Hexagon Star Flower – No ‘Y’ Seams tutorial

Finished Size : 8″ x 9 1/2 “

5″ sided hexagon

The hexagon star flower block has always been one of my favourites. Traditionally pieced with ‘Y’ seams it can be challenging block to make.

Recently, I had the opportunity to demo the Jaybird Quilts rulers. Jaybird has a wonderful collection of patterns that accompany the rulers but I wondered if I could cut and piece some of my favourite blocks that used shapes that had 60 degree angles or part therefore of – equilateral triangles, hexagons, half hexagons and jewels.

To make the block

Requirements:

(F8 and FQ friendly. Many blocks can be made from a bundle of these pre-cuts.)

1 – 1 1/2″ x 22″ strip for centre
2 – 2 1/2″ x 22″ strips of different fabrics for setting triangles
1 – 3 1/2″ x 22″ for star points

Cutting:

Each segment is made from setting triangles, a jewel and centre triangle. There are 6 segments.

I used the following markings on the mini ruler.

Setting Diamonds

Using the Mini Hex n More ruler cut:

6 equilateral triangles from each 2 1/2″ strips. There is no marking on the ruler to cut at the 2 1/2″ mark so I placed 1/4″ tape under the dashed line. I left the overhanging ‘rabbit ears’ when cutting.

Flip the ruler to make the next cut.

You should have a total of 12 equilateral triangles – 6 of each fabric.

Centre

Cut from the 1 1/2″ strip:

6 equilateral triangles.

Star Points

Cut from the 3 1/2″ strip:

6 jewels. I fussy cut these pieces. I placed the ruler over the desired pattern repeat and cut a 3 1/2″ strip, centring the feature pattern ( Tour Eiffel ).

Assembly

Sew a centre triangle to the base of a jewel. There should be 1/4″ overhang at each end.

Press open seam. Make 6.

Add a setting triangle to one side of each jewel. There will be a 1/4″ overhang on each side of the piece.

Press seam open and remove ‘rabbit ears’. Make 6.

Repeat for other side. Make 6.

Arrange finished units into 3 segments to make a 1/2 hexagon.
Sew together, matching seams at intersecting points.

Sew the 2 halves together.

I might continue using different fabrics and make a quilt. To make the assembly of a quilt top easier, I would leave the block unfinished in 2 halves, so I could join the rows without using ‘Y’ seams.

I would love to see blocks made with this method and ruler. Use #miniHexnMore on social media.