Quilting Information Article

All Articles

All Patterns

All Quilts

Free Quilt Patterns

Quilting Tips

Reviews

Block of the Month

On the Road

In the Studio

In the News

Quilt Exhibits

Fun Extras

Links

Ohio Star

posted: 4/1/2004

by Ila McCallum

Printable Page

Category: Pieced

Level: Easy

Series: 9 Patch Sampler

<-- Go to Pattern Listing

Description:
The Ohio Star block is a 9-patch block with three rows of three squares each. Four of the squares are made up of four quarter square triangles. The placement of the colors and values makes this block very interesting. This block uses the background fabric and 3 contrasting fabrics.

Finished Size: 12" x 12"

Fabric Requirements For Block:

If you are making the entire Block of the Month series, just cut the patches as shown below from the fabrics for the series. The fabric requirements for the series is in the Introduction to the Block of the Month.

If you are making a sample block or just one block, use these fabric measurements and then cut the patches as shown below. The measurements are generous.

NOTE: If you are using a one way fabric, such as the background fabric in the block with the light blue and mottled orange patches below, you may need a little more fabric.

TIP: Mark which fabrics you are planning to use for each portion of the quilt. For example, it is easy to forget that a certain fabric is planned for the sashing. However, be open to changing your mind. You may find that a different fabric makes an outstanding sashing and the one you had planned to use just does not work.

Fabric A: (4 patches) 6" X 28" Background fabric
NOTE: For this quilt, the background fabric is shown as the mottled green and yellow in the picture of the finished quilt above. This fabric will be used in every block in the Block of the Month series and the wide border.
Fabric B: (4 quarter square triangles made from 1 square) 6" X 6" Background fabric
Fabric C: (1 patch) 6" X 6" Contrast fabric 1
Fabric D: (4 quarter square triangles made from 1 square) 6" X 6" Contrast fabric 2
Fabric E: (8 quarter square triangles made from 2 squares) 6" X 12" Contrasting fabric 3

Cutting Instructions

Piece	Shape	#	Fabric	Instructions
A		4	Background	Cut four 4 ½" x 4 ½" squares TIP: Be careful to cut accurately. If you are using a quilter’s ruler and rotary cutter, look at the marks on the ruler from above when placing the ruler on the fabric. Be sure the 4 ½" mark is on the edge of the fabric before you cut. Hold the ruler firmly with your hand but out of the way of the rotary cutter! We don't want any cut fingers.
B		4	Background	Cut one 5 1/4" x 5 1/4" square; cut it in half diagonally and then in half diagonally again
C		1	Contrast 1	Cut one 4 ½" x 4 ½" square
D		4	Contrast 2	Cut one 5 1/4" x 5 1/4" square; cut it in half diagonally and then in half diagonally again *TIP: Since each of these squares will be cut into 4 pieces, you may want to cut The squares a bit bigger (5 3/8" or 5 ½") so that you can square the patches to 4 ½" after they are sewn.
E		8	Contrast 3	Cut two 5 1/4" x 5 1/4" squares; cut them in half diagonally and then in half diagonally again

Assembly (1/4" seam allowance throughout):

Instruction	Diagram
Step 1: Cut all pieces and lay them out in the same positions as in the finished block. Use the diagram to help you lay out the pieces.
Step 2: Sew the quarter square triangles together. Be sure to use accurate scant ¼" seams. These seams are on the bias and are easily stretched. Be very careful not to stretch the seams. Place the Contrast 2 and Contrast 3 fabrics right sides together. Pin at right angles to the seam line, which is the long side. Sew a ¼ inch seam (see note below). Do not sew over the pins, but pull them out before the needle reaches them. Press the seam toward Contrast 3 fabric. (see diagram at right) Place the Background and Contrast 3 fabrics right sides together. Pin at right angles to the seam line, which is the long side. Sew a ¼ inch seam (see note below). Do not sew over the pins, but pull them out before the needle reaches them. Press the seam toward Contrast 3 fabric. Place the right sides together. Pin at right angles to the seam line, which is the long side. Sew a ¼ inch seam. Do not sew over the pins, but pull them out before the needle reaches them. Press the seam towards the darker fabrics or open. Square up the blocks to 4 ½" x 4 ½".
Step 3: Sew the three patches in Row 1 together. Place the two patches you are sewing with right sides together and edges matching. Be careful to sew the patches in the order shown on the diagram with the diagonal seam line in the corner patches in the correct position. Pin at right angles to the seam line. Do not sew over the pins but pull them out before the needle reaches them. TIP: Start sewing on a small scrap. Sew from the small scrap directly onto the patches you are sewing together, leaving one or two stitches between. When you have finished sewing the seam, sew back onto a scrap. Clip the threads between the patches and the scraps. The ends of your seams will be more even. This is called chain stitching and can be used between patches that you are seaming.
Step 4: Sew the three patches in Row 2 together.
Step 5: Sew the three patches in Row 3 together.
Step 6: Press the seams in the direction of the arrows in the drawing.
Step 7: Sew Row 1 to Row 2. Match the seams very carefully and pin on both sides of the matched seam. This will hold the seamlines from shifting and keep the fabric in the seam allowances from folding. Remember not to sew over the pins, but rather remove them as you come to them. NOTE: The corners where the Contrast 2 and Contrast 3 fabrics come together need to meet with the points barely touching.
Step 8: Sew Row 3 to Row 2.
Step 9: Press the seams. The direction you press them is not as important here as it was above because this will be sown to a sashing or border piece.
NOTE: Your block will measure 12 ½” x 12 ½”. When all of the seams are sewn around the block in the finished quilt, the block will measure 12 “ x 12”. It is important that your block measures 12 ½” x 12 ½” so that all of the blocks will fit correctly, when you put the entire quilt together. If your block does not measure the correct size, you can "block" it just as you would block a sweater. Draw the correct size on a piece of paper and pin the edges of the block so that it is on the line. Spray the fabric with water or a light spray starch and press it dry. Be very careful not to stretch the fabric by moving the iron back and forth. Instead, press the fabric by pressing and lifting the iron.

Color Options

Fabrics for this colorway
courtesy of Classic Cottons.
Fabric line: Moonlit Florals, Navy.

Settings

If you have any questions or problems while making your quilt, please post your question in the forums, I will be happy to help you.

©2004 Ila McCallum

www.thequiltercommunity.com

<-- Go to Pattern Listing

Similar Patterns

Category: Pieced

Author: Ila McCallum

Level: Easy