How to Make an Ohio Star Quilt Block (With Sizing Cheat Sheet!)
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If you’ve been quilting for a little while, chances are you’ve run across the Ohio Star block. It’s one of those classic designs that looks way more complicated than it actually is — which makes it perfect whether you’re making your second quilt or your fiftieth.
Today, I’m going to walk you through step-by-step how to sew an Ohio Star quilt block. I’m also sharing a free cheat sheet that shows you exactly what size pieces you need to cut for different block sizes (no math required).
GRAB THE FREE CHEAT SHEET
Ohio Star Quilt Block
Download the FREE 3-page Ohio Star Quilt Block instructions and measurements cheat sheet. The cheat sheet gives you cutting measurements for 3″, 6″, 9″, 12″, 15″ and 18″ finished Ohio Star Blocks.
What is an Ohio Star Quilt Block?
The Ohio Star is a nine-patch block, which just means it’s laid out in a simple 3×3 grid. The corners are solid squares, the center is a solid square, and the star points are made with hourglass blocks (also known as quarter square triangles). It’s super versatile — you can make it scrappy, traditional, modern, whatever fits your style.
Ohio Star Quilt Block Chart
This chart will show you what size starting squares you need to make your desired Ohio Star Quilt Block size. Quickly, let’s go through what each column means.
The Finished Size means the size your Ohio Star Block will be after it’s sewn into your quilt. This size does not account for the ¼” seam allowances all around the block.
The Unfinished Size means the size of your Ohio Star Block before it’s sewn into your quilt. This size includes the ¼” seam allowance all around the block. You will trim your block to this size.
The Center Square Cut Size means the size your center fabric squares should be before you assemble the Ohio Star Block. Cut 1 of these squares in the Fabric A fabric.
The Corner Square Cut Size means the size your corner fabric squares should be before you assemble the Ohio Star Block. Cut 4 of these squares in the Background Fabric.
The Hourglass Squares Cut Size means the size your hourglass fabric squares should be before you assemble the hourglass blocks. Cut 4 of these squares, 2 of Fabric A and 2 of Background Fabric.
The Trim Hourglass Blocks To means the size you will trim your assembled hourglass blocks to before you assemble the Ohio Star Block.
| Finished Size | Unfinished Size | Center Square Cut Size (Cut 1) | Corner Square Cut Size (Cut 4) | Hourglass Squares Cut Size (Cut 4) | Trim Hourglass Blocks to: | |
| 3″ | 3 1/2″ | 1 1/2″ | 1 1/2″ | 2 1/2″ | 1 1/2″ | |
| 6″ | 6 1/2″ | 2 1/2″ | 2 1/2″ | 3 1/2″ | 2 1/2″ | |
| 9″ | 9 1/2″ | 3 1/2″ | 3 1/2″ | 4 1/2″ | 3 1/2″ | |
| 12″ | 12 1/2″ | 4 1/2″ | 4 1/2″ | 5 1/2″ | 4 1/2″ | |
| 15″ | 15 1/2″ | 5 1/2″ | 5 1/2″ | 6 1/2″ | 5 1/2″ | |
| 18″ | 18 1/2″ | 6 1/2″ | 6 1/2″ | 7 1/2″ | 6 1/2″ |
GRAB THE FREE CHEAT SHEET
Ohio Star Quilt Block
Download the FREE 3-page Ohio Star Quilt Block instructions and measurements cheat sheet. The cheat sheet gives you cutting measurements for 3″, 6″, 9″, 12″, 15″ and 18″ finished Ohio Star Blocks.
Supplies You’ll Need:
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- Fabric for your background and star (2 different fabrics is all you need)
- Rotary cutter, self-healing mat, and a quilting ruler
- Sewing machine (or hand sewing supplies if that’s your jam)
- Iron and ironing board or mat
- Pins or clips if you like using them
How to Make an Ohio Star Quilt Block
The Ohio Star Quilt Blocks is a classic quilt block that every quilter should know how to make. The block isn’t complicated, but there are quite a few steps needed to make one. Let’s go through each step to make an Ohio Star Quilt Block.
Step 1: Cut your fabric. The block is made from two fabrics: Fabric A and the Background Fabric.
You’ll need the following:
(1) Center Square (Fabric A)
(4) Corner Squares (Background Fabric)
(2) Hourglass Blocks (made up of (2) Fabric A squares and (2) Background Fabric squares)
We’ll go over the Hourglass Block assembly next.
Not sure what size squares to cut? I made you a printable cheat sheet — it has the cutting measurements for 3″, 6″, 9″, 12″, 15″, and 18″ finished blocks. You can grab it just above in this post.
Step 2: Place (1) Fabric A square and (1) Background Fabric square right sides together and draw a diagonal line on the back of one square.
Step 3: Sew ¼” away from either side of the marked line.
Step 4: Cut along the center-marked line to get 2 identical Half Square Triangles. Press seams toward the dark fabric.
Helpful Tip: Pressing towards the dark fabric will help the fabric not show through the front of the quilt.
Step 5: With right sides together, layer (2) HST units. Make sure the fabrics are opposite one another and the seams are going in the same direction.
Step 6: Draw a diagonal line that is perpendicular to the seams.
Step 7: Sew 1/4″ away on both sides of the marked line.
Step 8: Cut along the marked line to get two Hourglass Blocks.
Step 9: Press the blocks open and trim to desired unfinished block size. Repeat to get a total of (4) Hourglass Blocks.
Step 10: Lay out all of your pieces as shown below, taking care to make sure the Hourglass Blocks are the correct orientation. Sew the rows together, pressing each row in alternating directions. Sew the block together, pressing in whichever direction you choose.
That’s all there is to it! Repeat this process for as many Ohio Star Blocks as you need.
A Few Tips for Success
Trim your hourglass units carefully. Even if you’re usually a “close enough” quilter (no judgment), hourglass blocks really do need a little trimming to line up well.
Use starch if you want crisp points and less stretching on the bias edges.
Chain piece your rows to save time.
Check your quarter-inch seam with a quick test block if you’re making a bunch of these. It’ll save a lot of frustration.
Fun Variations to Try
Make it scrappy: each star could be a different set of fabrics.
Reverse it: use a dark background and lighter star points.
Set the blocks on point for a totally different look.
Ohio Star Block Sizing Cheat Sheet
Want to make a different size block without figuring out the math yourself? I made a free printable chart you can keep next to your sewing machine. It includes cutting sizes for: 3″, 6″, 9″, 12″, 15″ and 18″ finished blocks.
GRAB THE FREE CHEAT SHEET
Ohio Star Quilt Block
Download the FREE 3-page Ohio Star Quilt Block instructions and measurements cheat sheet. The cheat sheet gives you cutting measurements for 3″, 6″, 9″, 12″, 15″ and 18″ finished Ohio Star Blocks.
The Ohio Star is one of those blocks that can feel fancy without actually being fussy. Once you make one, you’ll probably want to make a whole quilt out of them (ask me how I know).
Now you have the foundational knowledge to make Ohio Star Blocks. Yay! Remember to download the cheat sheet so you always have the assembly instructions and quilt math on hand!
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