The Patchwork Auditions blocks keep getting better and better. Today I show you the third block in the series. The series looks at some classic blocks and exposes alternate colorings. My goal is to simply think about other ways to color a quilt block I have looked at hundreds of times. So far I've been making 3 of each block - 1 traditional coloring and 2 alternates. It's amazing how different they look! Eventually, I'll put them together into a scrappy quilt. Find all the details here.
Join me on this laid back adventure if you like! Below you'll find a cutting list for the basic blocks in 12" and 16" finished blocks, but not a tutorial. Use the coloring sheet to generate your own ideas. I hope that you'll audition other color arrangements and play as I am. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ohio Star (Traditional)
Ok folks, not only is the Ohio Star a great classic. But.... I'm from Ohio, so you know I had to include it. Everyone loves a star shaped quilt block, and the Ohio Star adds a fun element into the star shape by setting in 4 Hourglass blocks (tutorial here). I've actually used this block in one of my BOMs. It's an elegant twist on a nine-patch block and looks great no matter how you color it. Just wait til you see the alternate colorings - you won't believe it's the same block. Pictured below is the most common way to make it. Although sometimes this block is shown with 2 colors in the star also.
Ohio Star Coloring Sheet Download the PDF here.
Block Structure
Block Structure
This block is constructed with (4) hourglass blocks using quarter square triangles (QSTs). The QSTs are in a cross position, although the center is just a square.
For 12" blocks.
- Cut (5) 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" squares. (A)
- Cut (4) 6" x 6" squares for Hourglasses. (B)
- Cut each square on both diagonals to yield 4 triangles.
- Each 6" square may be a different color depending on how you want to color the block.
Make (4) Hourglass blocks. Square them up to 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" unfinished.
For 16" blocks.
For 16" blocks.
- Cut (5) 5 7/8" x 5 7/8" squares. (A)
- Cut (4) 7" x 7" squares for Hourglasses. (B)
- Cut each square on both diagonals to yield 4 triangles.
- Each 7" square may be a different color depending on how you want to color the block.
Make (4) Hourglass blocks. Square them up to 5 7/8" x 5 7/8" unfinished.
(These blocks may be a bit larger than 16 1/2" unfinished due to the math. Trim up if needed.)
Alternate Coloring Options
There are many ways to recolor this block. We can either emphasize the star or disguise it. Give both options a try and see what you think. In this exercise, I simply am recoloring the block without changing it's basic construction. These are just a few of the options I found.  A |  B |  C |
 D |  E |  F |
 G |  H |  I |
My Sample Blocks
traditional Ohio Star (12" block)
letter G in the table above (16" block)
letter C in the table above (16" block)
This block has so many ways it can take shape! I love the illusion of the double friendship star that the above "C" block makes. Share any past or present Ohio Star blocks you've made with us to show how you colored it using #patchworkauditions #ohiostar. Enjoy!
