How to Sew the Starshine Log Cabin Quilt Block: A Classic with a Twist
The Starshine Log Cabin quilt block puts a fresh twist on two timeless favorites—the classic log cabin and the ever-popular Ohio Star (or Sawtooth Star) block. Measuring 15" finished, this versatile block features a 6" star at the center, surrounded by traditional log cabin-style strips. It’s also a great way to spotlight any favorite 6" design like Friendship Star, Nine-Patch, or even a simple Half-Square Triangle unit. Whether you go scrappy or planned, this block adds a beautiful mix of structure and sparkle to any quilt project.
Fabric Requirements for a 15" Finished Starshine Log Cabin Quilt Block:
For the Star:
- Light/White: 4 - 2" x 3.5" rectangles, and 4 - 2" squares
- Dark/Navy: 1 - 3.5" square, and 8 - 2" squares
For the Logs:
- Light 1: 1 - 2" x 6.5" rectangle, and 1 - 2" x 8" rectangle
- Light 2: 1 - 2" x 9.5" rectangle, and 1 - 2" x 11" rectangle
- Light 3: 1 - 2" x 12.5" rectangle, and 1 - 2" x 14" rectangle
- Dark 1: 1 - 2" x 8" rectangle, and 1 - 2" x 9.5" rectangle
- Dark 2: 1 - 2" x 11" rectangle, and 1 - 2" x 12.5" rectangle
- Dark 3: 1 - 2" x 14 rectangle, and 1 - 2" x 15.5" rectangle
Sewing Directions:
Flying Geese Units:
Step 1:
Using two Dark/Navy 2" squares and a White 2" x 3.5" rectangle, sew together a Flying Geese unit. For a detailed tutorial of my no-trim method for making perfect Flying Geese blocks check out https://fabric406.com/blogs/fabric406-blog/how-to-sew-a-basic-flying-geese-block.
The picture below shows the first four steps.
- Mark a diagonal line from corner to corner on the back of the Dark/Navy 2" squares.
- Sew a Dark/Navy 2" square to a White rectangle along the marked line (top image). Note the orientation of the marked line.
- Match the corners of the Dark/Navy square and press (second image).
- Open the small square up and trim the seam allowance (third image).
- Refold (bottom image).
Step 2:
Repeat Step 1 on the adjacent corner of the White rectangle as shown in the picture below.
Step 3:
Repeat Steps 1 and 2 for a total of four Flying Geese units.
Step 4:
Lay out the Step 3 Flying Geese units, the Dark/Navy 3.5" square, and the four White 2" squares as shown in the picture below.
Step 5:
Sew the units into three rows as shown below.
Step 6:
Press the seam allowances away from the Flying Geese units.
Step 7:
Sew the three rows together.
Step 8:
Press the seam allowances. I've pressed mine toward the center of the unit, but you can press however you desire.
Putting It All Together:
Step 9:
At this point I like to lay out (in order) all the rectangles around the star unit. This helps me keep everything straight.
Round 1:
Step 10:
Sew the Light 1 2" x 6.5" rectangle to the top of the star unit as shown in the picture.
Step 11:
Press the seam allowance away from the star unit as shown.
Step 12:
Sew the Light 1 2" x 8" rectangle to the left side of the unit.
Step 13:
And again press the seam allowance away from the star unit.
Step 14:
Next you will sew the Dark 1 2" x 8" rectangle to the bottom of the unit as shown. I'm starting to see a pattern here!
Step 15:
And press the seam allowance away from the center of the block.
Step 16:
To complete Round 1, sew the Dark 1 2" x 9.5" rectangle to the right side of the unit.
Step 17:
And press the seam allowance away from the center of the block as shown in the picture below.
Round 2:
Step 18:
Repeat Steps 10 through 17 using the Light 2 and Dark 2 rectangles and pressing the seam allowances away from the center of the block.
Step 19:
And finally, repeat Steps 10 through 17 using the Light 3 and Dark 3 rectangles and pressing the seam allowances away from the center of the block.
Step 20:
Here's a picture of the back of the completed block.
Layout Ideas:
Here's the typical 4 x 4 layout with similar colors to the tutorial.
In this example blocks are rotated to create a diagonal stripe design.
Rotating the blocks differently creates this barn raising design.
Here's the same barn raising layout but the star units have been replaced with a solid square. It really looks different.
This layout version creates an interesting woven design.
This is a layout using a simple Half-Square Triangle for the center unit and the blocks are rotated to create a star pattern.
Conclusion:
I had fun designing this log cabin variation and playing around with layouts and different center units. While there are lots of steps, it is an easy block to sew. Plus it's a large block so not many blocks are needed to create a good-sized quilt!
I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial. If you like it and want to see more, just click HERE to sign up for my newsletter and receive a free PDF quilt pattern called "Chained Weathervane".
Happy Quilting!
Elaine
P.S. Looking for more log cabin blocks? Take a look at these blocks: https://fabric406.com/blogs/fabric406-blog/tagged/log-cabin-variations
P.P.S. Check out my Etsy shop at https://www.etsy.com/shop/fabric406