How to Custom Machine Quilt LeMoyne Star & Sawtooth Star Blocks Using the 4-N-1 Ruler & Free-Motion Quilting

Join professional machine quilter Natalia Bonner inside the PNQ Academy as she custom machine quilts a LeMoyne Star and Sawtooth Star (16 Patch) quilt block using just the 4-N-1 Machine Quilting Ruler and free-motion quilting.

In this calm, behind-the-shoulder video, Natalia focuses on quilting paths, ruler quilting, and free-motion quilting to enhance the strong points and geometry of both classic star blocks. You’ll see how thoughtful ruler work adds crisp structure to the star points, while swirls and free-motion quilting soften the background and build beautiful texture and movement.

Working with a balanced combination of ruler quilting and free motion, Natalia demonstrates how to keep the block square and flat by quilting consistently and intentionally. She shares how using a single-stitch basting stitch allows complete control over how the fabric lays and where each stitch lands—helping maintain accuracy even if it takes a little extra time.

Throughout the video, Natalia explains her decision-making process as she quilts—how she chooses where to add structure, where to add softness, and how the ¼" spacing from the needle to the outside of the ruler foot impacts every stitched line. She also explains how the markings on the 4-N-1 ruler are designed based on needle position for quilting accuracy.

Natalia shares practical ruler quilting tips, including why you must use a ruler foot and proper ruler base for safety, why gentle pressure is essential for smooth, consistent lines, and how small adjustments in hand placement improve both stitch quality and body comfort.

This video is a wonderful example of how combining precision ruler quilting with flowing free-motion swirls can completely transform traditional star blocks—while keeping the design balanced, square, and visually striking.

Materials & Supplies Used

Machine

• Gammill 22" Longarm

• Stitch-regulated mode, 14 stitches per inch (SPI)

• Ruler Foot

• Ruler Base

Ruler

• 4-N-1 Machine Quilting Ruler

• Piece N Quilt PopSocket Ruler Grip

Thread

• So Fine! Thread #402 by Superior Threads

Bobbin

• Pre-wound SuperBobs

Batting

• Quilter’s Dream Poly Deluxe Batting

Why You’ll Love This Video

• Learn how to quilt LeMoyne Star and Sawtooth Star (16 Patch) blocks with confidence

• See ruler quilting and free-motion swirls used together intentionally

• Understand how needle position affects ruler markings and quilting accuracy

• Gain confidence using single-stitch basting for better control

• Learn why gentle pressure creates smoother ruler-quilted lines

• Discover how structure and flow can work together beautifully in traditional star blocks

PNQ Academy members enjoy unlimited access to this video and over 200 additional instructional quilting videos, with two new videos added every month.

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