
Posts: 80
The block you are showing looks to me more like a version of Carolina Lily or Noonday Lily block.
Choosing quilting designs is another one of my non-super powers but maybe doing some searches on those block names might lead you to something that works!
Gorgeous project. So far out of what I'm willing to do but I always appreciite the applique!
Choosing quilting designs is another one of my non-super powers
but maybe doing some searches on those block names might lead you to something that works!Gorgeous project. So far out of what I'm willing to do but I always appreciite the applique!
10-08-2025, 04:47 PM
#8
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2023
Posts: 80
i'd feel most safe waiting until the blocks were attached to the background before starching - very carefully and front only.
those blocks look pretty darned good. (thumbs up)
you don't want to press them out of shape by accident.
ahhh... key word here is "press." (iron moves only up and down) avoid the temptation to iron (moving the iron sideways in one or more directions across the surface.
those blocks look pretty darned good. (thumbs up)
you don't want to press them out of shape by accident.
ahhh... key word here is "press." (iron moves only up and down) avoid the temptation to iron (moving the iron sideways in one or more directions across the surface.
Thank you so much! I was worried about them losing their shape, but I didn't know the best time to press.
