The Louisiana star quilt block is both visually striking and beginner friendly.

You can create this classic pinwheel-style star using flying geese units.

Not a confident quilter?

No problem, follow along with both picture tutorials as well as step-by-step video.

I've seen this block called both Louisiana and Louisiana Star. I'll refer to it interchangeably throughout the post.

LOUISIANA STAR QUILT BLOCK

The traditionally pieced Louisiana block comprises four flying geese and four rectangles.

Does anyone else feel like flying geese are intimidating?

Yeah, me too!

But, with this simple 4 at a time method, flying geese are no longer so formidable.

You will become confident in making flying geese as you follow along with this tutorial.

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SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR QUILTING

The game-changer for me in making flying geese, is using a flying geese ruler.

There are lots of different styles out there. Use what you have, or consider grabbing one listed below.

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
small flying geese ruler (works for 6 & 12 inch blocks)
large flying geese ruler (works for 8 & 16 inch blocks)
calling all geese ruler (I haven't tried this, but it has 8 sizes!)

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

HOW TO MAKE THIS BLOCK IN DIFFERENT SIZES

We'll get to the tutorial in the next section.

But first, as always, I've created a printable pattern.

It includes 5 different sizes (6", 8", 10", 12", 16" blocks) with cut measurements, step-by-step instructions, and color diagrams.

The pattern is 4 pages. This includes a cover page and a bonus page with tips and a layout idea.

I intentionally make sure the main portion of the pattern fits on two pages, so that it can be printed front and back, and you have everything you need on one sheet of paper.

Print it off and keep it at your sewing station. Or save it to your mobile device for reference as you sew.

louisiana star quilt block pattern mockup

To print out the pattern click the ↑image above↑ or the ↓link below↓

LOUISIANA STAR QUILT BLOCK PATTERN WITH 5 SIZES!

FABRIC REQUIREMENTS FOR A 6" LOUISIANA BLOCK
This block is made up of squares and rectangles. The squares are made into flying geese, using the 4 at a time method.

FABRIC PIECES TO CUT

Here is a list of fabric to cut. I have labeled each cut by the color I used in the tutorial. Feel free to mix things up.

1) 4 1/2" (dark blue)
4) 2 5/8" (light blue)
4) 2" x 3 1/2" (white/cream background)

Tip: To make the visual interest in the block really stand out, make sure you have a good contrast between your fabrics.

My blocks are made with blues and creams (still working through that fat quarter bundle of Perfect Union by Laundry Basket Quilts), but you could use completely different but complementary colors too.

(See the video for an example where I did not choose colors with enough contrast.)

HOW TO MAKE A LOUISIANA STAR QUILT BLOCK

Once your fabric is cut out, it's time to make the flying geese units.

MAKING THE FLYING GEESE

Select the large square and the four small squares.

collage depicting how to make flying geese

Step 1: On the back of each small square, draw a line 1/4 inch from the center on both sides.

To do this, I place the quarter-inch marking of a quilting ruler from point to point, then simply draw a line along the edge of the ruler.

Repeat on both sides of the center.

Step 2: With right sides together, place two of the smaller squares on opposite corners of the larger square. The drawn lines should line up, and the pieces will overlap in the middle.

Sew along the drawn lines.

Step 3: Cut the block in half between the two sewn lines.

collage of images showing how to make flying geese

Step 4: Press the triangles upward to open up the block. It will resemble a heart.

Step 5: Place the remaining two squares on the bottom corner. The drawn lines should be placed vertically. Stitch along the drawn lines.

Step 6: Cut each block in half between the stitched lines.

Step 7: Press the block open. Trim each flying geese unit to 2" X 3 1/2". (I find using the small flying geese ruler the easiest way to do this.)

Step 8: This isn't really a step, just an image showing all the flying geese trimmed and ready to add to the block.

ASSEMBLING THE LOUISIANA BLOCK

Lay out the block.

pieces for the louisiana star quilt block laid out and ready to sew

I start with the flying geese. Arrange them to form a pinwheel.

Then place the rectangles next to the point of each flying goose.

With right sides together, sew each rectangle to each flying geese. Press toward the rectangle.

Lastly, sew together the pieces as you would a 4 patch.

Sew the two top blocks together. Then sew the two bottom blocks together. Press the top row's seam to the left and press the bottom row's seam to the right.

Sew the top and bottom rows together, nesting the center seam as you go to align the points perfectly. Press block flat.

Want to watch the video? ↓↓Click the link ↓↓

→LOUSISIANA STAR BLOCK VIDEO←

MORE QUILT PATTERNS

Don't forget to pin it!!