Little Fabric Shop Quilt: Eccentric Star Blocks
Last month we sewed together a whole lotta Road to Oklahoma blocks! This month’s Eccentric Star block is a quick and easy make. With only 8 blocks needed, you can create them in no time. There is only one mini plot twist with this one. There are two layouts with this one block. This is not at all tricky, you will just need to pay attention to block placement as you work through the pattern instructions. Don’t worry, we’ve created step-by-step directions to keep you organized! Let’s start with a little information on this block.
Eccentric Star Block Details
The Eccentric Star block is a nine-patch block. That means this block is created using a patchwork of 3 rows of 3 squares each – just like a tic-tac-toe board. A series of 8 Half Square Triangles (HST) surround a center block.
By simply rotating the HST blocks and/or changing colors within them, you can create many different variations from this one simple block. For this month’s block we will be rotating the direction of the HST to create four Eccentric Star “A” Blocks and four Eccentric Star “B” Blocks.
We will once again use the Creative Grids® Half-Square 4-in-1 Triangle Quilt Ruler and the exact same cutting and sewing techniques we used last month to create the Road to Oklahoma blocks.
Eccentric Star Quilt Block Directions
Let’s get started! Below is a PDF pattern download with all the steps to create this block.
PDF Download: Eccentric Star Block Directions
General Pattern Information
The is a beginner friendly block. All dimensions are written in height x width throughout the directions. It is important to read all the instructions prior to beginning this project. You will need a Cutting Ruler, Scissors, Rotary Cutter, Creative Grids® Half Square 4-in-1 Triangle Ruler, Cutting Mat, Pins, Iron, Starch, Sewing Machine and a ¼-Inch Presser Foot.
Fabric Sides
Fabric Requirements
The table below indicates the fabric requirements for the ENTIRE quilt. Additionally, it provides information on color names and the color letters. We recommend quilter’s weight cotton for this project.
We used Cotton + Steel Basics fabric. We have also created a fabric bundle for this quilt and all the fabrics follow the monthly instructions exactly.
Cutting Requirements
You will create a total of 8 blocks. These are directional blocks. Four blocks will have Half Square Triangles (HST) turned one direction and the other four blocks will have the HST turned the other direction. The Cutting Chart below will create a total of 8 blocks. Fabric placement and direction of HST will be explained in another section of this pattern.
Create Half Square Triangles (HST)
You will create 64 individual Half Square Triangle Blocks in this section.
STEP 1: Sew Blocks
Layer BLOCK 2 on top of BLOCK 3 with RSF each other. Draw diagonal lines from corner to corner on BLOCK 2 as shown below.
Pin to hold fabric layers in place. Sew a ¼-inch seam allowance on either side of the drawn lines as shown below.
Repeat this step for the other 7 stacked blocks.
STEP 2: Cut Blocks
Cut the large square into four units as shown below.
Now cut along the drawn diagonal lines. You will have a total of 8 HST.
STEP 3: Square-off HST
Trim to size by positioning the 4” horizontal dashed markings over the HST seam line. Trim.
Press seams open. Repeat these 3 steps to create a total of 64 individual HST.
Assemble 4 Eccentric Star “A” Blocks
Layout all your fabric pieces as shown in diagram below.
Sew each row together as shown below. Alternate direct of pressing seams for each row as indicated by red arrows.
Sew all the rows together. Nest seams and pin. Sew using a ¼-inch seam allowance. Press seams open. This block should measure 12½” x 12½” (finished size will be 12” x 12”). Press open seams. Repeat steps to create 4 Eccentric Star “A” Blocks.
Assemble 4 Eccentric Star “B” Blocks
Layout all your fabric pieces as shown in diagram below.
Sew each row together as shown below. Alternate direct of pressing seams for each row as indicated by red arrows.
Sew all the rows together. Nest seams and pin. Sew using a ¼-inch seam allowance. Press seams open. This block should measure 12½” x 12½” (finished size will be 12” x 12”). Press open seams. Repeat steps to create 4 Eccentric Star “B” Blocks.
Next Steps
You should have a total of 8 Eccentric Star Blocks with 20 Road to Oklahoma Blocks, 8 Hourglass Variation Blocks, and 4 Log Cabin Blocks from the previous tutorials. Set these blocks aside for now. In the future, we will give you instructions on how to use these blocks to create the quilt top. Stay tuned!
Join in the Quilting Fun!
We hope that you continue our ten-month Little Fabric Shop Quilt journey. Follow along with the Instagram #littlefabricshopquilt so that we can see your progress and be inspired by your work. Stay up-to-date on this event and all the happenings at Little Fabric Shop by signing up for our Newsletter located on the bottom of our homepage. Happy Sewing!!
