- Background (muslin)
- Accent (madder red)
Block No. 04 · Star
Friendship Star Quilt Block
Also known as Pinwheel Star, Spinning Star
Part of: Star Quilt BlocksHalf Square Triangle Quilt BlocksEasy Quilt BlocksQuilt Blocks For Beginners
The Friendship Star quilt block pattern is a simple rotating star often chosen for friendship and group quilts. Four half-square triangle units form its points, leaving a central square that can feature a favorite fabric.
- Level
- Beginner
- Grid
- 3 × 3
- Pieces
- 13
Chart
Cutting for a 12" block
3 × 3 grid. All cuts fall on 1/8" ruler marks. Unfinished block: 12 1/2".
| Fabric | Shape | Cut | Size | Then | Pieces used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Background | Square | 4 | 4 1/2" square | Use as cut | 4 |
| Background | Half-square triangle | 2 | 4 7/8" square | Cut once diagonally (2 triangles each) | 4 |
| Accent | Square | 1 | 4 1/2" square | Use as cut | 1 |
| Accent | Half-square triangle | 2 | 4 7/8" square | Cut once diagonally (2 triangles each) | 4 |
Method
Piecing steps
Step 1: Cut 4 background corner squares and 1 accent center square at 4 1/2".
Step 2: Cut 2 accent and 2 background half-square triangle parent squares. Cut each once on the diagonal and sew accent to background along the bias. Make 4 units and trim to 4 1/2".
Step 3: Lay out the block: rotate each triangle unit so its accent half touches the center square and all four points spin in the same direction.
Step 4: Sew into three rows, pressing toward the plain squares, then join the rows. The block should measure 12 1/2".