Blazing Star Block
DIFFICULTY LEVEL ‣ ADVANCED
FINISHED BLOCK SIZE: 20½” x 20½”
Blazing Star is an old quilt block, first appearing in 1850, although it enjoyed renewed popularity in the 1930s, when it was widely published under a variety of names. Unlike a Lone Star, which is usually large enough to cover an entire quilt, this pattern is designed to be a block. The block can be repeated, or it can feature in a sampler quilt to show off the quiltmaker’s skill. For instructions on how to use this block in a quilt, see our Claudette quilt pattern.
Instructions:
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
Read through entire pattern before beginning project. Use ¼” seam allowances with fabric right sides together. Pressing arrows are included with illustrations. Basic quiltmaking supplies are assumed.
Print template patterns at 100%, making sure your printer is set to No Scaling. Trace template patterns onto quilter’s template plastic and transfer all marks and dots. Using an awl or thick needle, poke holes through templates at dots. Place template right side down on wrong side of fabric. Trace around template and transfer dots to fabric by marking through holes with fabric pen or pencil. Cut out on marked lines.
QST = quarter-square triangles
WOF = width of fabric
FABRIC:
Fabric A: ½ yard solid white
Fabric B: ½ yard total assorted 1930s reproduction prints
ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES:
- Quilter’s template plastic
- Marking pencil
- Awl or thick needle
CUTTING:
From Fabric A, cut:
• (1) 9¾” square. Cut in quarters diagonally to make 4 QSTs.
• (1) 6½” x remaining WOF strip. Cut strip into:
• (4) 6½” x 6½” squares
• (8) diamonds from template for center.
From Fabric B, cut:
• (8) sets of 2 matching diamonds for unit middle, for a total of 16. Up to 3 sets may match.
• (8) diamonds from template for unit points. Do not match.
Block Assembly:
Referring to Diagram 1, lay out (1) Fabric A center diamond, (2) matching Fabric B middle diamonds, and (1) Fabric B point diamond as shown. Place (1) Fabric B middle diamond over (1) Fabric B point diamond with right sides together and dots aligned. Sew ¼” from edge. Repeat with (1) Fabric A center and (1) Fabric B middle diamond. Sew together, aligning dots, to make (1) Point Unit. Make 8.
Referring to Diagram 2, join (2) Point Units to make (1) Quarter Star Unit. Make 4.
Referring to Diagram 3, lay out 4 Quarter Star Units. Join as shown to make Star.
Referring to Diagram 4, lay out Star with (4) Fabric A corner squares and (4) Fabric A QSTs. Using set-in seams, sew together to complete Blazing Star Block.
Paying attention to orientation, lay out (4) Corner Units, (4) Pieced Rectangles, and (1) Fabric B 2½” square as shown in Diagram 5. Sew into rows. Sew rows together to make Sister’s Choice Block.
