How to Hand Stitch Using the Stars Upon Stars Templates
There’s something special about slowing down with a bit of hand stitching. It’s quiet, steady work — the kind that travels well and feels grounding wherever you are. The Stars Upon Stars templates by Laundry Basket Quilts are perfect for that kind of sewing.
I’ve been using them to piece eight-pointed stars by hand, and it’s reminded me why I love quilting in the first place — the rhythm, the focus, and the small triumph when each point meets just right.
In this post, I’ll share how to use the Stars Upon Stars templates for hand stitching, along with some helpful video guides that show the process step by step. Whether you’re piecing at home or stitching on the go, this project is a lovely way to bring your stars to life, one seam at a time.
Getting Started
You can find the Stars Upon Stars templates in our shop: Stars Upon Stars Templates – The Quilting Owl
These sturdy acrylic templates are designed by Edyta Sitar of Laundry Basket Quilts. They’re perfect for marking, cutting, and piecing by hand or machine. In this post, we’ll focus on hand stitching — ideal for travel, quiet evenings, or when you just want to slow things down.
Marking and Stitching the Pieces
In this helpful video, Wendy shows how to mark your fabric using the Stars Upon Stars templates and piece your block by hand:
▶️ How to Mark and Stitch the Stars Upon Stars Block
Once you’ve marked your pieces, watch her second tutorial for stitching tips to get a clean, perfect centre:
▶️ Hand Stitching for a Perfect Centre
If you’re new to hand piecing, you’ll see how careful marking and short, even stitches make all the difference.
Building the Centre Star
Another lovely demonstration comes from Marie at Quiltastic, who focuses on the heart of the block — the centre star. Her hand stitching method is neat and simple:
▶️ Hand Stitching the Centre Star
Take your time with this step. It’s where your precision pays off, and the star begins to shine.
Extra Tips from Edyta Sitar
If you’d like to see how Edyta herself approaches this design, here are a few of her videos that offer great insight — and even though she uses a sewing machine, her explanations about layout, alignment, and pressing are very helpful for hand stitchers too.
▶️ Making the Quilt with No Y-Seams
▶️ Classic Eight-Pointed Star Tutorial
And if you’re curious about completing the whole quilt by machine, Loretta’s full playlist is a wonderful reference:
▶️ Stars Upon Stars Quilt – Full Series by Loretta
Stitching on the Go
One of the joys of hand piecing is how portable it is. I often keep a few star sections in a small sewing pouch — thread, needle, thimble, and fabric pieces ready to go. A quiet moment becomes time to sew another seam or finish another star.
The Stars Upon Stars templates make this easy because each piece fits precisely. You can prepare a whole batch of stars in advance and stitch wherever you are — in the garden, on a train, or tucked under a quilt in the evening.
A Quiet Joy in Every Stitch
The Stars Upon Stars quilt is a beautiful balance of structure and play. Each block sparkles differently depending on your fabric choices, and hand stitching brings out its timeless charm.
If you’re ready to start, you can find the templates and pattern here:
- Stars Upon Stars Templates
- Stars Upon Stars Quilt Pattern
- All Laundry Basket Quilts Patterns
- Hand Piecing Supplies
If you decide to start your own Stars Upon Stars journey, I’d love to see it. Tag @thequilting_owl on Instagram or share your progress with our quilting community. However long it takes, every star is worth it.
Happy stitching,
Michelle