Blue & Purple Sampler Quilt Tutorial: Twelve Blocks, Sashing, and Borders

This block is take off of the State Fair block I did awhile ago. With just a small change, another star was formed! This will be paired with another alternating block that will be the next tutorial. Let's check out what I'm calling the Square in a Star quilt block!

Four Winds

If you love quilt blocks that look intricate but come together with simple techniques, the Four Winds quilt block is a perfect project to try. This striking 12" block combines the movement of a pinwheel with the symmetry of a star, creating a design that looks far more complex than it really is.

Made entirely from half-square triangles, snowballed rectangles and squares, the Four Winds block is a great way to practice piecing while building a beautiful, dynamic design for your next quilt. In this tutorial, we’ll walk through every step — from cutting to final assembly — so you can confidently stitch your own Four Winds quilt block.

Crossroads in Democracy

The Crossroads in Democracy quilt block is a striking yet simple design that combines timeless symbolism with beginner-friendly piecing. This 12" block features a bold two-color star framing a braced square at the center, while the four-patch corners create a beautiful crossroads effect that ties the whole design together.

Made entirely with squares and rectangles, it’s an easy block to sew. Whether you use it in a sampler quilt, repeat it for a dramatic layout, or feature it on its own, this block offers a classic look with meaningful impact.

Dublin Steps

The Dublin Steps quilt block is a fun and easy design that adds striking movement to any quilt layout. Made entirely with half-square triangles and squares, this 12" block comes together quickly and creates a bold diagonal pattern that's perfect for showcasing contrast and color placement. The Dublin Steps is a great choice for beginners and seasoned quilters alike. Let’s walk through how to make this eye-catching block step by step!

Claudette's Star

Looking for a quilt block that’s simple, striking, and perfect for using up your favorite scraps? The Claudette’s Star is a 12" beauty that shines bright and is ideal for beginners and seasoned quilters alike who love a fast, satisfying finish. Whether you plan your colors for a polished, coordinated look or dive into your scrap bin for a charming, scrappy mix, this block comes together quickly with just "snowballed" squares and rectangles. 

All Hallows

Let's take a look at how to sew the All Hallows quilt block. This traditional star block makes a beautiful secondary Pinwheel design when multiple blocks are sewn together. It uses only Half Square Triangles, Square in a Square and Flying Geese units to construct but there are a lot of points to match up! Originally it is made with only three colors but I had to add in two more to really get the secondary design to pop. Let's get started!

Alternating Block for Square in a Star Block

As promised, here's the tutorial for the alternating block for the Square in a Star quilt block that I did last week. This is a tweak on the classic alternating block for the State Fair block. I love the traditional look it creates with the Square in a Star block plus it looks good on its own! Let's get sewing!

Sun Rays

This Sun Rays block is a lovely, simple block that uses the triangle in a square unit to make the star points. This is a great block to practice on that unit! Let's get sewing!

Raspberry Cheesecake

This sweet and simple 12" finished block is as satisfying to make as its name suggests. Designed with beginners and time-crunched quilters in mind, it comes together quickly using just two classic units: half-square triangles and square-in-a-square blocks. The result is a bold, star-inspired design that looks complex but stitches up with ease. Whether you're making a full quilt or just a few blocks for a sampler, this treat of a pattern is sure to become a favorite.

Broken Wheel

The Broken Wheel quilt block, also known as Mrs. Miller’s Favorite, is a classic and versatile 12" design that’s perfect for quilters of all skill levels. Traditionally stitched with just a light and a dark fabric, this easy block takes on fresh energy when made in four colors, adding extra depth and movement to the motif.

Kansas Star

The Kansas Star (or Crystal Star) quilt block is a classic block that first appeared in print in the Kansas City Star publication. The block is made entirely of square in a square patches so it is easy to sew together.

Chocolate Cake

The Chocolate Cake quilt block is a rich and satisfying treat for your next project! This 12" block combines flying geese, square-in-a-square units, rectangles, and a single square to create a design that’s both fun to sew and visually striking.

While it's simple enough for confident beginners, it has a surprise in store: when stitched into a quilt, the blocks form a beautiful secondary design that looks like an on-point nine-patch. Whether you’re sewing scrappy or planned, this block is a delicious addition to any quilt layout.

Sashing and Cornerstones:

For the sashing I used white fabric for the sashing and a coordinating purple fabric for the cornerstones. I cut 17 white 2.5" x 12.5" rectangles for the sashing pieces and 6 - 2.5" squares of the purple fabric for the cornerstones.

A tip for cutting sashing strips: I cut 12.5" x width of fabric strips from the white fabric and then cut the 12.5" strips into 2.5" x 12.5" strips/rectangles. This way of cutting has the lengthwise grain of the fabric running the long way of the rectangle. Since the lengthwise grain doesn't stretch much, the rectangles don't stretch much when being sewn into the quilt.

Layout the blocks, sashing units, and cornerstones. Sew together into rows and press the seam allowances toward the sashing units. Then sew the rows together and again press the seam allowances toward the sashing units/rows.

Borders:

Border General Directions: Measure the width of the quilt top in three places and take the average of these measurements to cut the length of your strips for the top and bottom borders. Measure the length of the quilt top in three places and take the average of these measurements to cut the length of your strips for the side borders. 

For the first border I used a 2" finished size white border with a purple 2" square for the cornerstones for the first border. This ties in with the sashing. Then I used another 2" wide border in the coordinating purple fabric with a white 2" square for the cornerstones for the outer border. 

First Border: Cut 2 white 2.5" x width of quilt top strips (2.5" x approximately 40.5") and sew to the top and bottom of the quilt top. Press the seam allowances away from the center of the quilt.

Cut and sew together enough white 2.5" x width of fabric strips to make 2 white 2.5" x length of quilt top strips (2.5" x approximately 54").  Sew a purple 2.5" square to both ends of these strips and press the seam allowances toward the white fabric. Sew these border strips to the right and left sides of the quilt top and press the seam allowances away from the center of the quilt.

Second Border: Repeat the directions for the First Border but switch the purple and white fabrics and adjust the length of the strips needed.

Binding:

Cut 6 purple 2.5" x width of fabric strips to make double fold binding and attach to quilt edge using your favorite method.