How to Make a 12-inch Friendship Star Quilt Block
Learn how to make a Friendship Star Quilt block with our free printable quilt block pattern.
Hello! For this week’s quilt block pattern, I’m teaching you how to make a 12-inch Friendship Star quilt block. If you’re new here, I share a free quilt block pattern for a quilt block each week.
Some of the block patterns are older posts from our site that didn’t include printable instructions; this is one of those posts. I’ve added directions, illustrations, and a print function for you.
What is a Friendship Star Block?
A Friendship Star quilt block is a traditional and popular quilt block design that features a simple yet visually striking star pattern. It is often used in quilts to symbolize friendship and unity. Here’s a breakdown of the components and construction of a typical Friendship Star quilt block:
Components
- Squares: The block is composed of squares.
- Half-Square Triangles (HSTs): These create the star points.
Construction
- Center Square: The center of the block is a single square, usually of a solid color or a patterned fabric that contrasts with the background.
- Corner Squares: Four corner squares are typically in the same background fabric.
- Half-Square Triangles: Four (half-square triangle) HST units are placed around the center square to form the star points. These HSTs are made by sewing together two triangles, one of the background fabric and one of the star fabric.
I’m working on a scrappy, colorful quilt with blocks in mostly monochromatic color scheme prints on a dark gray background.
Friendship Quilt Block Pattern; 12″ Finished Size
Equipment
supplies
- 1 piece Print Fabric for Center of Block 4 1/2" x 4 1/2"
- 2 pieces Print Fabric for Half Square Triangles 5" x 5"; can be the same print or different prints
- 4 pieces Solid Fabric for Background 4 1/2" x 4 1/2"
- 2 pieces Solid Fabric for Half Square Triangles 5" x 5"
Instructions
Create Half Square Triangles
- Begin by creating 4 Half Square Triangles using the two 5" x 5" background fabric squares and the two 5" x 5" square of print fabric. Layer one print fabric with one background fabric; right sides facing. Draw a diagonal line across the wrong side of one of the squares square. Stitch on 1/4″ from each side of the diagonal line.Cut along the line.Press the seam towards darker fabric and trim and square up the the pieces to 4 1/2 “x 4 1/2”.
- You should now have 4 Half Square Triangles. For more help constructing Half Square Triangles, CLICK HERE
Assemble the Block
- Lay out your HST and remaining pieces of fabric as shown.
- Stitch each row together and press seams towards one side. After each row is stitched, stitch the rows to each other.
- If necessary trim and square up the block to 12 1/2" x 12 1/2"
Friendship Star Block Ideas
Here are a few other Friendship Quilt blocks
-Wonderland Version
-Liberty Version (from RBD Challenge; note example only; this block is 10″ finished)
Blue & Green version.
