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Ohio Star Quilt Block Tutorial

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INSIDE: Ohio Star Quilt Block Tutorial

Learn quilting with the Ohio Star Quilt Block Tutorial for beginning quilters. Simple and easy steps are outlined in this tutorial.

The Ohio Star Quilt Block is a great skill building block, and you’ll be surprised by its simplicity and versatility. It goes together quickly and is used to make more quilts than I have time to name.

This versatile block is one of the most iconic American quilt blocks. And, it continues to be popular today with modern quilters because there are so many different ways to design this block.

The history of the Ohio Star is not very clear. Many believe its history is rooted in the American Civil War. I was unable to verify this, but did discover that this block was extremely popular until the 1930s.

How To Make A Perfect Ohio Star Quilt Block using a Quarter Square Triangle


Ohio Star Quilt Block Pattern Tutorial

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


Supplies

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This block is easier than you think – I promise! Follow the simple steps below and you will have success!

Plus, you’ll learn a couple of new quilting techniques for your next quilt!

Ohio Star Quilt Block image

Step 1: Cutting

Cut out the following from the Materials list below.

Materials:

  • White fabric: Cut(4) 4.5″ squares
  • Yellow fabric: Cut (1) 4.5″ square
  • White fabric: Cut (1) 5.5″ square
  • Pink fabric: Cut (1) 5.5″ square
  • Turquoise fabric: Cut (2) 5.5″ squares
How To Make A Perfect Ohio Star Quilt Block using a Quarter Square Triangle

Step 2: Half Square Triangles

The Ohio Star Quilt Block starts with Quarter Square Triangles (QST). To make a QST you will first need to know how to make a Half Square Triangle (HST).

  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. Personally, I prefer a pencil, but this will ultimately depend on the fabric you’re using.
  3. On both sides of the diagonal line, stitch a scant 1/4″ seam.
  4. Using an acrylic quilter’s ruler and rotary cutter, cut along the pencil line.
Learn How To Make A Perfect Ohio Star Quilt Block using a Quarter Square Triangle.

Make one pair of HST’s from the 5.5″ turquoise fabric and 5.5″ white fabric.
Make one pair of HST from the 5.5″ turquoise fabric and 5.5″ pink fabric.
Press the seams towards the darker fabric. I like to use the Clover Roll and Press to avoid ironing until I’m finished.

How To Make A Perfect Ohio Star Quilt Block using a Quarter Square Triangle

Step 3: Quarter Square Triangles

  1. To make a QST take two HST’s and place them right sides together with opposite colors touching.
  2. Use a pencil or water soluble marker and draw a line from corner to corner, bisecting the HST seam.
  3. On both sides of the diagonal line, stitch a scant 1/4″ seam.
  4. Using an acrylic quilter’s ruler and rotary cutter, cut along the pencil line.
Learn How To Make A Perfect Ohio Star Quilt Block using a Quarter Square Triangle.
  • Match up a turquoise/white HST’s with a turquoise/pink HST.
  • Be sure that the turquoise fabric is on the opposite side. Nest the seams.
Learn How To Make A Perfect Ohio Star Quilt Block using a Quarter Square Triangle.
  • Draw a diagonal line from corner to corner, opposite of the previous seam. Be sure to nest the seam allowance.
  • Using a scant 1/4″ seam allowance, stitch on both sides of the mark.
  • Cut on the line. Say a little prayer and open up your QST. Press.
  • Trim each square to 4.5″ using a square ruler with clear markings like this Creative Grids Ruler.
Learn How To Make A Perfect Ohio Star Quilt Block using a Quarter Square Triangle.

Step 4: Creating the Block

Now comes the fun part – when your block comes together. As you can see, when laid out it’s a simple nine patch block.

Assemble the block using the image below as a guide. Be sure to nest seams as you connect the rows together. Pay close attention to where the points meet.

How To Make A Perfect Ohio Star Quilt Block using a Quarter Square Triangle

There you have it. A beautiful Ohio Star Quilt Block.

How To Make A Perfect Ohio Star Quilt Block using a Quarter Square Triangle

Quilt Inspiration

If you really love this block, I have a couple of quilt ideas for you. The first is a modern version with lots of negative space. Don’t you love how this traditional block that dates back well into the 1800s can still look fresh and modern?

Learn How To Make A Perfect Ohio Star Quilt Block using a Quarter Square Triangle.

The second quilt idea is more traditional, but I’ve used modern fabrics. What I love about this design is all of the secondary designs that get built in. Notice the diamonds and four-patch squares. Imagine all of the quilting possibilities.

Learn How To Make A Perfect Ohio Star Quilt Block using a Quarter Square Triangle.

The Ohio Star Quilt Block is a great skill building block and that is why I encourage you to give this one a try.

You’ll be surprised by its simplicity and versatility. Best of all, it can be made in very little time.


>>> Want a printable version of the post? Click the pink button, and download the Printable PDF instructions.

Ohio-Star-Printable-Post-Cover

Did you like this post? Check out a few of the other Quilt Blocks in this Series.

>>> Click this link to see all of the Blocks of the Month


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19 Comments

  1. This is a great tutorial….thanks. I also like your idea of touching on a traditional block each month and I think it will help us build on our skills regardless of what level. May I ask, do you have any lessons in the Amish style of quilting? I keep thinking of their quilts and find myself drawn to their precision and craftsmanship.

      1. Me, too….I am going to made one in the Amish style….will likely take me awhile but I will send you a picture when it is finished.

        Have been “glittering” shoes for a friend for her MardiGras Krewe….so much fun making throws for a Muse.

  2. Wow,
    Great presentation, and simply stated. I Love the Ohio Star. I with You on a Different Block each Month.
    Thank You !!

  3. Love this star and the Valentine one! I am going to make these so that I can learn these traditional patterns. Great way for me to build up my skills as a new quilter. Maybe I’ll take all 12 and make them into one quilt at the end of the year. What is the finished size of each block?

  4. I’m a beginner and I understood your directions. I made first Star ever today following your steps. I like the additional color idea so I tried this too. Thanks !

  5. Early this summer decided to do this as square as a project. 9 of us shared 3 different batik fabrics 8-1/2 x 11 squares and we are each making a quilt! I’ve been traveling so I’ve only done 3 squares. I used a white on white print for my background. I’m excited to have a lovely new summer quilt!

  6. Have you ever tried making Ohio star by fast patch Anita Hallock ?
    I started…cut strips of 4″ and I’m lost in the lingo and illustrations…!
    I can get to the checkerboard but then what?
    As per your illustrations! Short of starting with new fabric of 4.5″ and 5.5″ …
    Can you help?
    I have three colours with fourth as light one in the middle.

    1. Never tried it. Have you joined the Facebook group? That is the perfect place to ask a question like this. Lots of experienced quilters.

  7. I love your easy to follow directions and the different layout options you show. I was wondering what size would the quilt layouts be when finished? I especially like the on point layout, but as I make QOV quilts, I would most likely use both layouts eventually.

  8. Terrific instructions! Thanks for taking the time to put such great directions together. My first Ohio Star went together like a dream. A grad accomplishment for a gal from Ohio!

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