One of our most popular patterns is Water Lily, with it's unique spiked Lemoyne Stars we call Blooming Lemoynes. We've just released a brand new technique sheet that allows you to make this fun block in eight different sizes.
If you've been wanting to try your hand at Blooming Lemoynes, we have a few tips for you. This blog post, along with your Blooming Lemoynes technique sheet, will have you making perfect blocks. Make sure you have your tool instructions handy as they will be helpful throughout the process.
To start, follow the instructions that come with the Rapid Fire® Lemoyne Star tool through Step 12 where you trim your A and B units to size.
Once you have your A and B units made and trimmed, it's time to add spikes. Make sure you have the back of your tool covered with Invisigrip so you can make some marks for the rest of the process. Find the Cut Away Line on the chart and mark a line on the back of the tool, measuring from the tip.
We'll start by prepping the A units. Line up the center vertical line on the tool with the long edge of the unit and line up the mark you just made on the seam between the triangle and the diamond point and cut. This part can be a little intimidating, but trust the process!
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Next you'll repeat the process for the B units, this time lining up the center vertical line with the short side of the unit. Make a cut the exact same way you did for the A units.
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Now it's time to cut the replacement spikes. Cut a strip according to the measurements in the chart for the size of the finished block you're making. Lay the strip open and right side up on the cutting mat. You will cut a 45° angle on the short edge of the strip, then cut sections that correspond with the 1st Sub-Cut size on the chart. We like to use our First Choice™ rulers for this, lining up the 45° line on the edge of the strip to help keep that angle straight.
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To get the replacement spikes from this elongated diamond, you'll need to make another mark on the back of your tool. Follow the 2nd Sub-Cut column for this step.
Make sure you have the elongated diamond right side up on the cutting mat and place the center vertical line along one edge. The second mark you made on the back of the tool will line up with the point of the diamond. Once you make the cut you'll have two replacement spikes.
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Layout the replacement spikes with the slivered A and B units that you cut earlier. Make sure to match the edge of the spike with point of the unit. Stitch the replacement spike to the unit and then press towards the replacement spike.
Trim the units using the guidelines on the tool that correspond with the size block you're making. You should only be trimming the replacement spikes!
Right Handed Left Handed
Once you've trimmed down all of the replacement spikes on your A and B units you can follow steps 14 through 16 on your tool instructions to complete your block.
We hope you enjoy making your own Blooming Lemoynes! Share your blocks with us on social media using the hashtag (#bloominglemoynes)!
