Free star quilt block pattern

We've created this special free start quilt block pattern for you to try at home. Read on for our free step-by-step tutorial – it's a great stash-buster and beginner-friendly so a great first block to try if you're new to making quilts.

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Published: May 21, 2020 at 12:06 pm

This easy-peasy star quilt block is a joy to stitch and a great way to use up small scraps of fabric from your stash that you can't bear to part with. Watch our video tutorial or scroll down for the full method, including cutting guide and step-by-step instructions.

You will need...

  • Background fabric – ­­10in x 15in
  • Fabric 1 – 10in square
  • Fabric 2 – 10in square

Finished size

1212in square (unfinished)

Star quilt block tutorial you will need

Cutting out

Step 1

From the background fabric cut as follows:

  • Five (5) 412in squares
  • One (1) 51⁄4in square

Step 2

From fabric 1 cut as follows:

  • Four (4) 212in squares
  • Four (4) 278in squares

Step 3

From fabric 2 cut four (4) 212in x 412in rectangles.

Making the Flying Geese

Step 4

First make Flying Geese, four at a time using one (1) 51⁄4in background square and four (4) 278in fabric 1 squares. To do this, start by drawing a diagonal line (corner-to-corner) on the back of each small fabric 1 square.

Step 5

Place two squares on opposite corners of the large background fabric square, right sides together and pin in place. The diagonal lines should match up and the small squares will overlap.

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Star quilt block tutorial step 5

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Step 6

Stitch a 1⁄4in seam on either side of the marked lines. Press and cut apart along the marked line. Press units open.

Star quilt block tutorial step 6

Star quilt block tutorial step 6B
Star quilt block tutorial step 6C

Star quilt block tutorial step 6

Star quilt block tutorial step 6B

Star quilt block tutorial step 6C

Star quilt block tutorial step 6
Star quilt block tutorial step 6B

Star quilt block tutorial step 6C

Step 7

Place a third fabric 1 square, right-sides-together with one of the pieced units. The marked line should go in the opposite direction to the seam. Stitch 1⁄4in on either side of the marked line, cut apart and press as before.

Star quilt block tutorial step 7

Star quilt block tutorial step 7B
Star quilt block tutorial step 7C
Star quilt block tutorial step 7D

Star quilt block tutorial step 7

Star quilt block tutorial step 7B

Star quilt block tutorial step 7C
Star quilt block tutorial step 7D

Star quilt block tutorial step 7
Star quilt block tutorial step 7B

Star quilt block tutorial step 7C

Star quilt block tutorial step 7D

Star quilt block tutorial step 7
Star quilt block tutorial step 7B
Star quilt block tutorial step 7C

Star quilt block tutorial step 7D

Step 8

Repeat step seven with the remaining small fabric 1 square and remaining pieced unit. Check each Flying Geese unit measures 21⁄2in x 41⁄2in and trim the ‘dog-ears’.

Star quilt block tutorial step 8

Star quilt block tutorial step 8B
Star quilt block tutorial step 8C

Star quilt block tutorial step 8

Star quilt block tutorial step 8B

Star quilt block tutorial step 8C

Star quilt block tutorial step 8
Star quilt block tutorial step 8B

Star quilt block tutorial step 8C

Top tip: For more about making Flying Geese using different methods see our beginner's guide post – How to sew flying geese

Assembling the block

Step 9

Stitch a 21⁄2in x 41⁄2in fabric 2 rectangle to each Flying Geese unit. Press. Stitch these units to opposite sides of the 41⁄2in background square. Press.

Star quilt block tutorial step 9

Star quilt block tutorial step 9B

Star quilt block tutorial step 9

Star quilt block tutorial step 9B

Step 10

Draw a line on the back of a 21⁄2in fabric 1 square and place right sides together in one corner of a 41⁄2in background square. Sew along the marked line. Trim excess fabric to 1⁄4in seam allowance. Press corner open.

Star quilt block tutorial step 10

Star quilt block tutorial step 10B
Star quilt block tutorial step 10C

Star quilt block tutorial step 10

Star quilt block tutorial step 10B

Star quilt block tutorial step 10C

Star quilt block tutorial step 10
Star quilt block tutorial step 10B

Star quilt block tutorial step 10C

Step 11

Stitch a unit from step 10 to either side of the remaining Flying Geese units with the fabric 1 corner facing inwards. Press.

Star quilt block tutorial step 1

Step 12

Add these rows to the top and bottom of the centre unit to complete the block.

Star quilt block tutorial step 12

Now your block is finished!

Free star quilt block pattern

Do you have a quilt that you’re proud of? Why not enter it into the Festival of Quilts Virtual Competition 2020?

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