SeeMyQuiltVariable Star quilt block
The Ohio Star layout in two fabrics: four hourglass units around a center square in the star fabric.
Cutting chart by block size
6" Variable Star (cut for one block)
| Fabric | Cut | Size | Then |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | 2 squares | 3 1/4" × 3 1/4" | 8 triangles (cut twice on the diagonal) |
| Main | 1 square | 2 1/2" × 2 1/2" | – |
| Background | 2 squares | 3 1/4" × 3 1/4" | 8 triangles (cut twice on the diagonal) |
| Background | 4 squares | 2 1/2" × 2 1/2" | – |
9" Variable 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 | 1 square | 3 1/2" × 3 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" | – |
12" Variable Star (cut for one block)
| Fabric | Cut | Size | Then |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | 2 squares | 5 1/4" × 5 1/4" | 8 triangles (cut twice on the diagonal) |
| Main | 1 square | 4 1/2" × 4 1/2" | – |
| Background | 2 squares | 5 1/4" × 5 1/4" | 8 triangles (cut twice on the diagonal) |
| Background | 4 squares | 4 1/2" × 4 1/2" | – |
15" Variable Star (cut for one block)
| Fabric | Cut | Size | Then |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | 2 squares | 6 1/4" × 6 1/4" | 8 triangles (cut twice on the diagonal) |
| Main | 1 square | 5 1/2" × 5 1/2" | – |
| Background | 2 squares | 6 1/4" × 6 1/4" | 8 triangles (cut twice on the diagonal) |
| Background | 4 squares | 5 1/2" × 5 1/2" | – |
How to make a 15" Variable 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 3 × 3 grid, and each cell finishes at 5". 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 15 1/2" now and 15" once it is sewn into the quilt.
Yardage for a Variable Star quilt (15" blocks)
| Quilt size | Blocks | Finished size | Main | Background | Border & binding | Backing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baby | 2 × 3 (6) | 36" × 51" | 5/8 yd | 1 1/8 yd | 1 yd | 3 1/2 yd |
| Lap | 3 × 4 (12) | 51" × 66" | 1 1/8 yd | 2 yd | 1 1/8 yd | 4 1/4 yd |
| Throw | 4 × 4 (16) | 66" × 66" | 1 3/4 yd | 2 7/8 yd | 1 3/8 yd | 4 1/4 yd |
| Twin | 4 × 6 (24) | 66" × 96" | 2 1/4 yd | 4 yd | 1 1/2 yd | 6 yd |
| Queen | 6 × 6 (36) | 96" × 96" | 3 3/8 yd | 5 7/8 yd | 1 7/8 yd | 8 3/4 yd |
| King | 7 × 7 (49) | 111" × 111" | 4 1/2 yd | 8 yd | 2 1/8 yd | 10 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 15" Variable Star blocks in each setting.
| Setting | Blocks | Finished size | Extra fabric |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side by side | 16 | 66" × 66" | – |
| With sashing | 12 | 55" × 72" | Sashing 3/4 yd, Cornerstones 1/8 yd |
| Alternating plain blocks | 8 pieced + 8 plain | 66" × 66" | Plain blocks 2 yd |
| On point | 13 | 69 3/4" × 69 3/4" | Setting triangles 1 3/4 yd |
See Variable 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 Variable 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 15 inch Variable Star?
2 main squares at 6 1/4" × 6 1/4"; 1 main square at 5 1/2" × 5 1/2"; 2 background squares at 6 1/4" × 6 1/4"; 4 background squares at 5 1/2" × 5 1/2".
How many Variable Star blocks for a lap quilt?
12 blocks at 15", set 3 by 4 with a 3" border, make a 51" × 66" quilt.
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