Quilt Block Patterns: Kansas Star
Kansas Star is a traditional quilt block that's also known as Eight Points Allover. Actually, the framing of the block is known by numerous names, depending on the color values used within specific areas. The name Kansas Star may have been tagged onto the pattern by the pattern writers at the Kansas City Star.Like other patchwork quilt blocks, there are many ways to construct Kansas Star. The easiest construction method is to sew it with nine square-in-a-square units.
Kansas Star is one of the quilt blocks used in the Backwards Medallion Sampler quilt pattern, but feel free to use the pattern for any quilt you would like to make.
Finished Block Size: 6" x 6"
The 6" Kansas Star is used for the sampler, but I've included cutting instructions for a 12" version at the bottom of this page.
Quilting Fabrics
The yardages on page 2 of the Medallion Sampler project are somewhat generous -- enough so that you should be able to bring in a scattering of those fabrics if you would like to use them as a tie-in within blocks. When choosing fabrics for the 6" blocks, do consider the two fabrics you intend to use as framing on each side of that area. You can also choose those frames after all of your quilt blocks are assembled.Individual patches are fairly small, so it's usually best to avoid very large prints. I recommend you use a combination of print scales for interest, plus a few tone on tone fabrics, which add a subtle visual texture without overwhelming the block.
Quilting fabrics recommended below reflect the quilt block on this page -- your choice of color and color value may be very different. Play up the inner star or let other elements be the primary focus. See page 3 for another example of color arrangement in this easy quilt block.
Components are listed by area to help you plug-in your own choices. Smaller squares are used to create corner triangles and larger squares become the centers of square-in-a-square quilt blocks. Stack each group of fabrics together to help fabrics organized.
For square-in-a-square blocks used in corners:
- Light green print: (4) 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" squares
- medium brown print: (8) 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" squares
- somewhat muted gold/green/red print: (4) 2-1/2" x 2-1/2" squares
For square-in-a-square blocks at midpoints of rows:
- darker green print: (8) 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" squares
- bright red print: (8) 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" squares
- light neutral print: (4) 2-1/2" x 2-1/2" squares
For center square-in-a-square block:
- bright gold print: (8) 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" squares
- dark brown or black print: (1) 2-1/2" x 2-1/2" square
Make a 12" Kansas Star Quilt Block
For square-in-a-square blocks used in corners:
- Light green print: (4) 2-1/2" x 2-1/2" squares
- medium brown print: (8) 2-1/2" x 2-1/2" squares
- somewhat muted gold/green/red print: (4) 4-1/2" x 4-1/2" squares
For square-in-a-square blocks at midpoints of rows:
- darker green print: (8) 2-1/2" x 2-1/2" squares
- bright red print: (8) 2-1/2" x 2-1/2" squares
- light neutral print: (4) 4-1/2" x 4-1/2" squares
For center square-in-a-square block:
- bright gold print: (8) 2-1/2" x 2-1/2" squares
- dark brown or black print: (1) 4-1/2" x 4-1/2" square
When complete, the block should measure 12-1/2" x 12-1/2".
