Eight Pointed Star Quilt Block Pattern Tutorial

To make an eight pointed star quilt block, use Tri Recs rulers to make triangle in a square units for star points. The rulers make it easy for beginners!

eight-pointed star quilt block

The eight-pointed star quilt block is also known as the Sun Rays Quilt. That's probably a quilt block name that you've not heard of. But, you'll love this easy star quilt block. It's gorgeous! Learn how to make it and see what it would look like in a quilt.

Eight-Pointed Star Block Size Cutting Chart

Measurements are given for using the Tri Recs Triangle Rulers with strips of fabric to cut the required pieces for the block.

Never used Tri Recs triangle rulers? Need a refresher? Please review this Triangle In a Square Tutorial Using Tri Recs Rulers step by step tutorial.

Eight Pointed Star Quilt Block Pattern Instructions

WOF= Width Of Fabric
Unless otherwise noted seams are 1/4 inch.

Step 1a From Fabric A strip cut 8 side triangles using the Recs Triangle Ruler.

Step 1b Also, from same Fabric A strip cut 1 square.

Step 2a From Fabric B strip cut 4 center triangles using the Tri Triangle Ruler (here, my strip is doubled).

Step 2b Also, from same Fabric B strip cut 4 squares. First cut a straight edge, then cut squares (strip is doubled).

Here are the pieces cut from the same fabric strip to make up the background of the eight pointed star quilt block: 4 center triangles and 4 squares.

Step 3 Layout the triangle in a square pieces as shown in the picture below: left side triangle, center triangle, right side triangle.

You can stack the like pieces for all of the triangle in a square units that you will make. Each block uses four triangle in a square units.

Stitch Triangle in a Square Units

Step 4 Stitch Triangle in a Square Units. Here are the quick steps to stitching a triangle in a square unit. Click the linked picture get the step by step photo tutorial.

Referring to the picture below - top row, left to right:

• Layout one side triangle on the left and one on the right and insert the center triangle between the two side triangles.
• Stitch the right side triangle to the center triangle, aligning slanted edge along the bottom right corner of the center triangle.
• Press the right side triangle right side up, pressing the seam towards it.

steps to stitching a triangle in a square unit

Referring to the picture above - bottom row, left to right:

• Stitch the left side triangle to the center triangle, aligning slanted edge along the bottom left corner of the center triangle.
• Press the left side triangle right side up, pressing the seam towards it.

If you prefer, here's the text link: Triangle In a Square Tutorial Using Tri Recs Rulers step by step tutorial.

Step 5a After Step 4 your triangle in a square units will look similar to these  - side triangles pointed down, center triangle pointed up.

Step 5b However, to make the eight pointed star quilt block we will turn them so that the side triangles point up and the center triangles point down. Now, can you see the star points made by Fabric A? Don't worry if you can't just yet. They become even more apparent in the next step.

Step 6 Layout Quilt Block. Layout the quilt block in a 3 x 3 grid pattern as follows:

• Row 1: plain background square, triangle in a square unit (side triangles pointed up), plain background square
• Row 2: triangle in a square unit (side triangles pointed out), plain star square, triangle in a square unit (side triangles pointed out)
• Row 3: plain background square, triangle in a square unit (side triangles pointed down), plain background square

Step 7 In turn, stitch together the units of each row. Right sides together, align unit from Column 2 on top of unit in Column 1.  Along right edge, stitch a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Flip unit from Column 2 right side up. Right sides together, align unit from Column 3 on top of unit in Column 2. Stitch. Flip unit from Column 3 right side up. Row is complete.

Step 8 Press the seams...

• Row 1: press the seams toward the background squares.
• Row 2: press the seams toward the center square.
• Row 3: press the seams toward the background squares.

Step 9 Stitch Rows to Each Other. In turn, right sides together stitch Row 1 to Row 2, nesting the seams. Flip Row 1 right side up. Stitch Row 3 to Row 2. Flip Row 3 right side up.

Keep your star points. Your stitches should go through the point where the seams of the center triangle and the side triangles intersect.

Press the seams between the rows open.

Your eight pointed star quilt block is complete! Isn't it beautiful!

Eight Pointed Star Quilt Pattern Idea

The eight pointed star quilt block looks radiant in a quilt. Here's one idea. A 12 inch star block size alternates with 12 inch plain squares (7 blocks per row by 7 rows).

It uses 25 eight pointed star quilt blocks and 24 plain squares. The four borders are 6 inches wide. This quilt pattern would be approximately 96 x 96 inches, a queen size quilt.

A blue-and-white color scheme is a favorite among quilters and has been used often through the centuries. Make it a scrappy quilt by using different shades of blue fabric to make the stars. Choose the darkest blue fabric used to make the binding.