Eight Point Star Quilt Block Tutorial

Stitch an eight point star quilt block with half square triangles (a quilting technique you know). With no y seams it's easier to make than the traditional LeMoyne star block!

8 Point Star Quilt Block

8 Point Star Blocks

Using squares to make the half square triangles for this star block results in enough leftover to make two blocks.

I am making each star point from a different print.

Use your scraps or leftover yardage and background fabric. I used eight different 30s reproduction fabrics to make the star points and a cream fabric for the background.

Begin by selecting your fabrics for the star points and a background fabric.

Cutting Chart

8 Inch Finished Block

• Fabrics A - H: Cut 2 (3 1/4 inch) large squares (star points, 30s prints)
• Fabric I: Cut 8 (3 1/4 inch) large squares (background, cream fabric), when directed trim HSTs to: 2 1/2 inches
• Fabric I: Cut 4 (2 1/2 inch) small squares (background, cream fabric)

12 Inch Finished Block

• Fabrics A - H: Cut 2 (4 1/4 inch) large squares (star points, 30s prints)
• Fabric I: Cut 8 (4 1/4 inch) large squares (background, cream fabric), when directed trim HSTs to: 3 1/2 inches
• Fabric I: Cut 4 (3 1/2 inch) small squares (background, cream fabric)

Eight Point Star Quilt Block Instructions

Step 1 Refer to the cutting chart above. From each fabric to be used for the star points cut large squares (16 total).

Step 2 Arrange one square from each star point fabric in a layout as shown in the picture below to represent the star points. Arrange the color placement to your liking. Take a picture to recall placement (optional).

Step 3 Refer to the cutting chart above. From the background fabric cut 8 large and 4 small squares.

Set aside the small squares to be used as plain squares in each corner of the eight point star quilt block.

Step 4 Use the 8 star point large squares arranged in Step 2 and the 8 large plain squares to make half square triangles (HST). A quick refresher is shown in the picture below. Finger press the seams toward the darker fabric.

Note: You will get 16 HSTs. Use 8 to make this eight point star block. Use the other 8 to make another block or add them to your scrap pile.

Step 5 Trim the half square triangles to size (here, 3 1/2 inches square for my 12 inch eight point star quilt block).

Step 6a Arrange one half square triangle of each color into star points according to your color arrangement from Step 2. See the photo below for directional placement of the HSTs.

Step 6b Pair up the second group of 8 large star point squares. Pair the two colors based on the color of the HSTs where they meet in the corners (see the photo below).

Step 7 From the star point squares paired up in Step 6b make half square triangles, 4 total. Trim the HSTs to size.

Step 8 Place the half square triangles made in Step 7 in the center square of the eight point star quilt block, positioning it to color match with its other star point HST half.

Place one small plain square in each corner of the block. This completes the layout of the 8 point star quilt block.

Step 9 See the photo below for the direction in which to press the seams. Press all the seams with an iron before stitching the patches together.

In general, press the seams in opposite directions to nest and for less bulk when stitching.

Step 10a Stitch the patches of each row together.

Step 10b Press each center seam open. For Rows 1 and 3 press the outer seams away from the center of the block. For Rows 2 and 4 press the outer seams toward the center of the block.

Step 11a With right sides together stitch Row 1 to Row 2, first match the center seam and then nest outer seams. Repeat to stitch Row 4 to Row 3. Flip Rows 1 and 4 right side up.

Step 11b With right sides together stitch Row 2 to Row 3, first match center seam and then nest outer seams. Flip top half of block right side up to reveal your completed eight point star quilt block.

Step 12 First, press the center seam open. Next, press the horizontal seams open.

Finished Scrappy 8 Point Star Quilt Block

Step 13 Trim the block to size (here, 12 1/2 inches unfinished) making sure 1/4 inch seam allowance is left on all star points.

Now, doesn't this 8 point star quilt block look just like the LeMoyne star block? But it is soooo much easier to make! Wouldn't you agree? :-)

Eight Point Star Quilt Pattern Ideas

Here are ideas for two different quilt patterns (approximately 84 inches by 96 inches, almost queen size).

For a quilt with a traditional look make 28 (12 1/2 inch, unfinished size) eight point star quilt blocks and cut 28 (12 1/2 inch) plain squares. Alternate each 8 point star quilt block with a plain square arranged 7 blocks per row by 8 rows.

For a more modern feel, make 3 (12 inch) blocks and arrange them in one row near the bottom of the quilt. For the background, use wide backing fabric or piece together 40 - 45 inch fabric for desired quilt size.

This quilt block is easy for beginners. Either quilt using the eight point star quilt block should be a breeze to make. A LeMoyne star quilt never looked so good. Have fun quilting!