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Block Patterns

Lone Star

A dramatic large-scale star quilt made from eight diamond-shaped points that meet at the center.

The Lone Star (also called Star of Bethlehem) is a large, dramatic block — often filling most of a quilt — made from eight identical diamond shapes that meet precisely at a center point. Each diamond is typically strip-pieced from multiple fabric strips to create a secondary pattern within each point. The spaces between the star points are filled with large squares and triangles. Because all seams meet at the center with Y-seams, Lone Star requires careful fabric grain alignment and precise piecing. A well-executed Lone Star quilt is a showpiece.

Related Terms

Y-Seam (Set-In Seam)A seam that joins three fabric pieces meeting at a single point at angles other than 90 degrees.Eight-Pointed Star (LeMoyne Star)A star block made from eight diamond shapes meeting at a center point, requiring Y-seams.Strip PiecingSewing long strips of fabric together, then cutting the joined strip into segments.

Practice makes perfect.

NiftyFifty connects quilters from all 50 states through block swaps, bees, and quilt-alongs. Great place to put new techniques to work.

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