SeeMyQuilt9 inch Variable Star quilt block
Cutting chart, piecing steps and yardage for a Variable Star block that finishes at 9". The block is a 3 × 3 grid and each cell finishes at 3".
Cutting chart 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" | – |
How to piece it
- 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 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 9 1/2" now and 9" once it is sewn into the quilt.
Yardage for a quilt of 9" Variable Star blocks
| Quilt size | Blocks | Finished size | Main | Background | Border & binding | Backing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baby | 3 × 5 (15) | 33" × 51" | 3/4 yd | 1 1/8 yd | 7/8 yd | 1 3/4 yd |
| Lap | 5 × 6 (30) | 51" × 60" | 1 1/4 yd | 2 yd | 1 1/8 yd | 4 yd |
| Throw | 6 × 7 (42) | 60" × 69" | 1 3/4 yd | 2 7/8 yd | 1 3/8 yd | 4 1/2 yd |
| Twin | 7 × 10 (70) | 69" × 96" | 2 3/4 yd | 4 3/4 yd | 1 5/8 yd | 6 yd |
| Queen | 10 × 10 (100) | 96" × 96" | 4 yd | 6 5/8 yd | 1 7/8 yd | 8 3/4 yd |
| King | 11 × 11 (121) | 105" × 105" | 4 3/4 yd | 8 yd | 2 yd | 9 1/2 yd |
Blocks side by side with a 3" border, 2 1/2" binding, 42" usable width and 10% extra.
What a lap quilt looks like
This diagram uses plain colors. To see the quilt in your own fabrics, with sashing or on point, use the tool below: tap a fabric and choose a photo.
See it 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
What do I cut for a 9 inch Variable Star block?
2 main squares at 4 1/4" × 4 1/4"; 1 main square at 3 1/2" × 3 1/2"; 2 background squares at 4 1/4" × 4 1/4"; 4 background squares at 3 1/2" × 3 1/2".
What size is the block before it is sewn into the quilt?
9 1/2" square. It finishes at 9" once the seams on all four sides are sewn.
How much fabric for a throw quilt of 9 inch Variable Star blocks?
42 blocks make a 60" × 69" quilt. Buy 1 3/4 yd of main, 2 7/8 yd of background and 1 3/8 yd of border & binding, plus 4 1/2 yd for the backing.
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