SeeMyQuiltDolley Madison Star quilt block
An Ohio Star with a nine patch in place of the plain center square. Also called Dolly Madison's Star.
Cutting chart by block size
9" Dolley Madison Star (cut for one block)
| Fabric | Cut | Size | Then |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | 2 squares | 4 1/4" × 4 1/4" | 8 triangles (cut twice on the diagonal) |
| Main | 5 squares | 1 1/2" × 1 1/2" | – |
| Background | 2 squares | 4 1/4" × 4 1/4" | 8 triangles (cut twice on the diagonal) |
| Background | 4 squares | 3 1/2" × 3 1/2" | – |
| Background | 4 squares | 1 1/2" × 1 1/2" | – |
18" Dolley Madison Star (cut for one block)
| Fabric | Cut | Size | Then |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | 2 squares | 7 1/4" × 7 1/4" | 8 triangles (cut twice on the diagonal) |
| Main | 5 squares | 2 1/2" × 2 1/2" | – |
| Background | 2 squares | 7 1/4" × 7 1/4" | 8 triangles (cut twice on the diagonal) |
| Background | 4 squares | 6 1/2" × 6 1/2" | – |
| Background | 4 squares | 2 1/2" × 2 1/2" | – |
How to make a 18" Dolley Madison Star block
- Cut the pieces in the chart above. All measurements include a 1/4" seam allowance.
- Cut the squares marked "cut twice" on both diagonals. Each gives four triangles with the long edge on the straight grain: these are the large triangles in flying geese and hourglass units.
- Lay all the pieces out as in the diagram. The block is a 9 × 9 grid, and each cell finishes at 2". Sew neighbouring pieces into sections, then the sections into rows, pressing seams in opposite directions from row to row.
- Join the rows. The block should measure 18 1/2" now and 18" once it is sewn into the quilt.
Yardage for a Dolley Madison Star quilt (18" blocks)
| Quilt size | Blocks | Finished size | Main | Background | Border & binding | Backing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baby | 2 × 2 (4) | 42" × 42" | 5/8 yd | 1 1/8 yd | 7/8 yd | 3 yd |
| Lap | 2 × 3 (6) | 42" × 60" | 7/8 yd | 1 5/8 yd | 1 yd | 4 yd |
| Throw | 3 × 4 (12) | 60" × 78" | 1 1/2 yd | 3 yd | 1 3/8 yd | 5 yd |
| Twin | 4 × 5 (20) | 78" × 96" | 2 3/8 yd | 5 yd | 1 3/4 yd | 8 3/4 yd |
| Queen | 5 × 5 (25) | 96" × 96" | 2 7/8 yd | 6 1/4 yd | 1 7/8 yd | 8 3/4 yd |
| King | 6 × 6 (36) | 114" × 114" | 4 1/4 yd | 8 7/8 yd | 2 1/8 yd | 10 1/4 yd |
Blocks side by side with a 3" border, 2 1/2" binding, 42" usable width and 10% extra.
Four ways to set it
A throw quilt of 18" Dolley Madison Star blocks in each setting.
| Setting | Blocks | Finished size | Extra fabric |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side by side | 12 | 60" × 78" | – |
| With sashing | 9 | 64" × 64" | Sashing 1/2 yd, Cornerstones 1/8 yd |
| Alternating plain blocks | 6 pieced + 6 plain | 60" × 78" | Plain blocks 1 3/4 yd |
| On point | 8 | 57" × 82 3/8" | Setting triangles 2 1/8 yd |
See Dolley Madison Star in your own fabrics
What to buy
| Fabric | Yardage | Cut |
|---|
Based on 42" usable fabric width, 1/4" seams and 10% extra. Your photos stay on your device.
Questions
How many fabrics does a Dolley Madison Star block need?
Two: main and background. Choose a main fabric that contrasts clearly with the background so the design reads from a distance.
What size pieces do I cut for a 18 inch Dolley Madison Star?
2 main squares at 7 1/4" × 7 1/4"; 5 main squares at 2 1/2" × 2 1/2"; 2 background squares at 7 1/4" × 7 1/4"; 4 background squares at 6 1/2" × 6 1/2"; 4 background squares at 2 1/2" × 2 1/2".
How many Dolley Madison Star blocks for a lap quilt?
6 blocks at 18", set 2 by 3 with a 3" border, make a 42" × 60" quilt.
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