The classic friendship star quilt block is so easy to make.

It's the perfect block for beginners to try because it is simple to construct.

The pieces are laid out to give the star a spinning effect.

FRIENDSHIP STAR QUILT BLOCK

The friendship star block is easy to make.

It is a variation of a nine-patch block.

It's made with half square triangles (HST's) and squares.

I have been cranking out quilt blocks using the Perfect Union fabric line from Edita Sitar by Laundry Basket Quilts.

I'm loving these blues and creams!

Some of the other blocks I've made include the Celtic twist block, the Indiana puzzle block, the square in a square and the economy block.

Stay tuned for a few more tutorials with these fabrics.

Once I've used up the fat quarter bundle, I'll create a sampler quilt with all the blocks.

↓ ↓ ↓ PIN IT ↓ ↓ ↓

↑ ↑ ↑ PIN IT ↑ ↑ ↑

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see my full disclosure policy for details.

SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR QUILTING

Check out the quilting tools you will need for this project.

The HST Ruler is probably my most-used ruler besides my 5X24.

It is so helpful to square up HST's. And precise HST's just make my blocks turn out better.

fabric
thread
rotary cutter / cutting mat / straight edge
sewing machine (This is my new machine that I absolutely love!)
sewing scissors
pencil
iron and wool ironing mat
HST Ruler

For all my best quilting supply recommendations, check out my Amazon storefront.

FABRIC REQUIREMENTS FOR A 12" FRIENDSHIP STAR BLOCK

The friendship star block is made of 5 fabric squares and 4 half square triangle units. This tutorial is for a 12-inch block.

As always, I have created a printable pattern. This time, there are 5 block sizes included.

The pattern includes full step-by-step directions, color diagrams and a few variation ideas.

This is the perfect cheat sheet to keep near your sewing machine.

Go grab it!

friendship star quilt block pattern cover

To print out the cutting chart click the ↑chart above↑ or the ↓link below↓

PRINTABLE PATTERN WITH INSTRUCTIONS

FABRIC PIECES TO CUT

1) 7 1/4" light square
1) 7 1/4" dark square
1) 4 1/2" dark square
4) 4 1/2" light squares

Tip: Switch out the lights and darks for a light star on a dark background.

fabric cut to size for friendship star quilt block

HOW TO MAKE A FRIENDSHIP STAR QUILT BLOCK

Let's get started making this classic quilt block.

Check out the video if you learn better that way.

MAKING THE HALF-SQUARE TRIANGLES

First up we need to make the half-square triangle units.

Since we need four for this block, we will use the 4-at-a-time method.

If you want to make several blocks, you could try the 8-at-a-time method.

Select the two large squares.

Place them right sides together.

Then sew around all four edges using a 1/4 inch seam allowance.

collage showing how to make half square triangles using the 4 at a time method

Next, cut the square diagonally in both directions.

Trim each HST to 4 1/2 inches.

Press open the half-square triangles and trim the tails.

ASSEMBLING THE FRIENDSHIP STAR BLOCK

Now it's time to assemble the block.

fabric pieces laid out to create the friendship star

First, layout the pieces. Place the dark square of fabric in the center.

Place each half square triangle on the four sides of the square. Make sure to orient them to create the friendship star.

Lastly, place the light squares in each corner of the block.

Next, sew the pieces of each row together.

Make sure to sew with right sides together.

AND make sure the pieces stay oriented in the correct direction to avoid having to unpick and start over.

Once the rows are sewn together, press the seams flat.

Hint: Nesting the seams helps the block come together nicely. Press all seams away from the HST's. For the top and bottom rows, press away from the center. For the middle row, press toward the center.