SeeMyQuiltRibbon Star quilt block
Twelve half-square triangles and four corner squares. Two ribbon fabrics form four arrow shapes around a center square set on point.
Cutting chart by block size
6" Ribbon Star (cut for one block)
| Fabric | Cut | Size | Then |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | 3 squares | 2 3/8" × 2 3/8" | 6 triangles (cut once on the diagonal) |
| Background | 1 square | 2 5/8" × 2 5/8" | – |
| Background | 4 squares | 2 3/8" × 2 3/8" | 8 triangles (cut once on the diagonal) |
| Background | 4 squares | 2" × 2" | – |
| Accent | 3 squares | 2 3/8" × 2 3/8" | 6 triangles (cut once on the diagonal) |
8" Ribbon Star (cut for one block)
| Fabric | Cut | Size | Then |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | 3 squares | 2 7/8" × 2 7/8" | 6 triangles (cut once on the diagonal) |
| Background | 1 square | 3 3/8" × 3 3/8" | – |
| Background | 4 squares | 2 7/8" × 2 7/8" | 8 triangles (cut once on the diagonal) |
| Background | 4 squares | 2 1/2" × 2 1/2" | – |
| Accent | 3 squares | 2 7/8" × 2 7/8" | 6 triangles (cut once on the diagonal) |
10" Ribbon Star (cut for one block)
| Fabric | Cut | Size | Then |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | 3 squares | 3 3/8" × 3 3/8" | 6 triangles (cut once on the diagonal) |
| Background | 1 square | 4 1/8" × 4 1/8" | – |
| Background | 4 squares | 3 3/8" × 3 3/8" | 8 triangles (cut once on the diagonal) |
| Background | 4 squares | 3" × 3" | – |
| Accent | 3 squares | 3 3/8" × 3 3/8" | 6 triangles (cut once on the diagonal) |
12" Ribbon Star (cut for one block)
| Fabric | Cut | Size | Then |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | 3 squares | 3 7/8" × 3 7/8" | 6 triangles (cut once on the diagonal) |
| Background | 1 square | 4 3/4" × 4 3/4" | – |
| Background | 4 squares | 3 7/8" × 3 7/8" | 8 triangles (cut once on the diagonal) |
| Background | 4 squares | 3 1/2" × 3 1/2" | – |
| Accent | 3 squares | 3 7/8" × 3 7/8" | 6 triangles (cut once on the diagonal) |
How to make a 12" Ribbon Star block
- Cut the pieces in the chart above. All measurements include a 1/4" seam allowance.
- Cut the squares marked "cut once" in half on the diagonal. Each gives two triangles. Sew them to their neighbours along the long edge first and press toward the darker fabric.
- Lay all the pieces out as in the diagram. The block is a 4 × 4 grid, and each cell finishes at 3". 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 12 1/2" now and 12" once it is sewn into the quilt.
Yardage for a Ribbon Star quilt (12" blocks)
| Quilt size | Blocks | Finished size | Main | Background | Accent | Border & binding | Backing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baby | 3 × 4 (12) | 42" × 54" | 1/2 yd | 1 3/8 yd | 1/2 yd | 1 yd | 3 1/2 yd |
| Lap | 4 × 5 (20) | 54" × 66" | 3/4 yd | 2 1/4 yd | 3/4 yd | 1 1/8 yd | 4 1/4 yd |
| Throw | 5 × 6 (30) | 66" × 78" | 1 1/8 yd | 3 1/8 yd | 1 1/8 yd | 1 3/8 yd | 5 yd |
| Twin | 6 × 8 (48) | 78" × 102" | 1 7/8 yd | 5 yd | 1 7/8 yd | 1 3/4 yd | 9 1/4 yd |
| Queen | 8 × 8 (64) | 102" × 102" | 2 3/8 yd | 6 5/8 yd | 2 3/8 yd | 1 7/8 yd | 9 1/4 yd |
| King | 9 × 9 (81) | 114" × 114" | 3 yd | 8 1/2 yd | 3 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 12" Ribbon Star blocks in each setting.
| Setting | Blocks | Finished size | Extra fabric |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side by side | 30 | 66" × 78" | – |
| With sashing | 20 | 60" × 74" | Sashing 7/8 yd, Cornerstones 1/8 yd |
| Alternating plain blocks | 15 pieced + 15 plain | 66" × 78" | Plain blocks 2 yd |
| On point | 18 | 57" × 74" | Setting triangles 1 1/2 yd |
See Ribbon 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 Ribbon Star block need?
Three: main, background and accent. 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 12 inch Ribbon Star?
3 main squares at 3 7/8" × 3 7/8"; 1 background square at 4 3/4" × 4 3/4"; 4 background squares at 3 7/8" × 3 7/8"; 4 background squares at 3 1/2" × 3 1/2"; 3 accent squares at 3 7/8" × 3 7/8".
How many Ribbon Star blocks for a lap quilt?
20 blocks at 12", set 4 by 5 with a 3" border, make a 54" × 66" quilt.
More stars blocks
Get SeeMyQuilt on your iPhone and iPad
The app is in the works. Join the early list and help decide what goes in.
- 220+ traditional blocks with cutting charts
- Sashing, on-point and alternating settings
- 30 quilting calculators in your pocket
- Save projects and share the picture