How to Get FLAT 8-Pointed Star Centers

This tutorial walks you through the processes of achieving very flat 8-pointed star centers. No matter how you piece them and decide to press them - this technique will give you the best flat star center seams!
The starch pen I am using is Acorn Precision Piecing EASY PRESS PEN. I have them for sale on my website michaelquilts.... or you can find them in some local quilt shops.
michaelquilts.com

[@MissCrickitt]

This….Thank you for the best video I’ve seen for this technique. I was afraid that my stitching would come out if I did this but now I would like to try it! ❤

[@TheJAG1357]

Great video. This is undoubtedly the best visually instructional video on this process I have ever watched. Thank you!!

[@michael.quilts]

Oh I am so glad that it's easy to follow and makes sense! Thanks for your comment!

[@joyfuldogboy]

Tedious process for any quilter who might not be a perfectionist (is that even a thing?) but oh such a lovely outcome! Worth the effort!

[@michael.quilts]

Agreed!

[@shellyculver4239]

Thank you!

[@michael.quilts]

You are most welcome! Happy Quilting!

[@cindysimpkins4203]

Your instructional videos are great! Thanks for sharing. Do you have classes for these types of quilts?

[@michael.quilts]

Hi Cindy. Thank You for your comment. I do teach Quiltworx foundation paper piecing classes in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. You can visit my website (michaelquilts.com) for those. I also have some online classes coming up if you would like to take a class online. Thank you! Michael

[@Westernwilson]

Thanks Michael! BTW did you ever do a video on your batting folding setup?

[@Westernwilson]

And....I have never seen a starch pen before...what other things do you use it for?

[@ellenpalmer8571]

I never do this because I wonder about the strength of the seam when this is done. ??? Over time and use…..or do you only do this for wallhangings, etc?

[@michael.quilts]

Hi Ellen. Thanks for your comment. We all have our do's and dont's, so I know this won;'t be everyone's cup of tea. I would suggest doing this and tieing those loose threads that I mentioned. That would keep all seams very secure. I know people who reinforce that center seam by lowering their stitch length and I know people who actually do a double stitching just on the center inch or two prior to doing this method. I also know people who press all seams open and do not take any stitches out at all, but they achieve a "somewhat" flatter center than pressing all of the seams to one side. It really depends on your comfort level and if the flat center means much to you. I do this on my wall quilts and quilts that I am going to use for teaching samples and trunk shows. As far as heavily used quilts and bed quilts - I would do this and reinforce the seams by tieing the loose ends or the double stitch probably. Try it and see if you like it and feel like it's strong enough. Let me know.

[@ellenpalmer8571]

@@michael.quilts Thank you. Interesting to hear what different people do to strengthen this seam. I appreciate your response.

[@michael.quilts]

@@ellenpalmer8571 My pleasure! I am always learning and trying things out myself. Happy Quilting!

[@hebertchairez5330]

'Promo SM'

[@maureenlambert5851]

I think your video is very valuable, however I’m just not that much of a perfectionist.

[@michael.quilts]

Hi Maureen. I can appreciate that! I am not always a perfectionist - but I really like doing this one. Happy Quilting! Michael