Square Star Quilt Block Pattern

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How to Sew a Square Star Quilt Block

The Square Star quilt block creates a bold and striking star design from 16 fabric squares, with four corner squares folded diagonally to form the star points. It's a beautiful block that works in any color combination!

Materials Needed

• Fabric squares in desired colors and patterns
• Sewing machine and thread
• Rotary cutter or scissors
• Cutting mat and ruler
• Iron

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cut 16 fabric squares all the same size. Choose the size based on your desired finished block size.
2. Choose 4 squares for the star points. Fold each diagonally and press to create a crease down the center.
3. Arrange the 4 star point squares and the remaining 12 squares into a star design. Place the star point squares in the corners with the folded creases all facing toward the center.
4. Sew the squares together in rows, starting with the top row. Sew the two squares on either side of the top star point square together, then attach the star point square to the middle square in the row. Repeat for the bottom row.
5. For the middle rows, sew the two squares on either side of the center square in the third row, then join the third row to the second row.
6. Press all seams flat, then sew the top and bottom rows to the middle rows to complete the block.
7. Trim the block to your desired size, making sure all edges are straight and even.
8. Repeat to make as many blocks as needed for your quilt project.

Your Square Star quilt block is complete! Use it as a component of a larger quilt or as a standalone decorative element.

Half-Square Triangle (HST) Technique

This technique eliminates the need to directly manipulate the stretchy bias of the triangle. It uses two easy-to-cut squares and produces two HSTs at once.

Step 1: Draw the Diagonal Line

On the back of the lighter fabric, draw a pencil line diagonally from corner to corner.

Step 2: Sew Both Sides of the Line

Stack a pair of light and dark squares right sides together. Sew a ¼" seam allowance on each side of the line.

You will end up with something like this:

Step 3: Cut, Press, and Trim

Press the seam to set it, then press toward the darkest fabric.

Line up the 45° diagonal angle on your ruler with the seam, then carefully trim with a rotary cutter.

Covered Corners Method

The covered corners method is a quick and accurate way to add diagonal corner accents to any block without cutting triangles separately.

How to Resize Quilt Blocks

The first step in modifying any quilt block is to decide on your finished block size. You can base this on doubling a pattern, cutting it in half, or working with your available fabric.

Note: When working from a pattern's cutting instructions, remove the seam allowance before scaling. For example, if your pattern calls for 3½″ squares, subtract the seam allowance (½″), double the finished size (3″ → 6″), then add the seam allowance back (½″) — giving you a 6½″ cut piece.

Resizing Square Blocks

Add ½″ to your finished block measurement. For a 4″ finished square, cut a 4½″ square of fabric.

Resizing Rectangular Blocks

Add ½″ to both the length and width. To double a 3″ × 4″ block, cut a 6½″ × 8½″ rectangle.

Resizing Half-Square Triangle Blocks

Add 7/8″ to the desired finished block size. For a 4″ finished HST block, cut 4⅞″ squares.

Resizing Quarter Square Triangle Blocks

Add 1¼″ to the desired finished block size. For a 4″ finished block, cut 5¼″ squares.