The Carpenter’s Star Quilt is a classic, eye-catching design that has been loved by quilters for generations. Known for its bold lines and starburst shape, this quilt is both dramatic and elegant. Even better? It’s constructed entirely from half square triangles (HSTs) and squares, making it beginner-friendly despite its intricate look.
Why You’ll Love This Pattern
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No Y-Seams: This version avoids tricky Y-seams by using HSTs to build the star shape.
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Beginner-Friendly Layout: Though it looks complex, the construction is straightforward.
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Bold Impact: Great for showcasing high-contrast fabrics or playing with color gradients.
What You’ll Need
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2 fabrics with strong contrast (light and dark)
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Rotary cutter, ruler, and mat
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Sewing machine
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Iron and pressing surface
This quilt finishes at approximately 90″ x 90″, making it a wonderful queen-size project.
Cutting Instructions
For a 90″ x 90″ quilt top, you’ll cut the following from each fabric:
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64 – 8″ squares from each fabric (for 64 HSTs)
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8 – 8″ squares from each fabric for corner units
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4 – 8″ squares from your dark fabric for the center cross
Use the two-at-a-time HST method to create your units. Draw a diagonal line on the back of the light square, sew ¼” on both sides of the line, and cut along the line. Press open and trim to 7½” if needed.
Assembling the Quilt
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Layout Matters: Lay out your blocks on a large surface or design wall to make sure your star forms correctly.
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Row-by-Row Assembly: Begin sewing blocks together in rows, then join the rows to complete the quilt top.
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Pressing: Press seams open or to one side consistently to help with matching points.
Free PDF Download
📥 Download the Simple Carpenter’s Star Quilt Pattern PDF
Final Thoughts
The Carpenter’s Star Quilt is a striking and timeless design that blends geometry and contrast into a beautiful finished piece. Whether you’re gifting it or adding it to your collection, this quilt is both a rewarding project and a stunning showcase of your skills. With its simple construction using half square triangles and careful piecing, even beginners can create something truly impressive. Don’t forget to take a photo before gifting it away—this is one you’ll want to remember!
