Traditional pattern, early 1800s, public domain
A dramatic large-scale star constructed from eight identical diamond units, each built from rows of smaller diamonds. This show-stopping medallion design requires precise cutting at exact 45-degree angles and careful pressing to prevent distortion across its expansive design.
The Lone Star pattern dates to the early 1800s and has roots in both American and European quilting traditions. It became strongly associated with Texas and the American Southwest, where it symbolized the lone star of the Texas state flag.
Also known as the Star of Bethlehem, this pattern held deep significance in many communities. It was a masterwork quilt — often made to demonstrate a quilter's highest skill. Native American quilters of the Northern Plains adopted and transformed this design into their own star quilt tradition, used in ceremonies and as honor gifts.
Also known as: Star of Bethlehem, Star of the East, Texas Star, Prairie Star
finished Block Size
36 inches (single large star)
seam Allowance
1/4 inch
grid Basis
45-degree diamonds arranged in 8 radiating units of strip-pieced rows
units Required
8 large diamond units (each made from 7 rows of strip-pieced small diamonds), 4 corner squares, 4 setting triangles
All measurements include 1/4" seam allowance unless noted.
| Piece | Fabric | Cut Size | Qty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strip set — Row 1 (center) | Gold | 2" x WOF strip | 2 | Cut diamonds at 45° from strip sets |
| Strip set — Row 2 | Dark red | 2" x WOF strip | 2 | Cut diamonds at 45° from strip sets |
| Strip set — Row 3 | Navy | 2" x WOF strip | 2 | Cut diamonds at 45° from strip sets |
| Strip set — Row 4 (outer) | Medium red | 2" x WOF strip | 2 | Cut diamonds at 45° from strip sets |
| Corner square | Cream | 11" x 11" | 4 | Exact size depends on finished star; measure before cutting |
| Setting triangle | Cream | 15.5" x 15.5" | 2 | Cut each square diagonally once to yield 4 triangles |
Cut 2-inch wide strips across the width of fabric for each color. Sew strips together in the planned color sequence (7 rows per strip set) using an exact 1/4-inch seam. Press all seams in one direction. Make two identical strip sets.
Tip: Alternate sewing direction on each strip to prevent bowing: sew strip 1-2 left to right, strip 2-3 right to left, and so on.
Using a 45-degree angle on your ruler, cut diamond segments from the strip sets. Each segment should be exactly 2 inches wide measured perpendicular to the cut. Cut 8 identical segments from each strip set position (56 total segments for 8 star points).
Tip: Starch strip sets before cross-cutting to stabilize the bias edges.
Arrange 7 diamond segments in the correct color sequence for one star point. Sew segments together, matching seam intersections precisely. Offset each segment by 1/4 inch at the top for correct alignment. Press seams open. Make 8 identical diamond units.
Tip: Pin through the exact seam intersection from both sides before sewing to ensure a perfect match.
Sew two diamond units together along their long edges, starting and stopping exactly 1/4 inch from each end (set-in seam preparation). Join pairs to create two halves of four diamonds each. Press seams open.
Tip: Backstitch at the 1/4-inch start and stop points — do not sew into the seam allowance.
Join the two star halves together, matching the center point precisely. The eight seams must converge at the center. Press the center seam open and press the block from the front.
Tip: Use a stiletto at the center intersection to ensure all eight points meet cleanly.
Set in the four background corner squares and four setting triangles using Y-seam (set-in seam) construction. Pin and sew from the inner corner outward, pivoting at the 1/4-inch mark. Press seams toward the background.
Tip: Mark the 1/4-inch pivot point on the wrong side of all set-in pieces for accuracy.
Press the entire block thoroughly. Square it to 36.5" x 36.5" including seam allowances. Verify the star is centered and all points are equidistant from the edges.
See how this traditional pattern looks in different color combinations.
Single star medallion with multiple borders
Four Lone Stars set together for a king-size quilt
One star as a dramatic wall hanging with prairie point edging