Starry Path BOB Tutorial

I am so happy to be getting this project kicked off. I spent some time over the past few weeks recording and editing a video tutorial, and I am quite pleased with it. Without further ado, let’s get started on our Starry Path BOB tutorial, using the AccuQuilt Starry Path Block on Board die.

Here is a video I recorded explaining all of the steps I have written out below. Sometimes it is more helpful to watch a demonstration than to just read the steps.

I chose to start with Starry Path because it is so dramatic. Also, I made a whole quilt for AccuQuilt using it, and I feel like I have some good pointers to share. (I believe that project will be releasing in March).

Tips

1. No Fan Folding! Fabric must be facing in the same direction when cutting.
2. Spray starch helps control skinny bits.
3. A stiletto is helpful with the skinny bits, too.

Tools

• Starry Path die
• Spray Starch
• Stiletto

Fabric

• Background – 4 – 10 1/2″ x 4 1/4″
• Star – 4 – 7 1/2″ x 6″

I am using Peppered Cottons, generously provided to me by Studio E Fabrics. In this block I am using Vanilla, Garnet, Paprika, Saffron and Gingko Gold. Want to get your own? The Fabric Monger on Etsy sells custom bundles of Peppered Cottons.

Press and starch your fabric before cutting. You want your fabric to be flat and obedient right from the start.

Blades A & C are your background, B & D are the star.

After cutting, lay out your pieces in 4 stacks of matching shapes.

Construction

Fig 1 – Stitch piece A & B together along the short seam. You will match up the dog-eared corners with the square corners. Press seams open. Complete all 4 units.

Fig 2 – Stitch piece AB to piece C. Press seams open. Complete all 4 units.

Lay out your block, making sure your colors are lined up properly.

Fig 3 – Stitch piece ABC to piece D for all 4 units. Press open.

Fig 4 – Lay your block out again. Combine the two pairs of ABCD units. Press open.

Fig 5 – Combine the two halves of your block. Press open.

Admire your beautiful block. Pat yourself on the back – you did it!

Notes

• I like to use spray starch on almost every step. I find it controls my seams and helps my block to remain flat and well behaved. Once the quilt is washed, all of the stiffness comes out.
• I use the stiletto when I’m guiding those really skinny strips under the needle of my machine. I also switch to a single hole stitch plate, which is very helpful.

I’m so glad so many of you have enjoyed my video tutorial. I will continue to make them each month, and they should improve each time. Video editing is new for me, and can feel like an ordeal. Please be patient with me as I learn. Like you, I noticed that my lighting is not great, and I like to slam my hands down and make a drumming sound while I work. I promise that my videos will never be perfect, but they will be informative.

If you have any BOB dies that intimidate you or that you have struggled with, let me know. I’ll be doing Ohio Star next month, which I think is pretty easy, but I need an easy month. I’ve had someone ask about Hunter Star, which I’ll add to my list.

Previous BOB Sampler Stitch Along posts

• BOB Sampler introduction – Includes video on how I set up a BOB die
• 2022 AccuQuilt BOB Sampler Sew Along