Tag Archives: Half Square Triangles

Friendship Stars Block Tutorial – Fast & Fresh

Friendship Stars Block Tutorial – Fast & Fresh

Friendship Stars.  Its a lovely name for a block and I’m sure you can think of many applications for this one.  If you want star blocks quickly, then maybe this is for you!  In this tutorial, I will show you a quick method for putting these stars together,  Its fun and fast.

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Today I’m using plaids, checks, ginghams and shirtings.  I think they would look good in any fabrics whether they be traditional, floral, patriotic, scraps, or Christmas fabrics would all look really great!

The sewing machine is a Singer 201K treadle.

Singer 201K Treadle C1947

Treadling is very enjoyable and easy to learn.

Learn to Treadle

All fabrics have been prewashed before commencement.

The block will be approximately 9 1/2″ x  9 1/2″.

Ingredients for one Friendship Star Block

1 of 5 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ square of check fabric
1 of 5 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ square of background fabric
4 of 3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ squares of background fabric
1 of 3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ square of matching check fabric
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Assembling the block

Put the 2 of 5 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ squares right side together.  Sew a 1/4″ seam around the outside of the block.

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Then cut once on each diagonal to reveal four half square triangle units.  Press then trim off the dog ears.

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Lay out the triangle units, around the centre check square.  Make sure that the triangle units are all laying in the same direction.  Then lay out the four 3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ background squares in each corner.

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Now sew together as a Nine Patch.  Use pins to make sure that the squares all line up and the seams are nicely nested.  Press.

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Here is how they are coming along.

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I’m planning to combine this block with another to make a quilt.  I will show you the second block soon.  Happy sewing!

And here is the link to the companion block.

Four in Nine Patch Block Tutorial