The Split Star Quilt Block - Free Tutorial for 2 Sizes and 2 Methods
Welcome to this fun and versatile tutorial for the Split Star quilt block! In this guide, I’ll walk you through creating this beautiful block in two different sizes (12" and 8") and with two construction methods (Flying Geese or Half-Square Triangles (HSTs)). The Split Star is a traditional quilt block that can be made scrappy or in a coordinated color palette, making it perfect for any stash. When you sew multiple blocks together, you’ll love the secondary designs that emerge, adding even more depth and visual interest to your quilt! Let’s dive in and get started!
If you would like a printable PDF download of this tutorial, you can buy it in my Etsy shop. This is totally optional.
Split Star Fabric Requirements for Flying Geese Method:
12" Finished:
- Light: 1 - 7" square, 1 - 4" square, 5 - 3.5" squares, and 2 - 3.5" x 6.5" rectangles
- Dark: 1 - 7" square, 1 - 4" square, 5 - 3.5" squares, and 2 - 3.5" x 6.5" rectangles
8" Finished:
- Light: 1 - 5" square, 1 - 3" square, 5 - 2.5" squares, and 2 - 2.5" x 4.5" rectangles
- Dark: 1 - 5" square, 1 - 3" square, 5 - 2.5" squares, and 2 - 2.5" x 4.5" rectangles
Sewing Directions:
Directions are given using the 12" Finished Size.
Half Square Triangle Units:
Step 1:
Using the Light and Dark 7" squares, sew together a large Half Square Triangle (HST) unit like the one in the picture below. Trim/square up the unit to 6.5" square (4.5" square for the 8" block). You will wind up with two units, but you only need one per block. You can find a detailed tutorial for sewing Half Square Triangles (HST) at https://fabric406.com/blogs/fabric406-blog/how-to-sew-a-basic-half-square-triangle-block
Step 2:
Using the Light and Dark 4" squares, repeat Step 1. Trim/square up the units to 3.5" square (2.5" square for the 8" block). You will use both small HST units.
Flying Geese Units:
Step 3:
Using four Light 3.5" squares and two Dark 3.5" x 6.5" rectangles, sew together two Flying Geese units as shown in the picture below. 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.
Because this is a larger size unit, I also sewed another seam about 1/2" away from the marked line so I can get a bonus half square triangle to use in another project!
Step 4:
Repeat Step 3 only using the four Dark 3.5" squares and two Light 3.5" x 6.5" rectangles.
Putting It All Together:
Step 5:
Lay out the Half Square Triangle units, the Flying Geese units, the Light 3.5" square, and the Dark 3.5" square as shown in the picture below. From here the block goes together like a basic uneven Nine Patch block.
Step 6:
Sew the units into three rows.
Step 7:
Press the seam allowances away from the Flying Geese units as shown below.
Step 8:
Sew the three rows together to complete the block.
Step 9:
Press the seam allowances toward the center of the block as shown in the picture below.
Split Star Fabric Requirements for Half Square Triangle Method:
12" Finished:
- Light: 1 - 7" square, 5 - 4" square, and 1 - 3.5" square
- Dark: 1 - 7" square, 5 - 4" square, and 1 - 3.5" square
8" Finished:
- Light: 1 - 5" square, 5 - 3" square, and 1 - 2.5" square
- Dark: 1 - 5" square, 5 - 3" square, and 1 - 2.5" square
Step 10:
Repeat Step 1 of the Flying Geese method explained above.
Step 11:
Repeat Step 2 of the Flying Geese method except you will make ten small Half Square Triangle units.
Step 12:
At this point, if you are making a scrappy block, I recommend laying out all the Half Square Triangle units and the Light and Dark squares in a pleasing arrangement of color. Notice that the two HSTs in the middle of each side make a flying geese shape. We're going to sew those together in the next step.
Step 13:
Sew two of the small HST units together to make a Flying Geese unit. I did re-press one of the HST's seam allowance in the opposite direction. This helps the seams nest nicely and keep the point pointy! Repeat for a total of four Flying Geese units as shown in the picture below - noting that two of the units have a Light point and two have a Dark point.
Step 14:
Lay out the large Half Square Triangle unit, the four Flying Geese units, the two small HST units, and the Light and Dark squares as shown in the picture below. From here on the block goes together just as the Flying Geese method.
Step 15:
Repeat Steps 6 through 9 to complete the block.
Layout Ideas:
Here's the basic 4 x 4 layout.
In this example, the blocks are rotated to create another look.
For this version of the above layout, I added in sashing and cornerstones.
This example uses a large Half Square Triange as an alternating block and then the blocks are rotated to create the design.
Of course I had to see what a scrappy on-point layout would look like. This one has sashing, cornerstones, and setting triangles in a coordinating color - purple in this case.
For a dramatic finish, black was used for the background fabric, sashing and cornerstones.
Conclusion:
The Split Star is a quick and easy block to sew together. I thought I would like the scrappy block best but... the two contrasting colors make this block shine!
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 star blocks? Take a look at these blocks: https://fabric406.com/blogs/fabric406-blog/30-of-the-best-star-quilt-block-patterns
P.P.S. Check out my Etsy shop at https://www.etsy.com/shop/fabric406