Star Quilt Block

Level: Advanced

Most of the traditional star quilt block patterns below come from Marcia Hohn's website. When clicking on each block you will be directed to her pattern on her site. They all have their challenges of which the most common ones are:

  • There can be a combination of techniques needed within each block such as regular piecing, paper piecing and regular template piecing.
  • They all need very precise cutting and piecing.
  • You need to pay close attention to the diagrams and written instructions.
  • Some of the blocks have lots of small pieces so just take it slow and you'll see they can be done.
  • A couple like Lemon Star involve a few set in seams. You need to follow the directions carefully, and then it's do-able.

Some of the star patterns are assembled using the paper piecing method. Go to paper piecing instructions and here you will be taken through a paper piecing tutorial. It will take you through this technique whether you are new to paper piecing or would just like to refresh your skills.

I have grouped the blocks according to their finished size.

6" to 10" Star Patterns

6 1/2inch Star of the East
7inch Evening Star
8inch Star and Cross
9inch St Louis Star
9inch Triangle Star
10" Breeches

12" Star Patterns

12" Arrowheads
12" Aunt Rachels Star
12" Blackfords Beauty
12" Blindmans Fancy
12" Braced Star var 1
12" Braced Star var 2
12" Cornucopia
12" Country Fair
12" Double Aster
12" Double Tulip Variation
12" 54 40 or Fight Back
12" Lemon Star
12" Manila
12" Northumberland Star
12" The North Star
12" Whirling Star 2

14"+ Star Patterns

14" Bouquet in a Fan
14" Margaret
15" King David's Crown
15" Odd Star
15" Thorny Thicket
16" Odd Fellow's Chain
16" Star and Chains
18" Chicago Star
21" Feathered Star

If you are wanting to reduce or enlarge any block you can do this by using a photocopier. Go to new block size chart and scroll down to the New Block Size chart. I have given instructions below the chart for its use.

Following is some historical information about some of the star quilt block designs displayed above.

Triangle Star: The Triangle Star is a circa 1920 block, and is also called "Star Diamond".

54 40' or Fight: This was the 1844 campaign slogan of James Polk, and referred to the join control of the border at 54 40' ( by the United States and British Canada) You can read more about it here:


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