Traditional Block Thursday: Ohio Star

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The Ohio Star got it’s name in the early 1930’s, after it was published in Capper’s Farmer. It wasn’t a new block, that’s just when the name stuck.

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It has many aliases depending on how many fabrics are used and the fabric placement, including: Variable Star, Lone Star, Texas Spangled, Flying Crow, etc. The star layout includes 4 of the hourglass blocks that we learned last week. Ready for a recap?

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To begin this block, you will need to cut the following pieces:

Light: Two – 5 1/2″ x 5 1/2″, Four – 4 1/2″ x 4 1/2″

Dark: Two – 5 1/2″ x 5 1/2″, One – 4 1/2″ x 4 1/2″

*I used a beautiful Cream and Green from Penny Rose’s Isabella collection.

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With a mechanical pencil, mark a diagonal line on the back of the two lighter 5 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ squares.

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With right sides together, place the marked square on top of the dark 5 1/2″ square. Stitch 1/4″ from the marked line. Repeat for the other set.

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Turn the square around and stitch 1/4″ from the other side of the marked line. Repeat for the other set.

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Cut the half square triangles apart on the marked line. You should now have four half square triangles.

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Press the half square triangles toward the darker fabric.

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Mark a diagonal line on the back of two of the half square triangles you just made, with the line perpendicular to the seam.

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With right sides together, place the marked half square triangle on top of one of the unmarked half square triangles – making sure that colors are opposite. You can butt-up the center seams and pin, if desired. Stitch 1/4″ from the marked line. Repeat for the other set.

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Turn the half square triangles around and stitch 1/4″ from the other side of the marked line. Repeat for the other set.

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Cut apart on marked lines to make four quarter square triangle blocks (hourglass block).

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Press quarter square triangles.

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Trim quarter square triangles to 4 1/2″ x 4 1/2″. You can place the diagonal line on one of the seams and make sure that the 2 1/4″ mark on the ruler is where the seams intersect. If you don’t have a 4 1/2″ ruler, trim two sides and then turn around.

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Trim the other two sides.

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Lay out the block as shown. Isn’t it pretty?

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You know the drill from here, right? Stitch the block together in three rows.

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Press the seams to the plain blocks – it lays so much nicer.

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Stitch those rows together.

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Press the last seams.

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And that’s it! A beautiful Ohio Star!

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Add simple sashing.

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Change the dark/light placement.

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How about adding a couple more colors?

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And a scrappy version. Make lots and enjoy!

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A special thank you to our sponsor, Baby Lock, makers of our very favorite sewing machines!