Variable Star Block
DIFFICULTY LEVEL ‣ BEGINNER
FINISHED BLOCK SIZE: 8″ x 8″
In addition to being a beautiful design, you can use the center square as a signature block!
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.
WOF = width of fabric
HST = half square triangle
FABRIC:
Fabric A: ¼ yard white fabric
Fabric B: 4″ x 9″ piece red fabric
Fabric C: 4″ x 29″ piece blue fabric
CUTTING:
From Fabric A, cut:
• (1) 4¾” x 4¾” square
• (4) 3½” x 6½” rectangles
• (4) 3½” x 3½” squares
From Fabric B, cut:
• (2) 3⅞” x 3⅞” squares. Cut squares in half diagonally to make 4 HSTs.
From Fabric C, cut:
• (8) 3½” x 3½” squares
Instructional Video:
Block Assembly:
Fold in half long side of (1) Fabric B 3⅞” HST and gently finger-press center point. In the same manner, fold in half one side of (1) Fabric A 4¾” square and finger-press center point. Match folded center points, pin, and sew together (Diagram 1). In the same manner, sew a Fabric B HST to opposite side. Sew HSTs to remaining two sides to make Center Unit.
Referring to Diagram 2, draw a diagonal line on wrong side of (4) Fabric C 3½” squares. Place 1 marked square on 1 end of Fabric A 3½” x 6½” rectangle as shown. Sew on drawn line and trim away excess fabric with a ¼” seam allowance. Repeat on opposite end of rectangle to make Flying Geese Unit. Make 4.
Paying attention to orientation, lay out Fabric A 3½” squares, Flying Geese Units, and Center Unit as shown in Diagram 3. Sew into rows. Sew rows together to make Variable Star Block.
