Here's a great way to show your patriotic side!
The Patriotic 3-D Banner
The stars are actually made with 3-D bowtie blocks.
I'll show you how...
First, cut 5 squares of the same size -- I cut 2 1/2" squares. If you were making a bowtie, you'd cut 3 squares for the bowtie and 2 squares for the background. To make diamond stars, you'd cut 4 blue squares for the background, and one white square. I'll show you how to make the star.
Lay a blue square down with its right side up. Fold a white square in half, with wrong sides together. Lay this on top of the background square, with the raw edges at the top and sides even. Then lay another blue square on top of it with the right side down. Sew one side (either side will work).
Fold the 2 blue squares out of the way. Repeat the layering process, sandwiching the same folded white square between two more blue squares, with right sides together. Sew the other side.
When you open the blue squares, you should have what looks like a bridge.
Open the white piece and bring the two seams together at the center, nesting the seams with the seam allowances going in opposite directions. Pin together.
Bring the white raw edges even with the blue raw edges, and pin in place. Be sure there is at least 1/4” of white in the seam allowance, that is not folded, or you will get puckers. Sew all the way across, pivoting at the center seam if needed. Open it up to reveal a diamond star in the middle.
As you can see, it's pretty easy! Get the Patriotic 3-D Banner pattern as a pdf download from Craftsy or Etsy.
