Using 6 Point Diamonds for EPP Star Blocks
By Paper Pieces for English Paper Piecing | Published: 2026-10-26
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to use 6 point diamonds to create stunning EPP star blocks, with tips on choosing the right size and seam allowance for your project.
Quick answer
Use 5" 6 point diamonds for EPP star blocks because their equal angles make star points align without gapping. Follow a basting-first, then stitch sequence to keep points sharp.
Why 6 point diamonds work for star blocks
A 6 point diamond has 60-degree angles at each point, which means six diamonds form a complete 360-degree star center. This geometry eliminates the guesswork of fitting star points together. The 5" size is large enough to show off fabric prints but small enough to handle easily in hand-sewing.
The half-diamond version (5" Half 6 Point Diamonds) is useful for borders or partial stars, but for full star blocks you want the whole diamond shape. Paper Pieces offers both whole and half diamond templates, so you can mix them in the same project if your design calls for it.
How to sew a 6 point diamond star block
- Baste each diamond: Cut fabric 1/2" larger than the paper template on all sides. Fold the seam allowance over the paper edge and baste through fabric and paper using thread or glue. For 5" diamonds, thread basting gives you more control over point accuracy. Check that points are folded sharply—a rounded point will show in the final seam.
- Arrange the star layout: Place six basted diamonds on your work surface with points meeting at the center. Rotate each diamond so the fabric grain runs consistently. Pin the first two diamonds together along one full edge, right sides facing. Matching the center point of the two diamonds is the trickiest part; use a pin through both paper points to align them.
- Whipstitch the seam: Using a single strand of thread, take small whipstitches along the aligned edge, catching only the fabric folds (not the paper). Sew from the outer edge toward the center point, stopping 1/4" from the point. If stitches catch the paper, the template will be hard to remove later. Keep stitches just through the fabric fold.
- Join all six diamonds: Add the third diamond to the pair, then continue adding diamonds one at a time until all six are joined. Sew the final seam between the first and last diamond to close the star. The last seam is the tightest—ease the fabric gently and don't force the points together.
- Remove papers and press: Once all seams are sewn, remove the basting and pull out the paper templates. Press the star block flat with seams pressed to one side. The center will lie flat without bulk. Leave papers in until the block is completely sewn; removing too early can distort the shape.
Product facts
- 5" 6 Point Diamonds: The 5" 6 Point Diamond from Paper Pieces is a precision-cut paper template with 60-degree angles. The exact 60-degree angle means six diamonds fit perfectly around a center point, creating a flat star without puckers.
5" 6 Point Diamonds - 5" Half 6 Point Diamonds: The 5" Half 6 Point Diamond is available in seam options including 1/4", 3/8", windowed, and no seam. Half diamonds let you fill partial star shapes or create mirror-image effects, and the seam options help you match your preferred basting method.
5" Half 6 Point Diamonds
