If you plan to sew quilt blocks side-by-side, vary the colors and/or color values used in the corner triangles. Otherwise, four like-patches will intersect when blocks are joined, creating what appears to be a large square of a single fabric and eliminating an opportunity to add that extra bit of visual interest.
Other Friendship Star Quilt Blocks
You’ll see lots of variations of the Friendship Star block used in quilts, and some will probably be tagged with a different name, depending on the configuration of their corners. Check out these related quilt block patterns for reference:
The basic Friendship Star quilt block, with squares in each of its four corners. Framed Friendship Star quilt block with four patch units in its corners; sashing and cornerstones separate the blocks. Aurora Borealis, a Friendship Star very similar to the block on this page, but with a unique color arrangement.
Below are cutting instructions for two block sizes, a 12-inch square block and a Friendship Star that finishes at 6-inches square, a good choice for a baby or toddler quilt.
12" x 12" Friendship Star Cutting Chart
Blue Print for stars
(1) 4-1/2” x 4-1/2” square(2) 4-7/8” x 4-7/8” squares
Small Scale Multicolor Print for corners
(2) 4-7/8” x 4-7/8” squares
Light Neutral Print for background
(4) 4-7/8” x 4-7/8” squares
6" x 6" Friendship Star Cutting Chart
Blue Print for stars
(1) 2-1/2” x 2-1/2” square(2) 2-7/8” x 2-7/8” squares
Small Scale Multicolor Print for corners
(2) 2-7/8” x 2-7/8” squares
Light Neutral Print for background
(4) 2-7/8” x 2-7/8” squares
Friendship Star Quilt Block Assembly Instructions
For the 12" x 12" Friendship Star Quilt Block
For the 6" x 6" Friendship Star Quilt Block
Use the same method to create half square triangle units, pairing each light square with a darker square. When complete, each half square triangle unit should measure 2-1/2" x 2-1/2"Assemble as instructed for the larger quilt block. Press. The smaller block should measure 6-1/2" x 6-1/2".
