How to Sew an 8 Pointed Star Quilt Block Pattern – Easy Step-by-Step Instructions

How to Sew an 8 Pointed Star Quilt Block Pattern – Easy Step-by-Step Instructions image 4

Everything You Need to Know About the Versatile 8-Point Star Quilt Block Pattern

If you’ve been browsing quilt patterns and come across the 8-point star, you’re probably wondering what makes this star block unique and whether it would be a good choice for your next quilting project. As someone with experience sewing many types of quilt blocks, let me try to answer all your questions about the 8-point star.

What is an 8-point star block?

  1. The 8-point star block gets its name from the number of points on the star shape at the center of the block. Each point is formed by the intersection of two fabric pieces.
  2. It is made up of straight-grain triangles that are joined in a simple yet geometric design. No curved piecing is involved.
  3. The finished block is usually a square, but it can also be made in rectangular shapes if needed for a particular quilt layout.

From my experience sewing star blocks, the 8-point pattern is one of the easiest to construct accurately. Unlike some other star designs, there is no fussy cutting of bias strips required. The straight cuts make the 8-point star very beginner-friendly.

What fabrics work well for an 8-point star block?

Any type of fabric can be used, but here are some popular choices:

  1. Prints with moderate to high contrast for clear definition of the star points. Floral, geometric and tone-on-tone prints all accentuate the star shape nicely.
  2. Solid colors are also effective for graphic, bold stars. Mixing different solid colors in each block produces a striking effect.
  3. Families of fabrics with graduated values of a single color create a subtle, ombre look across the block.
  4. Reproduction fabrics from a certain era, like 1930s reproduction prints, give the quilt an authentic vintage vibe.

In general, any fabric that helps the star shape stand out against the background will make an attractive 8-point star block. You can have fun experimenting with different combinations.

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How difficult is it to piece an 8-point star block?

As a quilter who has made many mistakes while learning, I can say the 8-point star is quite approachable for most skill levels. Here are a few tips:

  1. The trimming and piecing is fairly forgiving. You don’t need ultra-sharp 1/4″ seam allowances.
  2. Marking the stitching lines with a weak friction pen before sewing is helpful but not critical like with more complex blocks.
  3. Pay attention to orientation when sewing the two sides of each point. This is the trickiest part but not difficult.
  4. Pressing the seams open as you construct each point helps maintain accuracy and reduces bulk.
  5. The finished block lays flat with no odd bulges or puckers typically seen in some other star patterns.

With a little practice, you’ll knock out 8-point stars like a pro! I remember one came out crooked my first try, but it only took a couple more to get the technique down.

How can I use 8-point star blocks in a quilt?

There are tons of ways to incorporate these versatile blocks into your quilt designs. Here are some popular layout options:

  1. String quilts with rows of alternating colored blocks make stunning repeater patterns.
  2. Nine-patch blocks of 3×3 stars grouped together are a classic and balanced look.
  3. Intarsia-style designs employ stars in different sized blocks to form pictures or medallions.
  4. Log cabin patterns build outward from a central star in progressive rectangles.
  5. Horizontal and vertical sets of stars can be sewn in pinwheel combinations.
  6. Unpopulated starbursts create a low volume, airy look that shows off backgrounds.

With a little creativity, you can design a completely unique quilt using only 8-point stars. It’s kind of amazing how many layouts one block can achieve!

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example of quilt with lots of 8-point stars

Here’s an example of a stunning quilt I saw at a show that utilized tons of 8-point stars in a very cool way:

The quilt was done in a string pieced log cabin design where each concentric rectangle layer contained a different number of stars. So the innermost ring had one big central star, followed by a ring with five smaller stars, then a ring with nine even tinier stars, and so on building outward. It created a really mesmerizing optical illusion effect as the stars morphed in size. The lone star fabric was a bold red print while the background fabrics progressed from dark to light, making the stars appear to grow or shrink depending on where you looked. It absolutely stunned everyone who saw it! The unique use of size variation with the 8-point stars made for a one-of-a-kind, mind-blowing quilt. It just goes to show how creatively you can play with these versatile blocks.

Some final thoughts on 8-point star quilts

In summary, the 8-point star block is super flexible and can be incorporated into many different quilt designs thanks to its straightforward piecing technique. Whether you want classic string piecing, intricate pictures, or abstract arrangements, these blocks can achieve it. They also allow for lots of fabric combinations and color mixing options. While beginner-friendly, 8-point stars don’t have to be simple – they can be used in complex, one-of-a-kind art quilts too. Basically, if you like the Star block style, you can’t go wrong picking up this versatile pattern. It provides the framework to design something that is personalized yet highlights your sewing skills. So go ahead and give an 8-point star quilt a try – you might just find a new favorite block!

8 Point Star Quilt Block Pattern Details

Block Size Fabric Pieces Needed Quilt Size
12 inches 24 pieces (6 different fabrics) Twin size (60×80 inches)
10 inches 20 pieces (5 different fabrics) Crib size (45×60 inches)
8 inches 16 pieces (4 different fabrics) Lap quilt (45×60 inches)
Block Assembly Time Fabric Requirements for Queen Size Quilt Approximate Finished Quilt Size for 48 Blocks
30-45 minutes 6 yards total of 5 different fabrics 108×108 inches

FAQ

  1. What size fabric do I need for an 8 point star quilt block?

    You will need fabric that is at least 10 inches square for each 8 point star block. Having fabric a little bigger allows for mistakes and does not restrict the pattern.

    How to Sew an 8 Pointed Star Quilt Block Pattern – Easy Step-by-Step Instructions image 1
  2. How many 8 point star blocks do I need for a quilt?

    It basically depends on how big you want your quit to be. As a general rule, you’ll need around 40-50 blocks for a twin sized quilt and over 100 blocks for a king sized one. The number of blocks lets you fill the space without gaps.

  3. What is the best way to cut the fabric pieces for an 8 point star?

    Most quilters find that rotary cutting the fabric strips first makes getting accurate star points much easier. Cut strips 1-1/2 inches wide, then slice those into 10 inch squares. Trimming the dog ears afterward gives clean edges.

  4. How do I sew the star points onto the background fabric?

    You stitch each point separately to the background square using a 1/4 inch seam. It is important to backstitch at the start and end so the points don’t come loose later. I like to add a bit of starch to the points too for stiffness.

  5. What if I make a mistake when sewing?

    No worries – mistakes happen, even to the most experienced quilters! Rather than unraveling stitches, you can sometimes fudge it by trimming threads. Otherwise, just rip out the stitches and try again. I’ve heard quilting guru Elizabeth Hartman say “Perfectly pieced quilts are for wall hangings, not cuddle quilts!”

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  6. Is hand or machine quilting best for 8 point stars?

    Both options can look lovely, although doing it by hand is undeniably more time consuming. A walking foot on your sewing machine lets you stitch evenly through multiple layers without distortion. Using a light color thread on the front side highlights the piecing and keeps things looking crisp.

As you can see from the FAQ, getting started with 8 point star quilt blocks does not need to seem too daunting. Careful cutting and accurate piecing are the keys to making them look their best. Many folks find that practicing the pattern with just a few blocks at first gets them comfortable with the technique. At the same time, do not put too much pressure on yourself for perfection – what counts most is enjoying the creative process!