Learn How to Make a Perfect Friendship Star Quilt Block with these simple instructions. Free downloadable tutorial instructions included.
Classic Quilt Blocks have been sewn for centuries, are easy to recognise and are every quilters favorite. Let's celebrate these gorgeous blocks and add them to our quilting projects! It's tutorial week in my Classic Quilt Blocks series, and I'm really excited about this one. I've been pondering all week on the lack of antique Friendship Star quilts and I'm even more determined to encourage you to sew your own. Today's tutorial is quite simple and the only thing I wanted to mention was the HST units. I always cut my pieces larger than required and trim the HST's once they're sewn. No matter how accurately we cut and sew, they'll be inconsistencies and this method ensures your HST's are accurate and straight every time. Take your time when trimming the HST's - you don't want to lose any points. Use the sewn diagonal seam and the markings on your ruler as a guide or use a Bloc Loc ruler (if you have one) to trim the units accurately. The following tutorial will yield a 6" (finished block) and at the end I've provided a Cutting Chart for six sizes to help you cut and sew the Friendship Star block for an array of projects. I hope you had some time to plan a few blocks using last week's colouring sheet, and you're all ready to sew. Grab your fabrics and let's go: From your background fabric cut: 4 x 2 1/2" squares (A) 2 x 3" squares cut diagonally to yield 4 triangles (B) From your print fabric cut: 1 x 2 1/2" square (C) 2 x 3" squares cut diagonally to yield 4 triangles (D) With right sides together, sew a background (B) triangle to each of the print (D) trinagles, along the long sides and pressing seams towards the print triangles. Carefully trim each HST unit to 2 1/2" square, ensuring you don't cut off any points or seam allowances. Arrange the background (A) squares, the print (C) square and the four HST units into three rows of three squares as shown in the photo above. Ensure the correct orientation of the HST units prior to sewing. Sew the units together into the three rows, pressing the seams in alternate directions for nesting. Carefully matching all seams, sew the three rows together, pressing the long seams open to yield one Friendship Star block which should measure 6 1/2" square. Tada! One gorgeous Friendship Star block to use in future projects! I hope you had fun sewing along with me. It is a simple block, but I love how the star dances on that background fabric. So fun and so pretty! I've put together a Cutting Chart of six sizes for you to use for standalone quilt blocks, borders and cornerstones. Simply click on the link to download and print the chart or right click on the photo below and save it to your computer: Regardless of the size, the blocks are sewn together in the same way, but the cutting requirements will be different. I've also included the trimming size of the HST's to make it easy for you, so have fun! Next week I'll be sharing some variations of the Friendship Star block and showing you how these blocks look in quilts. I'm hoping these examples will inspire you to plan your own Friendship Star quilt. Happy quilting :)
Make use of small scraps with this friendship star quilt block tutorial, directions given for a variety of sizes of star blocks.
See how to make a large quilt block using several overlapping Friendship Star quilt blocks.
I've got another free mini block pattern for you! This itty-bitty version of the Friendship Star block is quite straight forward to sew...
Friendship star quilt block tutorial is the final tutorial for the medallion quilt, directions included for a variety of quilt block sizes.
Welcome back to QM Bitty Blocks! November's Bitty Block is a 3 Friendship Star.
Traveling through the upper Midwest, you will find quilt blocks painted onto barns, shops and farmhouses everywhere. It can be like a treasure hunt to find your favorite. This original painting is inspired by these beautiful treasures. It is based on the friendship star quilt block and painted in Minnesota on a 4”x4” 100% cotton canvas. Easel not included.
Let's take a look at the traditional Quartered Star quilt block today. It is a super easy block that is made entirely of half square triangles and squares and goes together quickly. The block also creates a beautiful lattice pattern when made into a quilt. Scrappy or planned, the Quartered Star is a great block!
Because it's Blockhead Wednesday and since the moon was "blocking" the sun... did you see the eclipse? The caption on this photo reads - the moon transits across the Sun in this picture from Nasa's Solar Dynamics Observatory satellite. (I found the image here.) I hope that you got to see just a little bit of the eclipse - through NASA-approved glasses, of course. I didn't see much of it but I enjoyed seeing the little crescent reflections - they looked like tiny crescent-shaped glitter. I'll do better when Dallas, Texas is in the path of "totality" on April 8, 2024.
Classic Quilt Blocks have been sewn for centuries, are easy to recognise and are every quilters favorite. Let's celebrate these gorgeous blocks and add them to our quilting projects! The Friendship Star block is such a fun block to play with, whether you adapt the colour values, the layouts or the block design. There are so many variations of this block and you'll notice that some of them are referred to by different names, such as the Ribbon Star block or Water Wheel block etc. Today I'm going to share a few of the variations I played with to inspire you. Hopefully they will illustrate the gorgeous secondary patterns you can create with this block when it's used in a quilt. Please note these diagrams are for inspirational purposes only, they are not patterns. Let's start with the most basic Friendship Star block like we sewed in last week's tutorial: In either a straight setting or an on point setting, these gorgeous blocks dance and float around the quilt like ballerinas. The block may be simple, but doesn't it make a sweet and pretty quilt? Each example is all about the blocks and I love that! If I had to choose, I think my favorite is the on point setting. If you wanted to add a little more visual interest, then add some sashings and cornerstones. Perfection! Adding a third colour to the block not only changes the look of the quilt but it adds an extra element. An extra colour in the HST units anchors the floating stars together and creates a pretty layout with very little effort. Adding a third colour to the corners, adds warmth to the quilt and creates large blocks of colour. You could make these corners as scrappy as you want to inject more colour into the quilt, or only add colour to two corners to create a diagonal chain between the blocks. So, layout and colour are fun to play with, now let's have a look at variations of the block design: Replacing the square corner blocks with HST units creates a gorgeous secondary pinwheel (my absolute favorite) to the quilt. The pinwheels pop in the one colour but scrappy would work as well. This is such a simple variation with lots of possibilities. Switching the orientation of the HST corner units creates a lovely woven pattern connecting the star blocks into a gorgeous quilt. This one is so fun and looks way more complicated than it actually is. Stunning! Adding a simple four patch to the corners of the block, and some sashings and cornerstones to the layout creates a wonderful secondary chain pattern linking all the star blocks together. This one is really pretty, don't you think? It would make a great scrappy pattern. Adding an extra strip of colour to the corner HST's creates a two toned secondary square pattern. This gives the quilt a modern feel and adds something fun to the design. You could really play around with this variation, and it would be quick and easy to sew. Dividing the outer HST triangles into two creates another gorgeous secondary pinwheel pattern which also floats in the quilt. I love this one! The pinwheels are smaller and softer than the other example and it doesn't overpower the Friendship Star blocks. So cute! And I love this variation as well. I'd keep each star in the same fabric but use a mix of fabrics in the corners to make the secondary pattern scrappy and fun. This one could be a fun one to try! Maybe we could do something like this for the Scrappy Sew Along I want to run later in the year. So, that's just a few variations of the Friendship Star block to inspire you to create some gorgeous quilts of your own. It's a block that shines in any setting and even in its most basic form you're guaranteed an eye catching quilt. Which one's your favorite? I hope these examples give you the confidence to play with colour, layout and design to adapt the Friendship Star block in your future quilts. Next week I have a mini quilt pattern for you, and it's the perfect example of two is better than one. Stay tuned! Happy quilting :)
Friendship star quilt block tutorial is the final tutorial for the medallion quilt, directions included for a variety of quilt block sizes.
Hi Friends! I'm popping in to share a free block pattern with you today! It's such a simple, yet classic quilt block. This block is called the Friendship Star and probably took me about 15 minutes to cut and assemble the pieces. This block would be great for a swap or to make a quilt for a friend who needs a little bit of cheering up! Maybe in their favorite colors!?! You could even make some little friendship stars to use in the cornerstones of your sashing (which is what Jessica Dayon and I did in our free Willow pattern that you can check out HERE!) I've created a cutting chart for several Friendship Star block sizes with instructions! Click HERE to get the free chart and pattern. If you use it, I'd love to see your blocks! Please tag me @gigis_thimble on Instagram with the hashtag #friendshipstarcuttingchart. Happy quilting!
The Friendship Star quilt block is a simple yet lovely design that allows for great variation with fabrics. Find everything you need to make the block on this page, including a free quilt block download.
Create the Friendship Star Quilt Block Tutorial in the RBD Block Challenge with these free, simple instructions for 6" and 12" blocks!
Assemble a 6" Friendship Star block.
Let's take a look at the traditional Quartered Star quilt block today. It is a super easy block that is made entirely of half square triangles and squares and goes together quickly. The block also creates a beautiful lattice pattern when made into a quilt. Scrappy or planned, the Quartered Star is a great block!
The Friendship Star Quilt block is a great place to start when learning to quilt. It's really only a simple nine patch block with a few half square.
Learn how to make this simple and versatile star quilt block. Tutorial from NewQuilters.com. #friendshipstarquiltblock, #quiltblocks, #piecingquiltblocks
Update 10/12/18: The directions for this block have been removed as they are now available for purchase as part of our Twinkle pattern, avai...
Learn how to make this simple and versatile star quilt block. Tutorial from NewQuilters.com. #friendshipstarquiltblock, #quiltblocks, #piecingquiltblocks
Friendship star quilt block tutorial is the final tutorial for the medallion quilt, directions included for a variety of quilt block sizes.
Let's take a look at the traditional Quartered Star quilt block today. It is a super easy block that is made entirely of half square triangles and squares and goes together quickly. The block also creates a beautiful lattice pattern when made into a quilt. Scrappy or planned, the Quartered Star is a great block!
Learn How to Make a Perfect Friendship Star Quilt Block with these simple instructions. Free downloadable tutorial instructions included.
I’m a bit obsessed with half square triangles right now and since I’ve been wanting to make another Friendship star quilt for a while, I’ve been playing in EQ7. I’d use my 4…
How to make the Friendship Star block as shown in the 2019 Quilter’s Planner.
Create a quilt block each week while you participate in the Riley Blake Block Challenge. Each week a new, free quilt block tutorial will be shared. This week we are making Friendship Star Quilt Blocks
This week's free 12" pattern from Berrima Patchwork is the Friendship star. It has part of the same type of pattern used in last week's free block (Pinwheel) however a different layout and some full squares have been added. Enjoy. FRIENDSHIP STAR FREE PATTERN having trouble with this link then type the link below to take you to the free pattern http://www.berrimapatchwork.com.au/freepattern/pinwheel/ To view previous free 12" patterns you can go to our website free pattern list having trouble with this link then type the link below to take you to the free pattern http://www.berrimapatchwork.com.au/freepattern/
Easy stars are always the favorites for beginner quilters. The Friendship Star quilt block has all the elements in it, for a beginner to practice half square triangles, piecing, matching points, ir…
Today I would like to show you a bunch of variations you can make with the Friendship Star quilt block and other blocks made using just Half Square Triangle units and squares. All of these blocks are easy to put together so they are good beginner blocks. Let's get started!
Learn How to Make a Perfect Friendship Star Quilt Block with these simple instructions. Free downloadable tutorial instructions included.
Get inspired by more than 50 paid and free star quilt patterns and traditional star quilt blocks. If you want a star quilt, start here! Stars are one of the
See how to make a large quilt block using several overlapping Friendship Star quilt blocks.
Classic Quilt Blocks have been sewn for centuries, are easy to recognise and are every quilters favorite. Let's celebrate these gorgeous blocks and add them to our quilting projects! Welcome to my March Classic Quilt Blocks series, and this month I want to celebrate the gorgeous and versatile Friendship Star block. I was first introduced to a version of this block in my SBS sampler back in 2007, and I instantly fell in love. It's such a pretty block and such a pleasure to sew. The Friendship Star block is basically a nine patch with some HST units thrown in to create a simple star that dances within the block. There are many ways to adapt this block and I'll show you some over the coming weeks to help you with future projects. You can use the Friendship Star block alone as a quilt block, as cornerstones and in borders, and it looks so pretty as part of the other Classic Quilt Blocks we have looked at so far - the centre of the Churn Dash block comes to mind or the Sawtooth Star. It's delicate and soft and it has a charming pinwheel quality which I just love, so let's have a look at this gorgeous star block in a little more detail: Block History: Blocks such as the Friendship Star block were very dear to the hearts of pioneer quilters. They were usually sewn in secret as their contribution to a quilt gifted to a loved one or friend who was getting married, who was ill or moving across the country. The quilter would autograph her individual block and it became part of a heartfelt quilt, showing the connections the recipient had made and the love shared with those in her friend's circle. The Friendship Star block was simple enough for everyone to sew and signatures could be stitched within the star or in the block background. Quilters still practice this tradition today. When one of our own needs a little love, quilters generously sew a block or two to create a quilt to comfort a friend in need. It's a practice that warms my heart and shows the wonderful caring nature of our quilting circle. Block Design: The Friendship Star block is drafted using a 3 x 3 grid: The block is constructed using a mix of squares and HST units. To determine the size of your units, simply divide the block size by three and add your seam allowances - this means your HST units must measure this size unfinished. In next week's Friendship Star tutorial, I'll provide a Cutting Chart for six sizes to help you sew these gorgeous blocks in future projects, without having to do all the math. Colour Values: When choosing colours for the Friendship Star block make sure you have enough contrast between the dark and light fabrics to make those star points pop. One colourful print fabric and a light background fabric makes these stars shine. Aren't they sweet? I love how simple and delicate they look, like little ballerinas dancing on a stage. Or you can get really creative and go scrappy! The possibilities are endless and only limited by your fabric stash and your creativity! This is a great way to use up some of those HST's you have stashed away - maybe they've been trimmed from other projects! Next week is my step by step tutorial for the Friendship Star block, so make sure you download and print my free colouring sheet to plan some blocks to sew along with me. Grab your colouring pencils, crayons or markers and get creative! Antique Inspiration: {photos from Google Images} I actually struggled to find some examples of antique quilts this month, which makes me more determined to encourage you to sew your own so we have future antique Friendship Star quilts - remember we are sewing tomorrows antique quilts and we're the ones who will inspire future quilters for generations. The quilts I did find are pretty and are probably reproductions, but they do illustrate the stunning effect this simple block creates. They also give you some ideas for layouts and how to use colour in the block. How do you plan to use the Friendship Star block? So, here's what to expect in the coming weeks in my Friendship Star Classic Quilt Blocks series: Week Two - A step by step tutorial for the Friendship Star block and a Cutting Chart with six sizes for all your future projects. Week Three - Variations of the block and how they work in a quilt. Week Four - A new mini quilt pattern to celebrate this gorgeous block. And that's my introduction to the Friendship Star block. It's such a simple, yet pretty quilt block and it's also very versatile - hopefully I can illustrate just how versatile in the coming weeks! Happy quilting :)
Friendship Stars Block Tutorial – Fast & Fresh Friendship Stars. Its a lovely name for a block and I’m sure you can think of many applications for this one. If you want star blocks quickly, then maybe this is for you! In this tutorial, I will show you a quick method for putting these stars … Continue reading Friendship Stars Block Tutorial – Fast & Fresh →
For a new twist on an old favorite, give this friendship love quilt block from A Quilting Sheep a try. The heart in the middle of this traditional friendship star block takes it up to another leve…
I am squeaking in right under the wire to get my first block made as part of the 2021 Old School Block of the Month. Kim shared her tutorial for the Patched Friendship Star block on January 12th, and
The March mystery block instructions for the Create with Claudia 2020 quilt along are here. Easy to make, the friendship star quilt block is always a hit!
