Today let’s look at this traditional quilt block called Blocks and Stars – a bold and versatile 12″ design that brings classic elements together with striking results. Centered around a braced star motif, this block is constructed entirely with just Square in a Square and Hourglass units, making it both simple and visually dynamic.
With endless color and layout possibilities, Blocks and Stars is perfect for everything from scrappy samplers to coordinated full quilts. Let’s dive into the details and start stitching this starry beauty!
Fabric Requirements for a 12″ Finished Blocks and Stars Quilt Block:
- Light/White: 2 – 5.5″ squares, and 20 – 2.5″ squares
- Medium/Green: 2 – 5.5″ squares, and 1 – 4.5″ square
- Medium/Pink: 2 – 4.5″ squares
- Dark/Burgundy: 2 – 4.5″ squares
Sewing Directions:
Square in a Square Units:
Step 1:
Using the Medium/Green, Medium/Pink, and Dark/Burgundy 4.5″ squares and the Light/White 2.5″ squares, sew together five Square in a Square units as shown below. You can find the tutorial for making a Square in a Square block at https://quiltembroiderypdf.com/how-to-sew-a-basic-square-in-a-square-block
Hourglass Units:
Step 2:
Next you can sew together four Hourglass units using the Light/White and Medium/Green 5.5″ squares like the ones shown in the picture below. You will find my tutorial for making an Hourglass (or Quarter Square Triangle) block at https://quiltembroiderypdf.com/how-to-sew-a-basic-hourglass-or-quarter-square-triangle-block
Putting It All Together:
Step 3:
Lay out the Step 1 and 2 units as shown in the picture below.
Step 4:
From here the block goes together just like a basic Nine Patch block. First, sew the units into three rows as shown below.
Step 5:
Press the seam allowances toward the Hourglass units as shown below.
Step 6:
Now sew the three rows together.
Step 7:
And press the seam allowances away from the center of the block as shown in the picture below. All done!
