Ohio Star Block – Tutorial

The Ohio Star block is a classic and beloved quilt pattern that has been a favorite among quilters for generations.

Known for its simple yet striking design, the Ohio Star block is an excellent project for both beginners and experienced quilters.

In this tutorial, we will walk you through the steps to create your own Ohio Star block, complete with fabric selection, cutting instructions, and assembly. Let’s get started!

Selecting Your Fabric

Choosing the Right Fabrics

The Ohio Star block traditionally uses a combination of two colors: a light background fabric and a contrasting darker fabric.

This contrast highlights the star pattern and gives the block its distinct appearance. When selecting fabrics, consider choosing solids or small prints that will not overpower the design.

Opt for high-quality cotton quilting fabric for the best results. You can choose traditional colors such as red and white or blue and white for a classic look, or experiment with modern colors and prints for a contemporary twist.

The key is to ensure there is enough contrast between the two fabrics to make the star pattern stand out.

Fabric Quantities

For each 12-inch finished Ohio Star block, you will need:

• Light fabric (background): 1/4 yard
• Dark fabric (star): 1/4 yard

Preparing the Fabric

Before you start cutting your fabric, it’s essential to wash and iron it to remove any sizing and ensure it is pre-shrunk. This step helps to prevent any unwanted shrinking or color bleeding after the quilt is completed. Once your fabrics are washed and pressed, you are ready to start cutting.

Cutting Your Fabric

Cutting the Pieces

The Ohio Star block is composed of nine units: one center square, four quarter-square triangle units (QST), and four solid squares. Here are the cutting instructions for a 12-inch finished block:

1. Light Fabric (Background):
   • Cut 1 square 4.5 x 4.5 inches (center square)
   • Cut 4 squares 4.25 x 4.25 inches (for QSTs)
   • Cut 4 squares 4.5 x 4.5 inches (solid squares)
2. Dark Fabric (Star):
   • Cut 2 squares 4.25 x 4.25 inches (for QSTs)

Organizing Your Cuts

Keep your cut pieces organized by size and fabric. This organization will streamline the sewing process and ensure you don’t mix up the sizes or colors. It’s helpful to use a design board or large table to lay out your pieces before sewing.

Assembling the Block

Creating the Quarter-Square Triangle Units

The quarter-square triangle (QST) units are the most intricate part of the Ohio Star block. Follow these steps to create them:

1. Mark and Sew:
   • Take the 4.25-inch squares of the light and dark fabrics. On the wrong side of the light fabric squares, draw a diagonal line from corner to corner.
   • Pair each light fabric square with a dark fabric square, right sides together.
   • Sew a 1/4-inch seam on both sides of the drawn line.
2. Cut and Press:
   • Cut along the drawn line to create two half-square triangles (HSTs). Press the seams towards the dark fabric.
   • Pair two HSTs together with opposite colors facing each other. Draw a diagonal line perpendicular to the seam line on the wrong side of one HST.
   • Sew a 1/4-inch seam on both sides of the drawn line, then cut along the line to create two QSTs. Press the seams open.
3. Trim:
   • Trim each QST to 3.5 x 3.5 inches to ensure accuracy. You will need four QST units for one Ohio Star block.

Assembling the Block

Now that you have all your pieces cut and your QST units ready, you can assemble the block:

1. Layout:
   • Lay out your pieces in a 3×3 grid, with the 4.5-inch light fabric square in the center, the QST units in the four corners, and the 4.5-inch light fabric squares in the remaining four positions.
2. Sew Rows:
   • Sew the pieces together in three rows. Press the seams of the top and bottom rows towards the center, and press the seams of the middle row outwards. This will help nest the seams when you sew the rows together.
3. Join Rows:
   • Sew the three rows together, matching the seams carefully to ensure precise points. Press the final seams open or to one side, depending on your preference.

Completing the Block

Once all the pieces are sewn together, your Ohio Star block should measure 12.5 x 12.5 inches, including seam allowances. This size will finish to 12 x 12 inches when sewn into a quilt.

Repeat the process to create as many Ohio Star blocks as needed for your quilt. Consistency in cutting and seam allowances will ensure all blocks are uniform in size and will fit together perfectly.

Assembling the Quilt Top

Planning the Layout

Decide on the layout for your quilt top. The Ohio Star blocks can be arranged in various configurations, such as straight sets, on-point layouts, or alternating with other block designs. Use a design wall or large flat surface to arrange your blocks and experiment with different layouts until you find one you like.

Sewing the Blocks Together

Once you’ve decided on a layout, start sewing the blocks together into rows. Use a 1/4-inch seam allowance and press the seams between the blocks open or to one side. This step reduces bulk and helps the quilt lay flat.

After sewing the rows, join them together to complete the quilt top. Again, press the seams open or to one side, ensuring all seams align correctly.

Adding Borders (Optional)

If you’d like to add borders to your quilt, measure the length and width of the quilt top. Cut border strips to the desired width, adding a few inches to the length for a more oversized fit. Sew the side borders first, then add the top and bottom borders. Press the seams towards the borders.

Finishing the Quilt

Preparing the Quilt Sandwich

To complete your Ohio Star quilt, you’ll need to create a quilt sandwich. Lay out the backing fabric, right side down, and smooth it out. Place the batting on top of the backing, followed by the quilt top, right side up. Smooth out any wrinkles and ensure all layers are aligned.

Basting the Quilt

Baste the quilt sandwich using your preferred method: safety pins, spray basting, or hand basting. Basting secures the layers together, preventing shifting during quilting.

Quilting

Quilt the layers together using a walking foot or free-motion quilting technique. You can quilt along the seam lines (stitch in the ditch) or create a custom quilting design that complements the Ohio Star pattern. Take your time and ensure the quilting is even and consistent across the quilt.

Binding

Finish the quilt by adding binding to the edges. Cut binding strips 2.5 inches wide and the length of your quilt’s perimeter plus a few extra inches. Join the strips end-to-end to create a continuous binding strip. Sew the binding to the front of the quilt, then fold it over to the back and hand or machine stitch it in place.

Congratulations! You’ve completed your Ohio Star quilt. This timeless pattern is sure to become a cherished piece in your collection, showcasing your quilting skills and creativity. Enjoy your beautiful creation!