Dioptra Quilt | Paper Pattern

Dioptra is comprised of a network of stars, their connections weaving together through their points, plotting a path across the sky. The pattern is named after the dioptra, an ancient Greek surveying device that allowed users to make large, complex measurements - say, determining the distance between Rome and Alexandria - based on the positions of the stars.

Dioptra’s stars include some unique angles, achieved through either foundation paper piecing or standard piecing with a bit of trimming (it’s up to you). Full instructions included for foundation paper piecing in case you’ve never tried it and would like to give it a try.

This listing is for a printed quilt pattern. It includes a full color 32 page booklet filled with detailed instructions & diagrams; a foundation paper piecing template; a coloring sheet; and fabric placement worksheets, all inside a high quality card envelope. Please note that you will need to either copy or print additional paper piecing templates if you choose to paper piece (templates fit on US Letter / A4 paper).

Dioptra is an intermediate pattern, mostly because laying out and assembling the nested block design takes a healthy dose of organization.

Pre-washing fabric will result in shrinkage, some cotton fabrics can shrink up to 1%-3%, some cotton blends and wovens may shrink even more. Please take this in to account how much you need for your project based on your preferences.

We recommend to hand wash fabric with mild, bleach free detergent and hang dry to minimize bleeding colors and shrinkage in your final product.

When machine washing: Wash on a gentle cold water cycle with like colors. Also recommend a color catcher to help minimize bleeding colors.

Tumble dry on low heat.