How to Make a Perfect Friendship Star Quilt Block

Inside: How to Make a Perfect Friendship Star Quilt 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 triangles tossed in for fun.

I know you’re going to love how easy this quilt block is to make. And be sure to grab the FREE PDF instructions below.

>>> Want an ad-free, printable copy of this tutorial? Scroll to the bottom of this post for more details!

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A Little History

Before I choose a quilt block I like to take a look at its history. After all, so many quilt blocks also tell the story of our nation. You could almost say that the history of America can be seen in the history of quilts. Self-sufficient pioneer women sewed quilts while crossing the prairie and along the way they were stitching in the growth of a nation.

The Key Word is Friend

One of the most memorable blocks is the Friendship Star Quilt Block. This block held a special place in the hearts of pioneer women because most times the quilt blocks were created in secret by family and friends and then presented as a going away present when a loved one was heading out West.

The person making the block would likely embroider her name in the center as a reminder. By displaying the Friendship quilt on her bed, a pioneer woman was able to feel a connection to the loved ones she had left behind.

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How to Make a Perfect Friendship Star Quilt Block

Supplies

• Sewing Machine
• Quarter Inch foot for your sewing machine
• Aurifil 50 wt. Cotton Thread
• Sewing Pins
• Fabric Marking tool
• Rotary Cutter with sharp blade
• Acrylic Ruler
• Self Healing Rotary Cutting Mat
• Iron & Ironing Board

Materials:

This block is so economical. I used three 10″ x 10″ squares that were in my stash. As long as you choose fabrics that have a strong contrast, anything will work.

• Solid Fabric (I chose Kona Cerise #1066))
• White Fabric (Kona White #1387)

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Step 1: Download the FREE Assembly Diagram

I’ve put the assembly diagrams into a one-page FREE downloadable PDF. Click the pink button below to get the free assembly diagram.

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Step 2: Cutting and Marking Instructions

• Qty (1) 4 1/2″ x 4 1/2″ Purple – Kona Cerise #1066
• Qty (2) 4 7/8″ x 4 7/8″ Purple – Kona Cerise #1066
• Qty (4) 4 1/2″ x 4 1/2″ White – Kona White #1387
• Qty (2) 4 7/8″ x 4 7/8″ White – Kona White #1387

For different sized blocks, I’ve included this cutting chart below. In this tutorial we are cutting to make a 12″ finished block.

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Step 3: Make Half Square Triangles (HST) 

Follow the diagram below to make four half square triangles.

1. Place a light and a dark fabric square right sides together.
2. Use a pencil or water soluble marker, draw a diagonal line from one corner to the opposite corner.
3. On both sides of the diagonal line, stitch a scant 1/4″ seam. See How to Sew the Perfect Quilting Seam Allowance for more details.
4. Using a quilter’s ruler and rotary cutter, cut along the pencil line.
5. Press seams to one side, and trim the block down to 4 1/2″ using a square quilting ruler.

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Step 4: Assemble the Quilt Block

• Arrange your blocks and HSTs in correct layout (see Step 1 for a FREE Assembly Diagram).
• Using a quarter inch seam allowance, sew together in rows. Press seams in same direction on each row. Join all rows, using a quarter inch seam allowance. Take time to nest your seams.
• Press the completed block and trim down to 12.5″ square (if necessary).

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Don’t you love this block – especially the simplicity. And, like I said, so much history in one little block. It really is a simple 9-patch with a slight twist.

Better yet, the options for this simple quilt block are fun to imagine! You could make several more Friendship Star blocks for an entire quilt or piece three or four together for a nice table runner. It really is that simple, just turn the direction of the HSTs and get another look.

This quilt is a fun twist on this block. Click here for the directions.

The Friendship Star Quilt Block is a fun and simple quilt block. I hope you make lots and lots of them to share with friends and family.

Want an ad-free, printable version of this post? Click the pink button below and download the Printable PDF instructions!

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