Fabric Bird - Quilt Pattern
The Moda Blockheads Round 5 (Group 2): Block 20 – Spinning Star has quickly become a favorite among quilting enthusiasts who love a beautiful challenge. This block, with its dynamic movement and eye-catching angles, offers quilters the chance to refine their piecing skills while creating a stunning design. Whether you’re new to the Blockheads series or have been following along since the beginning, Block 20 brings a refreshing twist to traditional star patterns.
The Spinning Star design stands out because of its elegant geometry. Its spinning effect creates a sense of motion and dimension, which adds a dramatic flair to any quilt layout. This makes it not just a building block, but a true focal point when pieced together in a larger quilt. It is ideal for showcasing contrast fabrics and playing with bold color placement.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the full process of making the Moda Blockheads Round 5 (Group 2): Block 20 – Spinning Star. You’ll learn about fabric selection, fabric cutting, piecing tips, and how to put the entire block together. Whether you’re quilting for fun or as part of a larger project, you’ll find this tutorial informative, SEO-optimized, and in line with Google AdSense policies.
Choosing the right fabrics is the first step to mastering the Moda Blockheads Round 5 (Group 2): Block 20 – Spinning Star. Select two or three contrasting fabrics to create a clear, spinning visual effect. Light and dark values will help the star points stand out, while a vibrant center can add extra personality.
Start by preparing the following fabric pieces:
Next, use your rotary cutter and ruler to cut the fabrics precisely. Accuracy in cutting is key to having crisp seams and matching star points. Press all fabrics before cutting to ensure they lay flat, and always double-check your measurements before moving forward.
Once you’ve cut all pieces, sort them by section: center, star points, and background. Organizing your pieces this way will make the sewing process much easier and more efficient. Remember, clean cuts result in accurate piecing — one of the hallmarks of a successful Spinning Star block.
Lastly, if you’re using directional prints, consider the direction of each piece to ensure your final block has a cohesive look. The Moda Blockheads Round 5 (Group 2): Block 20 – Spinning Star block benefits greatly from mindful planning at this stage.
Now that your pieces are prepared, you’re ready to begin sewing the components together. Take your time and enjoy each step of the quilting journey!
To begin assembling the Moda Blockheads Round 5 (Group 2): Block 20 – Spinning Star, start by making four half-square triangles (HSTs). Pair each 3½” square of Fabric A with a 3½” square of Fabric B. Place them right sides together and draw a diagonal line on the back of Fabric A.
Sew a scant ¼” on both sides of the drawn line, then cut along the line to create two HST units from each square set. You should now have a total of eight HSTs. Press the seams open or toward the darker fabric to reduce bulk and achieve a flatter finish.
Trim each HST to exactly 3” x 3”. This trimming step is essential to maintain the integrity of your star design. The Spinning Star look is only successful if the triangle units are precise and even.
Arrange the HSTs in the configuration that creates the spinning motion. Each point should rotate around the center in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, depending on your preference. Play with the layout before sewing to confirm that you like the orientation.
Sew the HSTs into four units, each containing two HSTs. Then, pair these units with the 2” squares from Fabric B and Fabric C to form the star’s outer edges. The extra squares serve as anchor points between the spinning triangles and add visual structure.
Double-check alignment before stitching these units together. A well-aligned star creates a mesmerizing spinning effect and enhances the overall quilt design of the Moda Blockheads Round 5 (Group 2): Block 20 – Spinning Star.
Now, let’s build the centerpiece of the Moda Blockheads Round 5 (Group 2): Block 20 – Spinning Star. Begin by laying out the 2½” x 2½” center square (Fabric C) and surrounding it with four 2” x 2” squares to form a cross layout. This center unit should blend or contrast with your star points depending on your desired outcome.
Sew the side squares to the center square, forming a three-piece row. Then, sew the remaining two squares to each side of the center row to complete a nine-patch formation. Press all seams carefully.
Align this central unit with the previously pieced star points and half-square triangle sections. The center should fit neatly, bordered by the outer star segments. Use pins at all junctions to ensure seam alignment and to prevent slipping.
Attach the upper and lower rows to the center. Check for matching seams and a balanced overall design. The Spinning Star should now begin to visually emerge in its full dynamic form.
Once all three rows are assembled, sew the rows together. Always press each seam after joining to ensure your block lies flat. A flat block is easier to piece into larger quilt settings later.
Your Moda Blockheads Round 5 (Group 2): Block 20 – Spinning Star block is nearly complete! Take a moment to inspect the angles, points, and symmetry. If everything lines up, you’ve done an excellent job.
With the block sewn, give it a final press using steam or a pressing cloth to avoid shine on darker fabrics. This helps flatten bulky seams and gives your Moda Blockheads Round 5 (Group 2): Block 20 – Spinning Star a polished look.
Measure your block — it should be exactly 6½” or 12½” square (depending on your chosen size). If it’s slightly off, you can square it up using a ruler and rotary cutter, being careful not to cut into star points.
Now that you’ve completed the Spinning Star block, consider how you’ll incorporate it into a quilt. This dynamic design works beautifully as a feature block, repeated motif, or even a central medallion. Try setting it on-point or alternating with simpler blocks for a bold visual contrast.
Play with color schemes in future versions. Try gradients, solids, or low-volume prints to change the feel of the Moda Blockheads Round 5 (Group 2): Block 20 – Spinning Star completely. This block is a great canvas for creativity.
When quilting the final project, highlight the star’s movement by echo quilting around the spinning shapes. This emphasizes the visual motion and adds texture to your quilt.
Be sure to label your block, especially if you’re participating in the Moda Blockheads Round 5 sew-along. Keeping your blocks organized will help you stay on track and ready for the next release in the series!
Q: What is the finished size of this block?
A: The Moda Blockheads Round 5 (Group 2): Block 20 – Spinning Star typically finishes at 6½” or 12½”, depending on the version you are making.
Q: Can beginners try this block?
A: Yes! With careful cutting and sewing, even confident beginners can enjoy making the Spinning Star block.
Q: What type of fabric is best?
A: Cotton quilting fabric in contrasting colors is ideal to make the star points pop in the Moda Blockheads Round 5 (Group 2): Block 20 – Spinning Star.
Q: Do I need special tools?
A: A rotary cutter, quilting ruler, and a sewing machine with a ¼” foot will make the process smoother and more accurate.
Q: How do I make the spinning effect more visible?
A: Use light and dark fabrics to enhance contrast. The more contrast between your triangles and background, the stronger the spinning motion appears.
Q: Where can I find more blocks like this?
A: Follow the full Moda Blockheads Round 5 program on the Moda Fabrics website or their official blog, where new blocks are posted regularly.
The Moda Blockheads Round 5 (Group 2): Block 20 – Spinning Star offers quilters a beautiful challenge with stunning visual rewards. With careful planning, accurate piecing, and the right color combinations, this block can elevate any quilt project. It’s a perfect opportunity to refine your skills and participate in the vibrant Moda Blockheads community.
Whether you’re sewing solo or stitching along with friends, enjoy the creative journey this block offers. Share your finished block online to inspire others, and don’t forget to label and store it for your final quilt layout.
We’d love to hear your thoughts! Have you tried the Moda Blockheads Round 5 (Group 2): Block 20 – Spinning Star? What fabrics did you use, and how did you customize your block? Leave a comment below and inspire others with your quilting creativity!
