Cluster of Stars Quilt Block

The Cluster of Stars Quilt Block is a traditional stained glass quilt pattern. Somewhat mesmerizing, this quilt will be absolutely beautiful when finished.

Cluster of Stars Quilt Block

In this Cluster of Stars quilt block, five star quilt blocks are separated by gingham blocks forming a group-design called Cluster of Stars, and making a 24-inch block. To accent the clusters, use a white 24-inch block to alternate; then using white thread quilt this block as shown in picture, changing to blue thread to outline the large star-motif.

Quilt Block Size:

Without Border – 72” x 96”; With Border – 88” x 112”.

Number of Blocks and Size:

30 Motif Blocks, each 8” square; 24 Gingham Blocks, each 8” square; 6 White Blocks, each 24” square.

Number of Pieces	Block	Quilt
A – White	8	240
B – Blue	8	240
White	8	240

Fabric requirements:

yardages specified are approximate and of 36” wide fabrics unless otherwise stated.

5 yards of White for A and B units, and the 24-inch blocks; 1 yard of Blue for B units; 1 1/2 yards of Blue and White Gingham for the 8-inch blocks; 3 1/4 yards of Blue for Border.

Cutting Blocks:

24 blocks from Gingham, each 8 1/2” square; 6 Blocks from White, each 24 1/2” square. (This allows for 1/4” seams.) Use remainder of white for cutting units A and B.

Pieced Block:

ch four white A units together for center, then stitch eight blue B units around edge of this center as shown in diagram. Stitch two white B units together, then stitch these in place between star points as shown. Fill in corners with white A units.

Setting Quilt:

Strip A – Stitch a White 24 1/2 inch block to either side of the Pieced Block for a strip of 3 blocks across. Make another strip in same way. Strip B – Stitch a Pieced Block to either side of a White 24 1/2 inch block. Make another strip in same way. Starting with an A-strip to top and alternating with B-strips, stitch these four strips together as shown on opposite page.

Border:

Cut fabric lengthwise into 4 strips, each 8 1/2” by 117”. Find center points of strips; top, bottom and sides of quilt. Matching these center points of strips and quilt, stitch border strips in place. Miter corners.

Lining and Interlining:

Cut 1” smaller around than quilt-top. Place quilt top, wrong side up on smooth surface (such as the floor); interlining on top of it; lining (right side up, smoothing out all wrinkles) on top of interlining. Baste from center out thru all three layers. Turn in border seam allowance; whip-stitch in place.

Quilting:

Pieced Block: Use a quilting thread to match and a fine running stitch to quilt around each unit.

Gingham Block:

Use a quilting thread to match and a fine running stitch to quilt about one inch in from seam line, stitching around the entire inside edge of block.

24 inch Blocks:

Divide block in half both crosswise and lengthwise; then divide each of these four sections in half both crosswise and lengthwise – ending with 16 blocks each 6” square. Following diagram of quilt on opposite page, divide the center two blocks on each side diagonally in two. Quilt sections in diamond pattern (diagonal lines crossing each other) as shown, leaving bottom diagonal section unstitched to form large star-motif. Quilt outline of this star-motif in blue.

Border:

Measure off border into four 2-inch sections; then use quilting thread to match and quilt in three long rows of stitches going lengthwise on sides and crosswise on top and bottom border strips.