Tumbling blocks the iron on way
This shape can be called many names, some of which are named after the block or shape they make when put together with others. When joined into a hexagon they can make a tumbling block pattern. When joined into a star it is a six pointed star or on its own is a 60degree diamond. Here is the method I use to make them – there are other methods, choose which works best for you..
materials: Sewline Glue pen or similar Hugs ‘n Kisses precut EPP iron ons – or printed and cut templates from Hugs ‘n Kisses applique paper. KKB perfect scissors Hugs ‘n Kisses applique needles Superior Bottom line thread. Fuse pre cut (or printed and cut) Iron on template shapes to the wrong side of your chosen fabrics. (fussy cut if you wish) Cut out leaving an approx 1/4” seam allowance.
Run a line of glue along one edge of the paper no wider than the seam allowance. With your thumb or tools fold the seam allowance until you feel the edge of the paper and press down onto the glue. Glue the next edge and repeat the process. Continue around the shape – Note: Glue every diamond in the same order – ie, start at the top point and glue clockwise (or anticlockwise, whatever suits) don't worry about those tails poking out. until the complete shape is glued. layout your pieces into the shape or design you want to join them. For a six pointed star I am making here see how all those tails go in the one direction (thats why we always started at the same point) This means less bulk in that centre join. {lace two shapes right sides together with the edges to be joined exactly together and even. With a Hugs ‘n Kisses applique needle and knotted bottom line blending thread start half way along an edge and run up through the seam allowance to the starting point. (this buries the knot out of the way)
take a stitch through the two corner points – don’t pull too tight or you’ll gather that running stitch. take a second stitch through those two points and before pulling all the way through take the needle through the loop and tighten to form a starter knot. whip stitch along the seam to the next point, again do two stitches through those final two points, the second going through the loop to form a knot. Position your next diamond with the edges and points evenly matching. Start with that double stitch/knot then complete whipping the seam.
This gives you a half star block. Do this twice. Do this twice. Now we are going to join our two halves together along this straight seam. Match the centre points first. Sew from one end (making sure you match the end points) along the straight edge – ease to fit if you haven't been 100% accurate, When you get to the centre take care to take the needle through the two opposite points of the centre diamonds on each. You don’t want a hole in the middle of your star.
You can take an extra stitch if you need to to ensure it is all tightly and accurately together before you continue to the other end. Open and press – tada…. On the back your little tails should be going all in one direction around in a circle – so no double tails to make bulk.. Now you can play and work out how you are going to put them together!! have fun – oh and send me photos please…