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frienship star quilt block tutorial

By Hatun Comak → Saturday, November 28, 2020

The friendship star is another perfect quilt block for beginners. It is really simple and quick to make with half square triangles (HSTs). It is not only simple but also looks cute. I like how it looks and I'm sure you'll love yours, too.

In order to make a single friendship star quilt block, you need three squares of fabric measuring 10"x 10". It looks great with contrasting fabric. I preferred red and white fabric here. The finished size is 12"×12".

Cutting instructions

Cut four 4 1/2"×4 1/2" red squares. These are for the corners
Cut two 4 7/8"×4 7/8" red squares. These are for making HSTs.
Cut one 4 1/2"×4 1/2" square. This is for the center.
Cut two 4 7/8"×4 7/8" squares. These are for HSTs.

Below is a cutting chart for blocks in different size.

Making half-square triangles (HSTs)

Take one light and one dark fabric square. Draw a diagonal line on dark fabric square.
Place the two fabric squares right sides together.
Sew along the both sides of the line with 1/4" seam allowance.
Cut along the drawn line with rotary cutter.

Press seams through dark fabric and trim the block to 4 1/2".

With this method of making HSTs, you get two HSTs, so you need to make another two half square triangles. If yoy need a more detailed tutorial for making half square triangles, it is HERE.

Assembly of the friendship star quilt block

Arrange your squares and HSTs as in the image below.

First sew the squares in rows with 1/4" seam allowance. Press the seams in the same direction.

Join the rows together. Press the seams and then press the completed block and trim it down to 12.5". And it is completed.

I love the simplicity of this block. It comes with many options. You can use friendship star quilt block to make an entire quilt, a cushion or table runner. Start making the quilt block and let your imagination decide the next step.

Enjot it!

Half -square triangles are used in many many ways to make quilt blocks. They are simple but you can make many different quilt blocks using them. If you like HST blocks, you might also like these:

Labyrinth quilt block

Carpenter's star quilt block

christmas sewing

10 easy christmas gifts to sew

By Hatun Comak → Wednesday, November 18, 2020

It is nearly the end of November and it is time to start thinking about and making Christmas presents.Here I have a list of easy sewing ideas you can make yourself. They have step by step easy to follow tutorials. These are relatively simple projects and do not take much time. Some of these are my tutorials and some are others which are also tried. A gift that you have made with your own hands is much more precious than a bought one. When you give effort and time for a gift, it makes the gift special. I'm sure these christmas gift ideas won't disappoint your fiends or family.

Hope you find the inspiration here.

Here we go!

Easy Stocking Tutorial by Amy Smart

Christmas stockings are perfect for decoration. The color choices are also cute and adding some candies in the stockings will make kids happy.

Zippered Pouch

Zippered pouches are good for everyone. Everybody needs them for any reason. So they are guaranteed to be liked.

DIY Fabric Bookmark

Fabric bookmarks are easy and quick to make. They are also great to use your scraps. You all need some leftovers of Christmas fabrics. Bookworms will love these fabric bookmarks.

Twisted Hexagon Coaster

With some pieces of Christmas fabrics and english paper piecing method, you get these twisted hexagon coasters. Aren't they lovely?

Folded Star Potholder

This may look complicated but it has a simple technique.You can amaze your friends or family with this nice folded star potholder.

Hexagon Pincushion

Christmas Tree Pom Pom Pillow by Onsuttonplace

This pillow looks so cute and absolutely on my to-do list. After making pom poms, it is not much work.

Santa Apron by Crazy Little Projects

Reading Cushion by Sewingdirectory

This reading cushion has a pocket on the front to put a book into. How about giving this reading cushion with a book as a coordinating gift? This may encourage the kids to read more!

Hexagon Fabric Tray by Aspoonfulofsugar

Hexagons are always popular and I like to see how differently they are used. This mini hexagon fabric tray is also cute.

Here I collected some sewing ideas for Christmas that is proper to be gifted. Hope you find someting suitable for you.

10+ Free Christmas Quilt Patterns

8 Christmas Fabric Ornament Tutorials

hexagon quilts

folded hexagon star tutorial

By Hatun Comak → Friday, November 13, 2020

I'm here with a pattern that I have wanted to make for a long time. Folded hexagon star is made from folded hexagons, which is pretty easy. It also looks gorgeous and it is versatile, you can make it anything with it, whatever you choose. A single folded hexagon star can be used as a coaster, adding more folded hexagon stars you can turn it into a table topper or runner. This is actually what I am planning to do. I stitched ten of folded hexagon star pieces together and by adding more, I will make it a table runner.

I also prepared a step-by-step tutorial for you. I'm sure you will want to make one for yourself. At least you will give it a try.

Below you will find the instructions for making folded hexagon star without batting. The hexagon stars can be made in any size.

Instructions for folded hexagon tutorial

Choose the size you want to make your folded hexagon stars. I preferred 5 inch hexagons. If you don't have the templates for 5 inch hexagons, you can download it HERE.

Using your hexagon template, cut two hexagons from two different fabrics.

Right sides together, sew all around the hexagon, use 1/4" seam allowance. But you should leave around 1" opening for turning. Clip the exess pieces and corners also.

Turn the right side and poke out the corners. You can use a pencil to obtain sharp corners. Press with iron.

Find the midpoint of each edge simply by folding it in half and mark the midpoints. I used pins for that.

One by one fold each corner. We will be making isosceles triangle. While folding, measure the height of each folded triangle, so that they can be the same.

Press each triangle and pin to hold in place.Then, remove the midpoint pins.

Sew through the triangles. Topstitch as close to the star as possible. Do the same for all triangles.

Press with iron and one folded hexagon star's already finished.

The next step is sewing the folded hexagons together. Take two folded hexagon stars and handstitch them together from one edge.

You add as many pieces as you want. This hasn't finished yet but planned to be a table topper.

You add as many pieces of folded hexagon stars as you want depending on your project. Mine is going to be a table runner, so it needs more pieces.

I enjoyed the process of making folded hexagon stars. You should absolutely give it a try.

zipper pouch

sashiko denim zipper pouch

By Hatun Comak → Wednesday, November 4, 2020

Denim zipper pouch from recycled jeans with sashiko style.

The pouch is made with recyled pieces of denim, adorned with sashiko stitching. This pouch is versatile; you can use it as a pencilcase, make up bag or for some other storage ideas.

I like using jeans for bags and pouches. They are not only durable but also stylish. Adding sashiko stitching is bonus. Here is how I make this sashiko denim zipper pouch.

I cut two pieces of denim fabric from old jeans. On one piece I draw the lines with a ruler. These will be guiding lines. I added a little square in the center and pinned it.

I started stitching sashiko.Below is the result. Sashiko is a form of decorative stitching from Japan which started out of need in 1600s.

Then comes the sewing part of the zipper pouch. A detailed tutorial is here to show you how to make a zipper pouch.

This sashiko zipper pouch is finished and already gifted to a friend. Zipper pouches are perfect for gifts. They are easy, quick to make and with some sashiko stitching, it turns to a unique item.

Enjoy it!