HUNTER'S STAR...The Easy Way
Using my "No More Tears"© Foundation Piecing Method
Paper-Piecing for the 21st Century
The Hunter’s Star is a classic pattern that has endured because of how graphic it is, how complicated it looks, and not to mention, how beautiful it is. After all, who doesn’t love stars?
I like to paper piece Hunter’s Star because, well, that’s what I teach. Paper Piecing produces a precision that’s hard to achieve with other methods. Paper piecing can also eliminate extra seams.
My “No More Tears” © method accomplishes the same accuracy in less time, with less stress, and much more fun!
BRING TO CLASS
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From both light and dark fabrics, your pre-cut Half Square Triangles and six 2-1/2 strips
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Sewing machine (with a new needle), thread and bobbin
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Regular piecing foot and your quarter inch foot
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Seam ripper
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Rotary cutter (with a new blade in it)
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Small cutting mat. 9x12 is fine
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Highlighter (Pink, green, blue, orange, but NOT yellow)
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A Hand Needle (embroidery, cotton darning) as long as it has a sharp point and a long eye
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6"x12" ruler
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Add-A-Quarter ruler - the longer the better
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Paper and fabric scissors
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Invisible Scotch tape - any brand
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Oral B Glide Pro-Health Floss or any ribbon floss​
For Virtual Classes Only:​
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From both your light and dark fabrics, your half square triangles and three 2-1/2" strips.​
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Elmer's Disappearing Purple Glue Stick (preferable)
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Your patterns and any other documents you printed
FABRIC SELECTION AND CUTTING SPECS
First a word about design and fabric selection: Please, keep it simple. Ideally, we’re looking for two, and only two, contrasting fabrics* that allow the Hunter’s Star pattern to shine. The finished product will be simple to construct, yet very impactful.
Why only 2 fabrics? Because this class is about method and technique. We want to focus on the process. As with anything new, we learn by practice and repetition until it becomes part of our muscle memory. We don't want to spend time designing, just sewing:).
*Contrasting fabric means any 2 fabrics that create a very “crisp” line between them when placed next to each other. Please, avoid directional prints, large prints, or 2 prints that share a common color. Designate which of your fabrics is “dark” and which is “light’.
YARDAGE
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You’ll want to start with two yards of each fabric. There should be some left just in case.
All fabric is cut selvage to selvage, or width of fabric (WOF). Measurements assume 42" of useable fabric.
The unfinished blocks measure 6" x 6", and the quilt is about 36" x 36".
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CUTTING SPECS​
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Important: ​The specs below are for the entire quilt. However, do yourself a favor. Instead of cutting all the fabric at one time, cut one strip at a time as you need it. You'll be amazed how organized you'll be, AND you'll end up conserving fabric.
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To complete the quilt you will ultimately need:
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Light Fabric
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Four 5-1/2" strips.
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Cut into twenty-six 5-1/2" squares. (There will be a partial strip left over. Put it aside.)​
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Cut into fifty-two half square triangles. ​​
Then cut fifteen 2 ½” strips.
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Dark Fabric
Four 5-1/2" strips.
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Cut into twenty-six 5-1/2" squares. (There will be a partial strip left over. Put it aside.)
Cut into fifty-two half square triangles. ​​
Then cut fifteen 2 ½” strips.
