Astra Quilt SAL: Week 3
Week 3: Sew 4 Blocks
Welcome to Week 3 of the Astra Quilt Sew Along (SAL)! This week will be sewing 4 blocks. If you recently joined the SAL, welcome! To catch up, read the previous posts below.
SAL Schedule
Favorite Tools
Quilting Ruler 3.5” x 12.5” (help to trim flying geese)
Quilting Ruler 6.5” x 6.5” (help square up unit blocks)
Astra Block
There are multiple ways to sew your way through Astra. The rhythm I found that works for me is making 2 blocks at once and within those blocks, I will make the units together. For example, I will line up my two blocks (take a photo so I remember where I want the fabric to go), then make all flying geese units, center units, and lastly make the corner units.
Flying Geese (FG) Unit
FG tips within the Week 2 blog post.
If you need more guidance on 4 at-a-time FG check out the Mastering Flying Geese post.
Astra FG will trim to 3.5” x 6.5”, with the FG unit at 6.5” x 6.5”.
FG unit is made by sewing two FG together with both points going in the same direction.
Tips to keeping your FG points pristine
Aim for the thread to go through the “x” of the point
A closer look, if the needle favors the right, that is okay. Avoid the needle to favor the left of the “x”.
Final look where my seam passes through the “x”.
Center Unit
When working with smaller strips, ensure you have an accurate 1/4” seam. I sew on a Bernina (I call her Berdie) and use the 97D foot with a Straight Stitch Plate for a guide. I do remove the guide when making FG but I absolutely love this feature of Bernina and it has increased my sewing accuracy. If your machine doesn’t have a patchwork foot another option is Diagonal Seam Tape from Cluck Cluck Sew.
Slow down your sewing or use pins if needed.
Press seams first by hand before using your iron. If pressing to the side is taking too much fabric (the measurements are too short) try to press seams open.
After pressing use a Tailors Clapper to help absorb and lock in the heat. As you press down on the seam with the clapper, the pressure sets the seam flat as the fabric cools. I got this zig-zag 7” clapper from Rosie Girl Quilting when I was at QuiltCon. Emily and Mary are wonderful people and in fact, Emily’s dad is the one who makes them. I love family businesses!
Center Unit will measure 6.5” x 6.5”.
Bernina 770 QE 97D foot with Straight Stitch Plate
Check your 1/4” seam with a ruler if your squares aren’t measuring 6.5” x 6.5”.
Press seams first by hand before using your iron
After pressing use a Tailors Clapper to help absorb and lock in the heat
Center unit will measure 6.5” x 6.5”
Corner Unit
I start by chain piecing G10 to D1 and D2, then lay out and stack the corner pieces.
If the corner units are bulky, try to press seams open.
Chain piece to save yourself some time.
Note the first right angle in the unit will be further from the Sawtooth Star, whereas the second right angle is closer to the Sawtooth Star.
Chain piece G10 to D1 and D2.
Lay out the pieces to create the corner unit.
Chain piece to save yourself time
Block Assembly
When attaching the left and right units (figure 24) - nest the seams on either side of the center (red arrows below).
Example of left unit attached
I use 7 pins to align the units. Nesting seams on either side of the center (red arrows).
Enter Week 3 Giveaway
To enter the Week 3 prize, post a photo of your 4 Astra blocks. If you’re on Instagram, use the hashtag #astraquiltsal. Else please email me at hi@zahm.co. You must post or submit by Friday, July 29th, 11:59 pm MDT, to be entered into the Week 3 giveaway.
Week 3 Prize - 13 Fat Quarter Bundle of AGF Pure Solids, Artwork Quilt Paper Pattern, Free Motion Quilt Book, and Sew Happy Sticker
Sponsored by Wooden Spools and Zahm Co
Congratulations to our Week 2 winner @kaelynstitches! I am completely swooned by this fabric.
