Sew Traditional (and Easy) Friendship Star Quilt Blocks

Friendship Star Quilt Block

The most basic Friendship Star quilt block has squares in its corners, but I replaced the squares with half square triangle units for this variation of the design. I like to use triangles in those positions, because they create a boost of color play and visual movement when blocks are sewn together.

If you plan to sew quilt blocks side-by-side, vary the colors and/or color values used in the corner triangles, otherwise four like-patches will intersect when blocks are joined, creating what appears to be a large square of a single fabric, and eliminating an opportunity to add that extra bit of visual interest.

However, if you want that look, place a group of identical blocks next to each other to preview the layout.

Friendship Star Quilt Block Variations

You’ll see lots of variations of the Friendship Star block used in quilts, and some will probably be tagged with a different name, depending on the configuration of their corners. Related quilt block patterns that I've written include:

The basic Friendship Star quilt block, with squares in each of its four corners.
Framed Friendship Star a quilt block with four patch units in its corners; sashing and cornerstones separate the blocks.
Aurora Borealis, a Friendship Star very similar to the block on this page, but with a unique color arrangement. Like triangles are used in the corners of this layout.

I've included cutting instructions for two block sizes, a 12-inch square block and a Friendship Star that finishes at 6-inches square (a good choice for a baby or toddler).

12" x 12" Friendship Star Cutting Chart

Blue Print for stars

(1) 4-1/2” x 4-1/2” square

(2) 4-7/8” x 4-7/8” squares

Small Scale Multicolor Print for corners

(2) 4-7/8” x 4-7/8” squares

Light Neutral Print for background

(4) 4-7/8” x 4-7/8” squares

6" x 6" Friendship Star Cutting Chart

Blue Print for stars

(1) 2-1/2” x 2-1/2” square
(2) 2-7/8” x 2-7/8” squares

Small Scale Multicolor Print for corners

(2) 2-7/8” x 2-7/8” squares

Light Neutral Print for background

(4) 2-7/8” x 2-7/8” squares

For the 12" x 12" Friendship Star Quilt Block

Draw a diagonal line, from one corner to the opposite corner, on the reverse side of all light neutral squares.
Use the quick pieced half-square triangle method to sew a light square to each blue print square of the same size. When complete, each of the four half-square triangle units should measure 4-1/2” x 4-1/2” for a 12" (finished size) quilt block. Set aside.

Make four more half square triangle units by pairing the remaining 4-7/8" x 4-7/8" light squares with the multicolored squares (for the block's corner triangles) of the same size.
Arrange the half square triangle units and the 4-1/2” x 4-1/2” blue print square into three rows. Units with the blue print form the stars, and the multicolor print triangle units are used in block corners. Check to make sure the angles of all patches match the diagram.
Sew the units in each row together. Press seam allowances in the top and bottom rows towards the outer units. Press seam allowances in the center row towards the solid square (see: Pressing Basics).
Sew rows together, carefully matching patch edges and seam intersections.
Press. The quilt block should measure 12-1/2” x 12-1/2”.

For the 6" x 6" Friendship Star Quilt Block

Use the same method to create half square triangle units, pairing each light square with a darker square. When complete, each half square triangle unit should measure 2-1/2" x 2-1/2"