How to Make the Ohio Star Block: Free quilting tutorial
From our series “Favorite Blocks for Small Quilts”
This post shows how to make an Ohio Star Block
The Ohio Star Block
The versatile Ohio Star quilt block has been popular among quilters since the 19th century. It looks striking in two color combinations as well as in an “anything goes” scrappy look. At first glance, the block looks complicated but if you follow the simple steps in this tutorial, it’s easy to construct.
This tutorial shows you how to make the block using two fabric colors. Making the entire quilt from two colors gives a striking look that is the perfect showcase for quilting, whether it’s by hand or machine. However, there are other fabric options for the Ohio star are only limited by your imagination.
Our instructions are for making a 6″ block. This size is ideal if you want a small quilt but don’t want the block to be too difficult to make. The Ohio star block has 21 pieces and smaller sizes can get much more difficult, especially for beginner quilters. If you want to make something slightly bigger, 20 blocks set on point make a darling crib size quilt and would be a delightful baby gift.
Parts of the Ohio Star Block
Essentially, the Ohio Star is a nine patch variation. You need five solid squares (middle and four corners) and four squares made from quarter square triangles (QST).
Cutting instructions for a 6″ block
Stitching the Ohio Star Block Together
Make the quarter square triangle (QST) blocks
- First, take two blue triangles and two white triangles and lay them out together as shown below.
- Stitch two pairs of triangles together and then stitch the pairs to each other using a 1/4″ seam allowance.
- Press seams open for less bulk. Make four total QST blocks. When finished stitching them, trim so that they measure 2-1/2″ square.
Layout the 9 squares of the Ohio Star Block
As mentioned above, you should have five 2-1/2″ solid squares (four blue and one cream) and four QST blocks. Lay them out as you would to make a 9-patch block.
If you are looking for some pattern ideas for Ohio Star quilts, I have a great suggestion! Check out the October 2025 issues of American Patchwork and Quilting magazine (on sale as of August 15). My design is the cover quilt and it showcases Ohio Star blocks!
Ohio Star quilts can be assembled on point or straight. I used 20 blocks set on point with alternating plain squares from the same cream fabric to make a fantastic baby quilt.
I’m making these blocks, and I’m a little confused. Should the squares that are cut into quarters not be 3 1/2 (instead of published 3 1/4)? With a quarter inch seam allowance, will the resulting block not be 2 1/8 instead of 2 1/2 to match center block and corner blocks? I just cut 72 blocks (and shame on me for not making a test block first), but mine are definitely off.
Thank you for this! Did my first block!
I used my new Guggenheim Scissors to cut some of the sweetest re-pro fabrics that I have. Very soothing operation, choosing colors and mood. Now for some hand piecing. Thank you for the Inspiration.
Love it!
Love your fabric choices