Eccentric Star Quilt Block Pattern

Eccentric Star quilt block pattern — a step-by-step quilting tutorial using half-square triangles arranged into a bold asymmetric star design

Eccentric Star quilt block pattern overview


Eccentric Star quilt block — fabric layout and color arrangement

New to quilting? Check out our beginner quilting class covering all the basics.

Eccentric Star quilt block — completed block example

How to Sew an Eccentric Star Quilt Block

The Eccentric Star quilt block is a striking star design built from half-square triangle units arranged to create an asymmetric, modern star effect with bold visual impact. It's a wonderful block for quilters who love a contemporary twist on a classic star pattern!

How to Make the Block

This block is built from half-square triangle (HST) units. Make your HSTs using the no-bias technique below, then arrange them in the Eccentric Star pattern — rotating and positioning the units so the star points emerge from the diagonal lines, creating the asymmetric star effect shown in the block photos above.

No-Bias 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.

Drawing a diagonal pencil line on the back of a light fabric square

Step 2: Sew Both Sides of the Line

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

Sewing a quarter inch seam on both sides of the diagonal line

You will end up with something like this:

Two half-square triangle units before cutting along the diagonal

Step 3: Cut Along the Diagonal Line

Cutting along the diagonal line to create two HST blocks

Step 4: Press the Seams

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

Pressing the seam of a half-square triangle block toward the dark fabric

Step 5: Trim to Size

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

Aligning a quilting ruler at 45 degrees on the HST seam for trimming

Trimming a half-square triangle block with a rotary cutter

Quilting classes and quilt block pattern tutorials from Motley Muse

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.

 

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