The Starshine Log Cabin quilt block puts a fresh twist on two timeless favorites—the classic log cabin and the ever-popular Ohio Star (or Sawtooth Star) block. Measuring 15″ finished, this versatile block features a 6″ star at the center, surrounded by traditional log cabin-style strips. It’s also a great way to spotlight any favorite 6″ design like Friendship Star, Nine-Patch, or even a simple Half-Square Triangle unit. Whether you go scrappy or planned, this block adds a beautiful mix of structure and sparkle to any quilt project.
Update: I now have a PDF pattern of this block available in my Etsy shop if you prefer to have a printed pattern. Check it out by clicking this link: STARSHINE LOG CABIN
Fabric Requirements for a 15″ Finished Starshine Log Cabin Quilt Block:
For the Star:
- Light/White: 4 – 2″ x 3.5″ rectangles, and 4 – 2″ squares
- Dark/Navy: 1 – 3.5″ square, and 8 – 2″ squares
For the Logs:
- Light 1: 1 – 2″ x 6.5″ rectangle, and 1 – 2″ x 8″ rectangle
- Light 2: 1 – 2″ x 9.5″ rectangle, and 1 – 2″ x 11″ rectangle
- Light 3: 1 – 2″ x 12.5″ rectangle, and 1 – 2″ x 14″ rectangle
- Dark 1: 1 – 2″ x 8″ rectangle, and 1 – 2″ x 9.5″ rectangle
- Dark 2: 1 – 2″ x 11″ rectangle, and 1 – 2″ x 12.5″ rectangle
- Dark 3: 1 – 2″ x 14 rectangle, and 1 – 2″ x 15.5″ rectangle
Sewing Directions:
Flying Geese Units:
Step 1:
Using two Dark/Navy 2″ squares and a White 2″ x 3.5″ rectangle, sew together a Flying Geese unit. For a detailed tutorial of my no-trim method for making perfect Flying Geese blocks check out https://quiltembroiderypdf.com/how-to-sew-a-basic-flying-geese-block.
The picture below shows the first four steps.
- Mark a diagonal line from corner to corner on the back of the Dark/Navy 2″ squares.
- Sew a Dark/Navy 2″ square to a White rectangle along the marked line (top image). Note the orientation of the marked line.
- Match the corners of the Dark/Navy square and press (second image).
- Open the small square up and trim the seam allowance (third image).
- Refold (bottom image).
Step 2:
Repeat Step 1 on the adjacent corner of the White rectangle as shown in the picture below.
Step 3:
Repeat Steps 1 and 2 for a total of four Flying Geese units.
Step 4:
Lay out the Step 3 Flying Geese units, the Dark/Navy 3.5″ square, and the four White 2″ squares as shown in the picture below.
Step 5:
Sew the units into three rows as shown below.
Step 6:
Press the seam allowances away from the Flying Geese units.
Step 7:
Sew the three rows together.
Step 8:
Press the seam allowances. I’ve pressed mine toward the center of the unit, but you can press however you desire.
Putting It All Together:
Step 9:
At this point I like to lay out (in order) all the rectangles around the star unit. This helps me keep everything straight.
Round 1:
Step 10:
Sew the Light 1 2″ x 6.5″ rectangle to the top of the star unit as shown in the picture.
Step 11:
Press the seam allowance away from the star unit as shown.
Step 12:
Sew the Light 1 2″ x 8″ rectangle to the left side of the unit.
Step 13:
And again press the seam allowance away from the star unit.
Step 14:
Next you will sew the Dark 1 2″ x 8″ rectangle to the bottom of the unit as shown. I’m starting to see a pattern here!
Step 15:
And press the seam allowance away from the center of the block.
Step 16:
To complete Round 1, sew the Dark 1 2″ x 9.5″ rectangle to the right side of the unit.
Step 17:
And press the seam allowance away from the center of the block as shown in the picture below.
Round 2:
Step 18:
Repeat Steps 10 through 17 using the Light 2 and Dark 2 rectangles and pressing the seam allowances away from the center of the block.
Step 19:
And finally, repeat Steps 10 through 17 using the Light 3 and Dark 3 rectangles and pressing the seam allowances away from the center of the block.
Step 20:
Here’s a picture of the back of the completed block.
Layout Ideas:
Here’s the typical 4 x 4 layout with similar colors to the tutorial.
In this example blocks are rotated to create a diagonal stripe design.
Rotating the blocks differently creates this barn raising design.
Here’s the same barn raising layout but the star units have been replaced with a solid square. It really looks different.
This layout version creates an interesting woven design.
This is a layout using a simple Half-Square Triangle for the center unit and the blocks are rotated to create a star pattern.
