Friendship Star

Hi Quilting Friends,

Welcome back to the “Black & White Delight” Quilt-Along. If you’re just joining us, you may want to have a look at the “Welcome” post to help you catch up.

Today’s block is the “Friendship Star”. This pattern was popular with quilters during pioneer times, frequently presented as a gift to a friend who was moving away. The recipient of a friendship star quilt had a treasured keepsake to remind her of family and friends back home. Enjoy!

Here’s what you’ll need for today’s stitching:

• Fabric pieces from your Block 1 baggie
• Sewing machine (obviously!)
• Iron & ironing board
• Thread
• Scissors for snipping thread
• Pencil
• Rotary cutter & mat
• Ruler(s), here’s what I use:
  • 1″ by 6″ ruler for marking squares
  • 3.5″ by 12.5″ ruler for cutting & trimming
• Beverage & snack(s) for hydration and energy!

Here are the contents of my Block 1 baggie:

Let’s begin by making a set of four 4-patch blocks, using Fabric C and Fabric F. If you need a refresher for 4-patch blocks, have a look at the “Fabulous 4-patch” post.

Next step will be the eight half-square triangles (HST’s) made from Fabric B and Fabric A. Use the largest squares of each, and mark a diagonal line in each direction on the back side of the Fabric B square, like this:

Put the Fabric B and Fabric A squares right sides together, matching the cut edges. Sew a scant 1/4″ on each side of the lines that you drew. We sew a scant 1/4″ to make sure that the finished HST squares are large enough. We can always trim them later if needed. Cut the squares apart to make 8 squares, like this:

Press the seams toward the dark side, like Darth Vader, and then trim to the size indicated in Step 2 on page 6 of the pattern packet. Set the eight HST squares aside until later.

Make eight more HST squares using Fabric B and Fabric D, using the process described here. The finished size will be the same as the Fabric B & Fabric A HST squares. You’ll need just four of these squares for your block.

Arrange the 4-patch squares, the Fabric B / Fabric D HST squares, and the Fabric C squares into a grid with 3 rows of 3 pieces each. Sew the squares into rows, and then sew the rows together to make the Friendship Star block center, like this:

Now you’ll add a frame around the center block to finish it! You need the eight 4-patch blocks and four Fabric B squares from your Block 1 baggie, and the eight Fabric A/ Fabric B HST squares.

Start by sewing a HST to both sides of the Fabric B squares, to make four pieces like this:

Sew one of these to each side of the friendship star block, like this:

Now add a 4-patch square to both ends of the remaining two pieces, like this:

And sew them to the top and bottom of your Friendship Star Block! All done! This block will take between 1 and 2 hours to stitch.

Purchase the pattern for the Friendship Star block by clicking the button below.

Time to show off your beautiful Friendship Star block! We’d ALL love to see a picture, so snap a photo and post it on Instagram please.

#bwqal_yourname @mspdesignsusa

Next week we’ll sew the Fireworks block! Until then, may your stitches be straight, your bobbins full, and your seam ripper languishing in the sewing basket.

Happy quilting,

Sharon