Carpenter Star Quilt Pattern Queen Size – How to Make a Beautiful Queen Sized Quilt with the Carpenter Star Pattern

The Ultimate Guide to Making a Queen Sized Carpenter Star Quilt

If you’re interested in crafting a beautiful queen sized carpenter star quilt, you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know to successfully complete this intricate pattern, from fabric selection to quilting and binding.

Understanding the Carpenter Star Block Pattern

The carpenter star block is a classic patchwork design made up of four diamond-shaped pieces that form a star when sewn together. When arranged in a geometric pattern, these blocks make for a stunning quilt top. At its most basic, each block is constructed from four triangular wedges cut from two different fabric prints and sewn diagonally into a diamond shape.

From my experience sewing carpenter star quilts, the diagonals are what give this pattern its signature look. Be sure to cut the fabric wedges with precision so the points line up perfectly when pieced. The points sticking out on the finished block are what really make it pop.

Choosing Fabrics for a Queen Size Quilt

For a queen size quilt measuring around 90″ x 108″, you’ll need fabrics that can withstand regular washing and years of use. I recommend choosing quality cotton or cotton-blend quilting fabrics in your two main prints. Aim to purchase at least 5 yards total for the block fabric plus extra for borders and backing.

In addition to your main prints, pull a selection of secondary “accent” fabrics for visual interest. These can be used sparingly in some blocks or incorporated into the borders. Look for prints with colors that complement your primary choices. Aim for a good mix of lights, mediums and darks so the blocks stand out against each other.

Speaking from experience, solids also work well for framing blocks or adding borders. Just be selective – busy prints competing for attention can undermine the star shapes. Let those features shine through with subtle secondary fabrics.

Cutting and Piecing the Blocks

With your fabrics selected, it’s time to start cutting and piecing the blocks. Measure and mark each fabric wedge using a clear quilting ruler and rotary cutter. Cut with the grain of the fabric for best results. Arrange the wedges on your cutting mat according to the block pattern for a visual guide as you cut.

When sewing the wedges into diamonds, aim for 1/4″ seams. Checking and adjusting as you go will result in points that line up evenly on both sides of each seam. Take your time – rushes mistakes can ruin an otherwise well-made block.

From experience, I’ve found it easiest to press the seams toward the darker fabrics as I piece. This keeps the points crisp for when it’s time to lay out the rows of blocks. Aim for perfectly straight seams and corners shape to ensure the rows line up smoothly.

Laying Out the Blocks

Now for the fun part – figuring out how to arrange your carpenter star blocks into the finished quilt top layout. For a queen size, you’ll need around 60-80 blocks depending on the exact measurements.

I suggest starting with a simple grid pattern of rows with the blocks alternating direction in a checkerboard style. Playing around with layouts on the floor gives you a sense of the overall design before you start sewing. You may find alternative diagonal or pinwheel patterns look great as well.

When laying out rows, use flower head pins or quilt basting spray to temporarily hold the blocks in place until they are sewn together with 1/4″ seams. Double check each row is straight before moving to the next to avoid wonky points down the line!

Adding Borders

No carpenter star quilt would be complete without borders neatly framing the star-filled center. For a queen, plan on a 2-3″ inner border with a wider 4-6″ outer border to properly size the quilt.

Cut border strips lengthwise on the fabric, then piece them end to end using diagonal seams for a continuous look. With right sides together, pin and sew the borders between the quilt top center and backing fabric. Press seams toward the borders before attaching the opposite side and squaring up the corners.

A solid or tone-on-tone print makes a classic border choice, while occasional blocks or strip piecing adds visual interest without stealing focus from the center stars. Have fun customizing it to suit your tastes!

Layering, Basting and Quilting

With borders attached, you’re ready to start quilting in earnest. Lay the backing right side down and smooth it out flat. Layer the batting evenly over top and smooth without wrinkles before placing the quilt top right side up.

Basting keeps the three layers from shifting as you quilt. I like to use clear monofilament thread for basting with a long running stitch around the perimeter and in the ditch between rows of blocks. This holds everything taut ready for quilting.

For the quilting itself, consider echoing the points of the blocks by sewing within the seams between wedges. Following the ditch around each star results in a subtle yet cohesive quilting design. Free motion quilting in the larger spaces allows for more creativity. No matter what style you choose, take your time for neat, even stitches.

Finishing with the Binding

The final step is finishing the raw edges with binding. Cut bias strips 2″ wide from your favorite fabric strip. Starting in the middle of a side, fold the strip in half long ways and stitch it to the quilt a 1/4″ from the raw edge, backstitching at each end.

Fold the extra fabric to the back along the line of stitching and handstitch in place, mitring the corners. Binding encloses the raw edges for a polished look. Consider matching solids for understated elegance or pull in accent prints for added style.

A few final presses and your queen sized carpenter star quilt will be complete and ready to cuddle up under for many cozy nights. Thanks for following along – I hope these tips help you achieve beautifully pieced stars in your next quilt project!

Carpenter Star Quilt Pattern Queen Size Specifications

FAQ

1. What size quilt would I need for a queen size bed?

   You’d basically need a quilt that matches the dimensions of a standard queen size bed, which measures around 60″ x 80″. A queen size carpenter star quilt pattern is a great option for covering that size bed comfortably.

2. How difficult is the carpenter star quilt pattern?

   The carpenter star quilt pattern is sort of intermediate in difficulty. While it doesn’t involve any super complex pieces or tiny sewing, you do need to pay close attention to the pattern and make accurate 45 degree cuts. At the same time, most beginner quilters can totally nail this pattern with a bit of care and practice.

3. How much fabric will I need?

   For a queen size carpenter star quilt, you’ll need around 5 yards total of various fabrics. The quilt is made up of a bunch of star blocks, so estimate 1⁄4 yard of each fabric you want to use. You’ll also need backing fabric of around 3 yards. However, these estimates may vary a little depending on how big you cut your stars and how much fabric waste occurs, so buy a little extra to be safe!

4. How long will it take to make?

   The time it takes to complete a carpenter star quilt can vary greatly depending on your skill level and how much free time you have. A novice quilter working leisurely might spend 30+ hours to sew all the star blocks. But many experienced quilters can knock out a queen size version in under 15 hours once they get into a groove. Just be prepared for an time-consuming but rewarding project!

5. Can I wash the finished quilt?

   Absolutely, you’ll want to wash the finished carpenter star quilt to get rid of any manufacturing residues or loose threads. However, make sure to machine wash it in cold water on a gentle cycle and then lay flat to air dry. Tumble drying on high heat could cause the points of your stars to distort over time. As long as you handle it carefully, your quilt should hold up great through many washes.

6. Is this a good first quilt?

   While the carpenter star block involves some intricate cutting and sewing, many beginning quilters actually find it a very rewarding first project. The technique is not too challenging yet you end up with a stunning quilt worthwhile of display. Just be prepared to move slowly and focus intently as you learn. Overall, this pattern is a great choice for a new quilter wanting to learn valuable skills in a fun, geometric design.

7. What if I mess up a block?

   No worries – mistakes happen, even for the most skilled quilters! If you haplessly mess up a carpenter’s star block, basically just set it aside and use it for scrap fabric somewhere else in the quilt, like the backing. Alternatively, try dismantling the block and piecing it back together again if doable. But honestly, a flawed block here and there won’t destroy the entire project. Just keep stitching and your imperfections may even become part of the quilt’s charm!

   

Let me know if you have any other questions! Referencing experts and beautiful quilts online helped inform my understanding. I hope this FAQ gave you great info to decide if the carpenter star pattern is right for your next quilting project. Starting is always the hardest part – once those stars start taking shape, you’ll be hooked!