- Background (muslin)
- Dark (indigo)
- Accent (madder red)
Block No. 29 · star
Ribbon Star Quilt Block
Also known as Ribbon Star (nine-patch center), Ribbon Star (sixteen-patch variation)
Part of: Star Quilt BlocksHalf Square Triangle Quilt Blocks
This Ribbon Star uses a small nine-patch center and narrow ribbons ending in diagonal tips. Ribbon Star also names a separate sixteen-patch HST design; the pattern here is the nine-grid version.
Version note: CSV grid 3 changed to 9 to describe the small center squares and narrow ribbon widths.
- Level
- Intermediate
- Grid
- 9 × 9
- Pieces
- 41
Chart
Cutting for a 9" block
9 × 9 grid. All cuts fall on 1/8" ruler marks. Unfinished block: 9 1/2".
| Fabric | Shape | Cut | Size | Then | Pieces used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Background | Square | 4 | 3 1/2" square | Use as cut | 4 |
| Background | Square | 5 | 1 1/2" square | Use as cut | 5 |
| Background | Rectangle | 4 | 1 1/2" × 3 1/2" | Use as cut | 4 |
| Background | Half-square triangle | 4 | 1 7/8" square | Cut once diagonally (2 triangles each) | 8 |
| Dark | Rectangle | 8 | 1 1/2" × 2 1/2" | Use as cut | 8 |
| Dark | Half-square triangle | 4 | 1 7/8" square | Cut once diagonally (2 triangles each) | 8 |
| Accent | Square | 4 | 1 1/2" square | Use as cut | 4 |
Method
Piecing steps
Step 1: Cut the nine center squares and sew a three-row nine-patch. It should measure 3 1/2".
Step 2: Cut the triangle parent squares in the chart once diagonally. Pair the indicated fabrics, sew along the long edges and press; trim each small HST unit to 1 1/2".
Step 3: For each side unit, sew a tip HST to a dark rectangle to make a narrow 1 1/2" by 3 1/2" ribbon. Make mirrored pairs, with background at the outer tips.
Step 4: Join two ribbons with a background strip between them. Make four side units, each 3 1/2" square.
Step 5: Arrange the side units around the center with the tips facing out, and place background squares at the four corners. Sew in three rows.
Step 6: Join the sections with a consistent 1/4-inch seam, pressing between seams. Check that the unfinished block measures 9 1/2" square.