Prim Machine Embroidery Stitch Along – Block 13

Block 13: Star Block

The four Corner Star blocks are a beautiful celebration of threadwork. Positioned in each corner of the Prim quilt, these stars offer repeated opportunities to let thread become the star of the show. While earlier blocks blended fabric and stitching, these designs rely almost entirely on layered fills, decorative stitches, and subtle color shifts to create visual interest. Because there are four of them, you can explore variations in color or keep them identical for a cohesive finish. Either way, these blocks allow your thread palette to truly shine.

Threadwork as the Focus

Unlike appliqué blocks, the Star Block uses intentional thread choices to define movement, shape, and texture. The design leans on fill density, direction, and decorative line work to create a starburst effect that feels both dimensional and stitched-by-hand.

As you embroider, notice how the thread does most of the visual storytelling:

• Directional fills pull the eye toward the center of the star.
• Softer fills highlight individual points without overwhelming them.
• Decorative stitches mimic the sweet, nostalgic details found in Lori Holt’s fabrics.

By varying these textures, the star feels layered and bright even though the base fabric remains simple.

Mimicking Bee in My Bonnet Fabrics With Thread

One of the joys of this block is the opportunity to choose threads that echo the feel of Bee in My Bonnet prints. Think of the thread as your “mini print”, a way to replicate the movement, warmth, and color variation found in Lori’s classic designs.

Here are a few creative approaches:

• Use soft pastels inspired by Bee Basics to add warmth and charm.
• Add subtle tonal shifts in thread color to mimic tiny floral or gingham textures.
• Choose contrasting thread for decorative lines to achieve a stitched “print” effect within the star points.
• Try thread families (light/medium/dark values of the same color) to build shadow and highlight without overwhelming the delicate Prim aesthetic.

Thread choices allow the star to feel more intricate and expressive, even with a simple outline.

Encouraging Creativity

This is a wonderful block for experimenting. You can stay true to Lori’s color inspiration or adjust the palette to match your quilt’s fabric choices.
A few ideas:

• Swap thread colors to create a multicolored starburst.
• Choose a monochromatic palette for a vintage or muted look.
• Lean into seasonal colors if you want to personalize your quilt.

Thread choices make this block uniquely yours.

Stabilizer and Hooping Setup

Because this block includes saturated fill sections and fine decorative line work, it’s important to use Heavy Weight Tear-Away Stabilizer to support the stitching.

Hoop your fused fabric and stabilizer together with even tension.
A smooth, firm hoop ensures the fill stitches sit flat and the decorative details remain clean and crisp.

For stabilizer guidance, use the
👉 Riley Blake Designs Stabilizer Chart
https://www.rileyblakedesigns.com/assets/images/machineembroidery/stabilizers/StabilizerChart.pdf

Pressing and Trimming

After stitching, press from the back using a warm, dry iron. Trim to size using Lori Holt’s Trim-It™ Rulers, centering the star so each point has equal spacing in the finished block.

Watch and Stitch Along

Follow the full Block 13: Star Block tutorial on the Riley Blake Designs YouTube channel.

In the video, you’ll see how thread color choices influence the look and feel of the star — and how subtle fill changes create dimensional movement.

Share Your Progress

Share your finished Star Block in the RBD & M.E. Facebook Group, this is a fun one to compare because thread choices make each version glow differently.
Use #RileyBlakeDesigns, #RBDandMe, and #PrimStitchAlong if posting on social media.

Credits:

• Prim Quilt designed by Lori Holt of Bee in My Bonnet
  
• Machine Embroidery Files by Riley Blake Designs
  
• Blog and education by Jennifer Long, Machine Embroidery Manager, Riley Blake Designs