The Eccentric Star quilt block is a nine patch format using only half square triangles and a center square unit. It is a great block for beginners to practice half square triangles. Generally made with three fabrics, one for the center square surrounded by half square triangles made from the other two fabrics.
Use this quilt block alone in a quilt, and watch the design come to life, as the half square triangles line up with each other and begin to dance across the quilt top. Or, combine this with other nine patch quilt blocks that are made to the same finished dimensions and have some fun with your layout choices! You’ll get hooked working in the nine patch format for its flexibility in creating your own quilt designs.
If you are making a lot of these in the same fabrics, use the eight-at-a-time half square triangle technique!
Here is a layout of the Eccentric Star quilt block:
Fabric cuts are easy for the Eccentric Star. Here is a fabric calculator for popular sizes:
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How to Make the Eccentric Star Quilt Block
The Eccentric Star quilt block is made from eight (8) half square triangles and a center square. It is a nine patch format quilt block that is used in traditional and modern quilts.
Perfect for beginner quilters, the Eccentric Star quilt block provides the opportunity to practice half square triangles and nine patch piecing.
Materials
- 1/4 yard of three (3) fabrics, or three (3) fat quarters
- Thread
Tools
- Iron
- Ironing board
- Sewing machine
- Rotary cutter
- Cutting mat
- Quilter's ruler
- Marking pen or pencil; I used a Frixion pen
Instructions
- Start by cutting out your fabrics to make the quilt block units. Refer to the fabric calculator above for common finished block sizes. The fabric calculator reflects making the half square triangles two at a time. If you are making a lot of blocks, I suggest using the half square triangles eight at a time method. My finished quilt block is 9" square, so I cut my center fabric as a 3-1/2" square, and then 4 each of the other two fabrics to make the half square triangles two at a time.
- Let's make the half square triangles! On the wrong side of the lighter fabric, mark a diagonal line. I used a Frixion pen, which disappears with the heat from the iron. Remember, always check on a scrap of fabric first!
- Layer the right sides of the two fabrics for your half square triangles together. Sew 1/4" from the marked line. If you have a 1/4" foot for your machine, it makes it super easy. For Bernina's it is foot #37 or #57. Here I'm sewing the first seam
- Turn and sew 1/4" on the other side of the marked line. I like to chain stitch the units to make it a bit quicker.
- Using your rotary cutter and quilters ruler, cut along the marked line, making half square triangles.
- Press seams to your preference. Read our article on pressing seams in quilting. Now it is time to lay out your units to form the Eccentric Star quilt block. Here is a layout of the units.
- Sew each of the three (3) rows.
Press seams. - Next, sew the rows together to form the finished Eccentric Star quilt block. Again, press seams to your preference.
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More nine patch quilt blocks
Friendship Star Quilt block uses half square triangles as well as solid squares in a nine patch layout.
Churn Dash Quilt block uses half square triangles, one solid square and four squares that are made up from two rectangles, in a nine patch layout.
The Ohio Star Quilt block uses the quarter square triangle block and squares.
The Indiana Puzzle Quilt block uses half square triangles surrounding a square-in-a-square block in a nine patch layout.
The Variable Star Quilt block uses split quarter square triangles and squares.
The Calico Puzzle Quilt block uses squares, then places half square triangles in the corners.
The Air Castle Quilt block uses half square triangles, square-in-a-square as well as split quarter square triangles.
The Simplex Star Quilt block uses half square triangles and squares.
The Shoo Fly Quilt block uses half square triangles and squares.
Same pieces as above, The Eccentric Star Quilt block uses half square triangles and squares, but makes a very different quilt block.
The Virginia Worm Fence Quilt block uses units made from two fabrics.
The Spool Quilt block is another that uses half square triangles and squares.
Swamp Angel Quilt block uses quarter square triangles, half square triangles and a center square.
Learn the basics of the nine patch quilt block on Create Whimsy. Check out all of our free quilt patterns and quilt tutorials.
