A Simple Ohio Star Quilt Block Tutorial + 15 Gorgeous Ohio Star Quilt Patterns

One of the most popular classic star quilt blocks is the Ohio Star quilt block.

This quilt block is a must in every quilter’s repertoire with its simple construction and eye-catching angles.  

Today, we are going to discuss the history of this block.

Additionally, we will go over how to create this block and look at 15 beautiful examples of how versatile this block can be. 

What Is the Ohio Star in Quilting?

Before we jump into making this staple block, let’s chat about the construction of this block. The block consists of nine square patches in total. Using a 3 x 3 layout, this block uses five squares and four QST (quarter square triangles) blocks to make this beautiful yet simple design.

The QST blocks are made using two HST (half square triangles), which I will show you how to create after we discuss the history of this versatile quilt block. 

What Is the History Behind the Ohio Star Quilt Pattern? 

How old is the Ohio Star quilt block? We don’t know who made the first Ohio star quilt block, but we do know it has been around since the early 1800s, at least.

This block was popular for pioneer women quilters who used scraps of clothing and other fabric to make warm quilts for their families during the winter months. 

The Ohio star quilt block is also known as the Eastern Star, Western Star, or the Variable star, depending on when and where the quilter was. 

Ohio Star Quilt Pattern: A Simple Tutorial 

How do you make an Ohio Star quilt? We have you covered – but first, you must know how to create a single quilt block. I will walk you through step-by-step how to make an Ohio Star quilt block pictured below.

1. Cut your pieces.

For this example, we will make a 10 ½” Ohio Star quilt block. For this size block, we will need to cut the following:

• 4- 4” squares from the background fabric (tan)
• 1- 4” square for the center block (pink)
• 2- 4 ¾” squares from the background fabric (tan)
• 2- 4 ¾” squares from the yellow fabric
• 4- 4 ¾” squares from the green fabric

2. Piece together the HST.

Take all the 4 ¾” squares and place each yellow and tan piece with one of the green squares right sides together. Draw a 45° line on each stack of squares like the image below.

Stitch ¼” on either side of the line you drew on each square.

Cut the line that you originally marked (the red line) and press the seams open. 

3. Piece together the QST.

Take the four squares you have created and cut them in half diagonally. 

Cut the red line to make eight triangles. 

Now take one of each color combo and sew together, creating four new QST blocks.

4. Layout all nine squares to piece together the block.

Here’s the fun part when you get to see all the pieces together that make up the Ohio Star quilt block. 

Now sew each horizontal row together.

Sew all rows together to complete the block.

And that is how you piece together an Ohio Star quilt block! Pretty simple, right? Now let’s check out some beautiful, unique examples of how you can implement this block into a quilt design.

15 Gorgeous Ohio Star Quilt Patterns 

You may think that a quilt block that has been around for a couple of centuries may not be that popular, but let me tell you, the Ohio Star quilt block is just as popular as it was over a hundred years ago. We will look at several easy star quilt block patterns to inspire you to create your quilt. 

1. River Espresso Ohio Star Block

Here is a beautiful example of a mini wall hanging quilt made using four Ohio Star blocks. This designer used batik fabrics which give this mini quilt an added layer of movement and color. 

2. Ohio Stars Quilt Top

Using various colors can make a quilt top made up of just one block type exciting and fresh. Not only did this quilter use a bunch of colors, but they also used several different prints making this a fun scrappy design.

3. Ohio Supernova

You can purchase this quilt pattern and create your own larger-than-life Ohio Star quilt block. This modern pattern will help you make a 72” square quilt top. 

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4. Sunset Ohio Star Mini Quilt

First, let’s appreciate this gorgeous color palette of earthy tones. This quilt is a perfect example of turning a classic quilt block into a modern beauty. 

5. Black and White Ohio Star Quilt

Speaking of modern quilt designs, check out this striking black and white quilt. This quilt combines modern and classic perfectly and will look just as stunning 100 years from now. 

6. Variations of the Ohio Star Block

Rose at Threadbare Creations has come up with several unique variations for the classic Ohio Star quilt block, including the one pictured above. Once you get the basics down for the classic block, you can start throwing in some different techniques and designs like she has to make the block your own.

7. Spring “Bee” Quilted Table Runner

If you are looking for a free, simple tutorial to make a smaller project using the Ohio Star block, this tutorial is for you. This is a well-written tutorial on making this adorable table runner and should only take a few hours to make.

8. Ohio Star Brigade Pattern

The Ohio Star Brigade design is a truly modern quilt pattern. This pattern uses three different sizes of the Ohio Star block and places them strategically around the quilt top mimicking the night sky.

9. Random Ohio Stars

Here is another free tutorial using Ohio Star quilt blocks. Similar to #8, this quilt uses two different block sizes placed perfectly across the quilt top. I would love to see this quilt pattern in a dark color palette, wouldn’t you?

10. Courthouse Steps + Ohio Star Quilt

This quilt combines the Ohio Star block with the Courthouse Steps blocks. The combo of the blocky Courthouse Steps and the sharp points of the Ohio Star makes for an interesting design.

11. Practical Magic Mini Quilt

Isn’t this a sweet little mini quilt? Using bright, springy colors makes the Ohio Star blocks look whimsical and playful. You could easily make a mini quilt like this in an afternoon and use it as a wall hanging or table centerpiece. 

12. Red, White, and Grey Ohio Star Quilt

This quilt is similar in style to #5 (the black and white quilt), but the only difference is color choice. 

This color palette leans more towards a country style, whereas the black and white palette is more modern.

13. MaryQuilts Ohio Star Quilt

This designer chose to fussy cut (cut specific pieces from a fabric pattern) the center blocks for each Ohio Star quilt block to create this lovely quilt. Her finished quilt measures 52”x66”, which is great for a throw/lap quilt. 

14. Ohio Star Quilt Video Tutorial

Jenny Doan from Missouri Quilt Co has made an easy-to-follow video tutorial on making this Ohio Star quilt. The best part is this tutorial is free! This scrappy quilt would be a great chance to use up some of those scraps you don’t know what to do with.

15. Emilie Quilt Pattern

The Emilie quilt pattern will show you step-by-step how to create simple Ohio Star quilt blocks. The pattern offers three different sizes to choose from and is a great beginner-friendly pattern. 

As a Civil War-era quilt block, the Ohio Star block has stood the test of time and is still used by traditional and modern quilters worldwide.

Hopefully, these wonderful examples of quilts made using the Ohio Star block will inspire you to use them in your next quilt project. 

Happy Sewing!