The simplex star quilt block is a simple star pattern in a nine patch format. It consists of easy half square triangles and squares. In this sample, I used three fabrics. The key to a successful star quilt block is to make sure there is high value difference in the two half square triangle fabrics. This block is sometimes also referred to as wings-in-a-whirl quilt block. This block is a variation of the friendship star quilt block, and was introduced somewhere between 1900 and 1930.

Star quilts are popular quilt blocks, as they can shine with the right selection of fabrics, and generally have components with diagonal lines that create movement across a quilt top. The Friendship Star quilt block is made from two fabrics, and both are nine patch formats. Make them the same size and put both of these designs together in a quilt top! Try using different fabric combinations in prints, solids and even try making them scrappy, by using value or color in your prints to create the design.

Generally, the Simplex Star quilt block uses three fabrics, one for the center and half square triangles, one for the corners and a third fabric for the other part of the half square triangles. Here is a fabric layout diagram:

Here is a fabric calculator for cutting fabric for the Simplex Star quilt block:

One (1) 9" finished quilt block

How to Make the Simplex Star Quilt Block

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Active Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Difficulty: Beginner

The Simplex Star quilt block is a nine patch quilt block that uses squares and half square triangles -- perfect for beginners! Learn how to make this simple quilt block with this free quilt block pattern.

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Perfect for beginner quilters - and quilters of all skill levels!

This makes a 9-inch finished quilt block.

Here is our quilt block tutorial:

Materials

Five (5) 3-1/2-inch squares of fabric for outside corners and center
Two (2) 3-7/8-inch squares of fabric to make the four (4) half square triangles
Thread

Tools

Sewing machine
Rotary cutter
Cutting mat
Quilter's ruler
Fabric marking pen or pencil
Iron
Ironing board or pressing surface

Instructions

Prepare your blocks. Cut five (5) matching fabric squares for the outside corners and the center of the block. For a 9" finished quilt block, cut them at 3-1/2 inch squares. Cut two (2) fabrics to make the four (4) half square triangles. The key to a successful star is to make sure there is value difference in the fabrics. There are many ways to make half square triangles. In this tutorial I'm using the two-at-a-time method. Check out our article on 7 Ways to Make Half Square Triangles.
Make your half square triangles. Mark the diagonal line on two of the squares. For dark fabrics, I like using a chalk marker like this one by Clover. Here is the marked line.
Layer the two colors right sides together and sew 1/4" on both sides of the marked diagonal line. If you have a 1/4" quilting foot for your machine, it makes it much easier. For Bernina it is foot #37 or #57.
Using your quilter ruler and rotary cutter, cut each square between the sewn lines to make two half-square triangles. Here is a finished half square triangle block.
Lay all of your squares out for the Simplex Star block. Make sure to have the half square triangle units are all going the right direction to make a star block -- I have to always double check! Whoops! Do you see one is out of place!
Sew the patches into rows with right sides together and with a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Press the seams. Check out our article on pressing seams for more information. This block variation uses a different color for the center square.
Now sew the rows together and you have a finished Simplex Star quilt block ready for your project! And, all of the half square triangles are now in their right place!

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Here is a variation of the Simplex Star quilt block where I switched out the center block with a different color, using four (4) colors instead of three in the traditional Simplex Star pattern. Just by changing the color placement, the block has a different look!

Simplex Star Quilt Block Variation Finished

Learn more about the basics of the nine patch quilt block. Check out all of our free quilt patterns and our quilt block tutorials with tips and tricks for finishing your quilt.