Easy Hidden Star Quilt Block Tutorial

Looking for a classic quilt block with a touch of intrigue? The Hidden Star block is a beautiful 12" traditional design that’s simple to piece but makes a striking impact. Perfect for beginners or anyone wanting a quick, satisfying project, this block comes together using just Half Square Triangles (HSTs), Square-in-a-Square units, and a center square. Whether you're adding it to a sampler quilt or making a full quilt of stars, the Hidden Star is a timeless favorite that shines with any fabric style. Let’s dive in!

Fabric Requirements for a 12" Finished Hidden Star Quilt Block:

• Light/Ivory: 2 - 5" squares, 1 - 4.5" square, and 8 - 2.5" squares
• Medium/Tan: 8 - 2.5" squares
• Dark/Purple: 2 - 5" squares, and 4 - 4.5" squares

Sewing Directions:

Half Square Triangle Units:

Step 1:

Using the Light/Ivory 5" squares and Dark/Purple 5" squares, sew together four Half Square Triangle (HST) units as shown in the picture below. Trim/square up the units to 4.5" square. You can find the tutorial for making a basic Half Square Triangle block at https://fabric406.com/blogs/fabric406-blog/how-to-sew-a-basic-half-square-triangle-block

Square in a Square Units:

Step 2:

Piece together four Square in a Square units like the ones in the picture below using the four Dark/Purple 4.5" squares, the eight Light/Ivory 2.5" squares, and the eight Medium/Tan 2.5" squares.

You will find my tutorial for making a basic Square in a Square block at https://fabric406.com/blogs/fabric406-blog/how-to-sew-a-basic-square-in-a-square-block

Be sure to put the Light/Ivory squares adjacent to each other (and the same for the Medium/Tan squares).

Putting It All Together:

Step 3:

Lay out the Half Square Triangle units, the Square in a Square units, and the Light/Ivory 4.5" square as shown in the picture below.

Step 4:

From here the block goes together just like a Nine Patch block. First you sew the units in three rows.

Step 5:

Press the seam allowances away from the Square in a Square units as shown below.

Step 6:

All that's left is to sew the three rows together.

Step 7:

And press the seam allowances toward the center of the block. You're done!

Layout Ideas:

Conclusion:

The Hidden Star block was really quick to sew together. With only HST and Square in a Square units and a square, it makes for a great block for beginners. You could play with different color combinations like switching the placement of light and dark fabrics, or substituting the light half of the HSTs with another (fourth) color fabric.