The Double Aster Quilt Block is a gorgeous floral-inspired block that brings elegance and charm to any quilt.
With its layered, petal-like design, it’s a perfect addition to any quilt pattern, especially those with a nature or garden theme.
In this tutorial, we’ll guide you through every step of creating the Double Aster Quilt Block, covering everything from fabric selection to precise cutting, sewing, and assembling. Let’s dive into creating this beautiful block that will enhance your quilt patterns!
Choosing Fabric for Your Double Aster Quilt Block
Fabric choice is crucial when creating the Double Aster Quilt Block. The layered petal shapes in this design look best when there is a strong contrast between the colors or prints, helping each “layer” stand out and creating a more dynamic visual effect.
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- Main Petal Fabric: Select a bold or colorful fabric for the petals of the double aster flower. Dark or vibrant colors work well as they give depth and dimension to the flower shape. You could opt for a rich purple or deep red for a traditional floral look.
- Secondary Petal Fabric: For the secondary layer of petals, choose a slightly lighter or complementary color to the main petal fabric. This will add a layered look to the design, making the flower appear more lifelike and adding complexity to your quilt.
- Background Fabric: The background fabric should be neutral or light in color, allowing the petal fabrics to stand out. Whites, creams, or light greys work well as they let the design shine without distraction.
Choosing the right fabrics can make a huge difference in how your finished block looks. Once you have your fabrics, it’s time to move on to the cutting process.
Cutting Fabric Pieces for the Double Aster Quilt Block
Cutting your fabric pieces accurately is essential for achieving a clean and crisp design. The Double Aster Quilt Block requires a variety of square and triangle pieces, so having a sharp rotary cutter and a reliable ruler is key to success.
- Petal Fabric: Cut eight 4.5” x 4.5” squares from your main petal fabric and eight 3.5” x 3.5” squares from the secondary petal fabric. These squares will form the petals and add dimension to the aster shape.
- Background Fabric: Cut four 5” x 5” squares and eight 3” x 3” squares from the background fabric. These will surround the flower design and frame it within the block.
- Center Square: Cut one 3.5” x 3.5” square from the secondary petal fabric or a contrasting color of your choice. This will serve as the center of the flower, anchoring the block with a focal point.
Double-check your measurements before proceeding. Precision is key when piecing this quilt block to ensure each part fits together smoothly.
Creating the Petals for the Double Aster Quilt Block
Now that you have all your fabric pieces cut, it’s time to start assembling the petals. The Double Aster’s layered petal effect comes from arranging smaller triangles within each petal, creating a unique and eye-catching design.
- Assembling Triangle Units: Take a 4.5” x 4.5” square from the main petal fabric and place a 3.5” x 3.5” square from the secondary petal fabric on top, right sides together. Draw a diagonal line from corner to corner on the back of the secondary fabric.
- Sew and Cut: Sew along the drawn diagonal line and then cut 1/4 inch away from the seam to create a half-square triangle (HST) unit. Press the seams toward the darker fabric. Repeat this process for all eight petals.
- Forming the Petal Shape: Arrange two of these HST units together to form a larger triangle shape that looks like a petal. This pairing will create the layered effect that defines the Double Aster Quilt Block. Repeat for all petal units.
With each petal unit assembled, you can now move on to constructing the flower’s center.
Building the Center of the Double Aster Quilt Block
The center of the Double Aster Quilt Block is the heart of the flower and pulls the entire design together. This step focuses on creating a compact center square that complements the petals.
- Prepare the Center Square: Take the 3.5” x 3.5” square that you cut for the center and position it in the middle of your workspace. This piece will serve as the focal point, surrounded by the petals you’ve already assembled.
- Arrange the Petals Around the Center: Begin by positioning the petal units around the center square. Place them in a circular pattern, allowing the petal points to touch the sides of the center square. This arrangement will give the block its floral appearance.
- Sew the Center and Petals Together: Once you’re satisfied with the layout, start sewing each petal unit to the center square, one side at a time. Press the seams outward as you go to keep the block flat and ensure each layer of petals aligns perfectly with the center.
By this stage, you should see the aster shape starting to come together beautifully.
Completing the Background and Adding Finishing Touches
Now that the flower shape is formed, it’s time to add the background pieces. The background will frame the Double Aster Quilt Block and make the floral design stand out.
- Attach the Background Squares: Place each 5” x 5” background square on each corner of the flower design. These squares will create a frame around the flower, highlighting the petal shapes.
- Sew and Press: Sew each background square to the edges of the petal sections. Press each seam carefully to ensure everything lies flat. It’s crucial to press the seams properly to keep the block from becoming bulky.
- Final Trimming: Once the block is assembled, trim the edges as needed to ensure it measures 12.5” x 12.5”. This size includes the seam allowance and will allow the block to be easily incorporated into a larger quilt.
Your Double Aster Quilt Block is now complete and ready to be added to your quilt!
Tips for Using the Double Aster Quilt Block in Quilt Patterns
The Double Aster Quilt Block is versatile and can be used in many types of quilt patterns. Here are some tips on incorporating this block into a quilt design for a stunning floral-themed quilt.
- Create a Floral Quilt: Using the Double Aster as the main block, repeat it across your quilt. Pair it with blocks that resemble leaves or other flowers to create a garden-inspired quilt that’s perfect for spring or summer.
- Alternate with Simple Blocks: To make each Double Aster block stand out, alternate it with plain squares or simple blocks like solid-color squares. This approach highlights the intricate aster shape without making the overall quilt too busy.
- Play with Color Schemes: For a bold look, try making each Double Aster block in a different color, creating a “wildflower” effect. Alternatively, stick to a monochromatic scheme to create a more cohesive, calming quilt.
Using the Double Aster Quilt Block in your projects allows for creative freedom and beautiful results, making it a fantastic choice for both beginner and experienced quilters.
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Customizing Your Double Aster Quilt Block
One of the best parts about the Double Aster Quilt Block is its versatility. Here are a few ideas for customizing this block to make it unique to your quilt patterns.
- Experiment with Fabrics: Try using batiks or textured fabrics for the petals to add depth and interest to the block. Fabrics with slight color variations can give the flower a natural, organic feel.
- Add Decorative Stitching: Consider adding decorative stitching along the edges of the petals to create added dimension. Embroidery or quilting stitches around each petal can enhance the floral effect and bring your quilt to life.
- Resize the Block: Although this tutorial covers a 12.5” x 12.5” block, you can adjust the measurements to create larger or smaller blocks. A larger block makes a bold statement, while smaller blocks are ideal for mini quilts or table runners.
Customizing the Double Aster Quilt Block allows you to put your own spin on this classic design and create a quilt that reflects your personal style.
Conclusion: A Beautiful Addition to Your Quilt Patterns
The Double Aster Quilt Block is a beautiful and unique design that adds a touch of nature-inspired elegance to any quilt. With its layered petals and floral shape, this block is perfect for garden-themed or floral quilts. By following this step-by-step tutorial, you now have all the knowledge and skills you need to create this stunning block, bringing a piece of artistry to your quilt patterns.
Whether you’re making a full floral quilt or using the Double Aster Block as an accent, this block’s charm and beauty are sure to stand out. Happy quilting, and enjoy adding this lovely pattern to your collection!