Quilting Assistant Logo
 Free Pattern : A Pieced Star Block

Pieced Star is a fun block made entirely from right triangles. While there is a wide selection of designs featuring a star motif, this one is comparatively easy to piece and works up quickly.

Typically constructed from white fabric and a print, any solid in a complementarity shade will work for Pieced Star. For the most striking effect, though, lighter shades should be selected. Your print should provide the darker element of the block.

Pieced Star block

How big is it?

This is a 11-inch block.

Contructions instructions

After cutting all pieces for the block, there are two sub-units to piece; triangle-pair squares and triangle oblongs. Once these are complete, Pieced Star works up in three rows.

Cutting - Pieced Star consists of large and small right triangles using two fabrics.

  • Cut four right triangles from a 4 7/8-inch strip of fabric A.
  • Cut eight right triangles from a 3 5/8-inch strip of fabric A.
  • Cut sixteen right triangles from a 3 5/8-inch strip of fabric B.
  • Cutting graphic

Piecing the sub-units - Use a quarter-inch seam allowance for all stitching.

  • Gather the eight small fabric A right triangles and eight fabric B right triangles.
  • Place a fabric B triangle over a fabric A triangle with right sides together, and stitch.
  • Repeat to form eight triangle-pair squares.
  • Gather the remaining fabric B triangles and the larger fabric A right triangles.
  • Place a fabric B triangle over the fabric A triangle, right sides together, so that the base of the fabric B triangle is aligned with one side of the fabric A triangle.
  • Stitch in place.
  • Repeat to stitch a fabric B triangle on the opposite side of the fabric A triangle to form one oblong.
  • Repeat to create a total of four oblong units.
  • Press all sub-units.
  • Pieced Star sub-assembly

Assembling the block - The key to correctly constructing a Pieced Star block is checking the position of your sub-units before stitching. Compare your layout against this pattern to avoid the need for a seam ripper.

  • Gather two triangle-pair squares and one oblong.
  • Place one triangle-pair square over the oblong, right sides together and stitch.
  • Repeat with the other triangle-pair square on the other side of the oblong to form the top row.
  • Repeat the above steps to form the bottom row.
  • Gather the remaining two oblongs and four triangle-pair squares.
  • Place one triangle-pair square over another and stitch. Repeat.
  • Place one of the units pieced in the above step over the other, matching seams and stitch to form the center square.
  • Place one oblong on over the center square and stitch.
  • Repeat with the remaining oblong on the other side of the center square to form the middle row.
  • Press all seams.
  • Place the top row over the middle row, lining up seams and stitch.
  • Repeat with the bottom row, stitching it to the middle row.
  • Press all seams of your completed block.
  • Row assembly

What should I do with it?

Pieced Star blocks placed next to each other form a captivating pattern. Corner triangles join to form diamonds that seem to dance across the quilt. This layout includes a triple border, with each re-using fabric from the blocks to provide a finished look.

Pieced Star quilt

Placed with strips of sashing in between the blocks, this sample layout creates an airy feel. Squares of coordinating fabric is pieced in the sashing at the corners where blocks meet for added interest.

Pieced Star quilt with sashing and border

More options to think about!

This sample layout makes use of a medallion setting and multiple borders to create a dramatic effect. The ample amount of solid fabric provides a great showcase for beautifully executed quilting motifs.

Pieced Star and solid blocks

Related : More Free Block Patterns

 Free Patterns
  Quilt Patterns
  Block Patterns
  Border Pattern

 Calculators
  Fabric Usage
  Metric Tool

 Product Review
  Frames
  Books
  Lighting
  Sewing
  Software

 Quilting Info
  Techniques
  Equipment
  Quilt Types
  Home Page

Copyright© 2005 Clockwatchers, Inc. - Quilting Assistant dot com