This month we explore a detailed design to create this sophisticated Stardrop Octagon Block.  Its much easier than it looks!  This lesson is a two parter.  First, we will explore using the polydraw drawing tools and features including the Octagon drawing tool to create the stardrop block.   In Part 2 we will set the block into a quilt and learn how to print the foundation pieced pattern.  Let’s design!

Stardrop Table Topper – Part 1

Size: 24″ x 24″

Skill Builders:

  • Working with Polydraw Octagon Block
  • Learn to clone and rotate wedges

On to the design!

  1. Open EQ8.
  2. Let’s name the Project.  The project name appears at the top left of the EQ8 Window. Right now the project says Untitled – EQ8.
  3. On the left side toolbar, click the New project button.  
  4. On the Create a new project tab, type in the project name field Stardrop Table Topper.
  5. Click OK.  The box will close.  Notice the project name Untitled has been replaced with Stardrop Table Topper.

  6. Under DRAW BLOCKS select Design a block from scratch.
  7.  Under the NEW BLOCK tab,  select the Pieced Block. 
  8. Under Pieced Styles, select Polydraw. 
  9. Under the DRAW tab, select Drawing Tools. 
  10. Under Grid Properties, Select octagon. Set dimension 1 and 2 to 20.
  11. Set Block width and height to 24.
  12. Click the Zoom In tool    on the left tool menu, then select one of the octagon wedges to zoom in on.  Position your cursor over a spot in the top-left area you want to enlarge.  Click, hold and drag to the bottom-right of the area, creating a box, then release the mouse.  This will show a larger work area on the screen so we can draw a block design.
  13. Select the Polyline tool 
  14. Double click on the center top dot of the triangle wedge, count down SIX rows on the left side and click, go straight across and click the right side, then back up to where you started and double click to form a solid triangle.
  15. Double click on the center bottom dot of the triangle above, count down SIX rows and on the left side and click, then go straight across and click the right side, then back up to where you started and double click to form a solid triangle.
  16. Again, double click on the center bottom dot of the triangle above, count down SIX rows and on the left side and click, then go straight across and click the right side, then back up to where you started and double click to form a solid triangle.
  17. Using the same polyfil technique, fill in the open shapes.
  18. Using the Pick tool    , completely select the wedge.
  19. The fun begins, Click Clone  to make a copy.
  20.   Click Rotate to rotate it once to perfectly fit in the next wedge position.  Use the crossed arrows to pull it into the next wedge space.  While it is still highlighted, click clone and rotate.

    Pull the clone into the next wedge space and continue until the complete Octagon shape is filled.
  21.  Select the COLOR tab.  Choose the Paintbrush  fabric tool.
  22. Choose fabrics or colors and click on the block areas to color your block.
  23. Once you have the look you want, save it to the Sketchbook. 

Now that we have the block designed, stay tuned for Stardrop Table Topper – Part 2 where we will drop this block into a quilt!  The next post will include tips and tricks to create an octagon shaped quilt, along with tips and help to print the foundation paper pieced pattern and yardage estimates.

Questions or Feedback?

Please share your ideas, questions and feedback in the comments. I would love to hear from you. Thanks!

Lori J. Miller lives in Troy, Michigan, where she designs, stitches and sews quilts and quilty things. She loves experimenting with fun colors and designs to make playful and clever products for the modern stitcher.  Sewing since age 11, Lori has deep roots in sewing and quilting traditions that add a unique dimension to her designs.  She loves designing using Electric Quilt 8, Electric Quilt Mini and EQ Stitch.  You can follow her quilting adventures on her blog at lorimillerdesigns.com or on instagram @lorimillerdesigns