By Laura Loewen

Our January block is a Millcreek Star. By selecting modern fabrics you can create a new take on this traditional block. This block uses squares, half-square triangle (HST) units, and quarter-square triangle (QST) units. Please reference our HST and QST tutorials for creating these units.

Use 1/4” seam allowance unless otherwise instructed. Cutting and instructions are provided for a 12” finished block.

We suggest using six fabrics for this block. If you need help planning out your colors, you can download a coloring sheet for the whole quilt here, or just the January, February, and March blocks here.

Step 1

Cut fabric pieces from your chosen fabrics.

Fabric A (White):

(4) 3.5” squares

(4) 4” squares

Fabric B (Red):

(2) 4” squares

Fabric C (Teal):

(2) 4” squares

Fabric D (Green):

(2) 4” squares

(1) 4.5” squares

Fabric E (Orange):

(2) 4” squares

(1) 4.5” squares

Fabric F (Navy):

(2) 4.5” squares

Units needed for Millcreek Block:

(4) 3.5” A/B HST units

(4) 3.5” A/C HST units

(4) 3.5” A squares

(2) 3.5” D/F/D QST units

(2) 3.5” E/F/E QST units

Step 2

Assemble D/F and E/F HST units from 4.5” squares to use in QST. Trim to 4”.

Assemble D/F/D and E/F/E QST units. Trim to 3.5”. There will be (2) extra QST from each color combination that won’t be used in the block.*

Reference our QST tutorial for detailed instructions.

Step 3

Assemble A/B and A/C HST units from 4” squares. Trim to 3.5”.

Reference our paired HST tutorial for detailed instructions.

Step 4

Arrange your block layout. Take care to place the QST units in the correct position to create the pinwheel effect. Reference our QST tutorial for detailed instructions.

Step 5

Assemble block in rows or quadrants. This is a basic 16-patch block construction.

Step 6

Trim block to 12.5” square.

Boulder MQG members can download a PDF of the pattern in the member area.

Play along with us and make sure you share your blocks so we can see your progress! On Instagram use #bouldermqgbom18 and tag us @bouldermqg  On Facebook share your blocks on the Boulder Modern Quilt Guild page. We may even share your blocks on our blog, Facebook, or Instagram!

*Make sure to save the extra pieces from your block for a special challenge project later in the year.