Diamond Star Cushion Pattern - Includes pre-cut papers

English paper-piecing has experienced a recent revival as more and more people have become aware of the joy and benefits of slow stitching.

This printed pattern comes with 60 paper templates as well as a template sheet to photocopy for future use. There are also enough papers to make any of three layout variations, including the full star picture in the last photo above.

In these easy-to-follow instructions, I show you how to glue-baste your diamonds using the paper templates included, before sewing them together using a 'flat whip stitch'. I then explain how to finish your cushion by either machine or hand quilting - the choice is yours!

Skill level: Skilled Beginner

You will need;
• Three fat quarters in co-ordinating fabrics - you could go for prints with interesting motifs for 'fussy-cutting' to add secondary patterns to your star.
• One fat quarter of background fabric
• One long or fat quarter for binding
• Thread for piecing - I use a 50wt cotton
• Temporary glue pen - which you can purchase here
• Embroidery floss in a contrasting thread if hand quilting, or a 50wt or 40wt thread if machine quilting.
• One 20" square of wadding
• Gentle fabric starch
• 20" square of butter muslin or equally fine fabric for backing the cushion front to hand quilt
• 50cm of backing fabric and a 20" cushion pad