Traditional pattern, public domain. One of the oldest star patterns, documented from the early 1800s.
A radiant star block featuring a center square surrounded by eight points formed from triangles and flying-geese-like units. The Evening Star is a classic sawtooth star variation that creates beautiful secondary patterns when blocks are set together.
The Evening Star block has roots in the earliest days of American quilting, dating to the late 1700s or early 1800s. Star blocks are among the most ancient quilt designs, and the Evening Star — representing Venus, the brightest object in the evening sky — was one of the most beloved variations.
Star quilts hold deep significance across many American cultures. In the Great Plains, star quilts became central to Lakota and Dakota traditions for honoring individuals. In European-American quilting, star blocks like Evening Star were associated with guidance, hope, and celestial beauty. The block was commonly made for special occasions like weddings and births.
Also known as: Star of the East, Sawtooth Star, Lone Star (in some regions)
finished Block Size
12 inches
seam Allowance
1/4 inch
grid Basis
3x3 grid (each unit 4 inches finished)
units Required
4 flying geese units (star points), 4 corner squares, 1 center square
All measurements include 1/4" seam allowance unless noted.
| Piece | Fabric | Cut Size | Qty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Star point | 4 7/8 x 4 7/8 inches | 2 | Cut once diagonally for 4 star point triangles |
| B | Background | 2 7/8 x 2 7/8 inches | 4 | Cut once diagonally for 8 small triangles (flying geese corners) |
| C | Background | 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 inches | 4 | Corner squares |
| D | Center | 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 inches | 1 | Center square |
For each star point: take one large star-point triangle and sew a small background triangle to the right side, aligning the short edge of the small triangle with the short edge of the large triangle. Press toward the small triangle. Sew a second small background triangle to the left side. Press. Trim the unit to 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 inches (this variation uses square geese). Make 4 star-point units.
Tip: Alternatively, use the no-waste flying geese method with one 5 1/4 inch star square and four 2 7/8 inch background squares to yield 4 geese at once.
Lay out in a 3x3 grid: background squares in all four corners, star-point units on all four sides (top, bottom, left, right) with points facing outward from center, and the gold center square in the middle.
Sew the left corner square to the top star-point unit, then add the right corner square. Press seams toward the corner squares.
Sew the left star-point unit to the center square, then add the right star-point unit. Press seams toward the center square.
Sew Row 3 like Row 1. Press seams toward corners. Join all three rows, nesting seams at intersections. Press row seams toward the top and bottom rows. Block should measure 12 1/2 inches square.
See how this traditional pattern looks in different color combinations.
Straight set, edge to edge — 5x6 blocks for a 60 x 72 inch quilt with secondary patterns at block intersections
With 3-inch sashing and cornerstones for a framed star gallery
Alternating with Variable Star blocks for a celestial sampler