April 2018 Block of the Month: Ohio Star
She’s Our Star 2018 Block of the Month
April: Ohio Star
This month we’re stitching the traditional Ohio Star quilt block design—the fourth of six star-based blocks in NZP’s 2018 Block of the Month series. Team Nancy Zieman is pleased to honor Nancy with this beautiful new block of the month series featuring Nancy’s New Farmhouse Florals fabric line for Penny Rose from Riley Blake!
Ohio Star combines simple fabric squares and 1/4-square triangle units to create the illusion of a star at the center of the block. The design is all about fabric placement. Notice how the star is created using lighter fabric tones, within the 1/4-square triangles, in both Blocks A and B.
Each month, we will feature one block design made in two color-ways. Both blocks are created using Farmhouse Floral fat quarters* (18″ x 22″ fabric rectangles) and background fabrics. Follow along as we demonstrate how to easily create Block A.
Block A
Block B
Keep your fabric choices sorted using this handy Fabric Planner diagram. Download the planner HERE. Print two and make notes or pin swatches to remind you of the fabric placements.
Choose the Fabrics
For the Ohio Star blocks, select the following fabrics from your Farmhouse Florals fat-quarter bundle and a No-Hassle Triangle Gauge.
Cut Fabric for Blocks
Block A:
- Cut one 5–1/4″ square from Pink Petals.
- Cut two 5-1/4″ squares from Blue Shiplap.
- Cut one 5-1/4″ square from Red Petals.
- Cut four 4-1/2″ squares from Blue Floral.
- Cut one 4-1/2″ square from Yellow Stripe.
Block B:
- Cut one 5-1/4″ square from Red Shiplap.
- Cut two 5-1/4″ squares from White Shiplap.
- Cut one 5-1/4″ square from Blue Floral.
- Cut four 4-1/2″ squares from Yellow Petals.
- Cut one 4-1/2″ square from Cream Main.
Construct The Units
All seam allowances are scant 1/4″ unless otherwise stated.
The step-by-step photos illustrate construction of BLOCK A. Block B construction is identical.
Quarter-Square Triangles (QSTs)
- To create a 4-1/2″ quarter-square block, make two 5-1/4″ half-square triangle block sets of fabric, placing right sides together (Red Petals on Blue Shiplap, Pink Petals on Blue Shiplap).
- Mark each block set diagonally from corner to corner, using a fabric marking pen and ruler.
- For greatest accuracy, use a No-Hassle Triangle Gauge. The right side of the gauge is designed to create QST blocks.
- Depress the button on the sliding portion of the gauge and move to the 4-1/2″ QST icon on the right side of the gauge.
- Place gauge on the block set, corner to corner. Match corner marks of gauge with corner of block sets. Mark fabric through center of gauge with a fine-point, fabric-marking pen.
The advantage of using the No-Hassle Triangle Gauge is accuracy. It’s easy to double-check that the block set fits within the confines of the gauge. If the block set extends beyond or is shorter, trim or cut another block.
Stitch Quarter-Square Triangle Units
- Attach a 1/4″ Patchwork/Quilting Foot to your machine.
- Set machine for a straight stitch, 2.0–2.5 mm in length.
- Align foot along one side of the center marked line; stitch a scant 1/4″ from center marked line. Do not cut the threads.
- Kiss the next block set to the stitched block and chain stitch from one block to the other.
- Align foot along second side of center marked line; stitch.
- Clip threads between chain stitched blocks. Rotate blocks 180-degrees.
- With a rotary cutter, mat, and ruler, cut the blocks apart, and along centerline markings.
- Press seam allowances toward the darker fabric.
- Meet right sides of fabric 1/2-square triangle blocks, with print opposing sides, as you match centers make two sets. (Red Petals to Blue Shiplap and Ink Petals to Blue Shiplap).
- Create four 1/4-square triangle blocks from two 1/2-square triangle blocks.
- Draw a second line from corner to corner across the 1/2-square triangle blocks.
- Clip threads between chain stitched blocks.
- With a rotary cutter, mat, and ruler, cut the blocks apart along centerline markings.
- Press seams to one side.
Construct The Blocks
Arrange the Blocks
- Arrange Block A as shown:
- Stitch Ohio Star block together joining squares to form three rows.
- Place squares from first row onto second row, right sides together.
- Interlock the seam allowances, pin, and sew the rows together.
- Press seam allowances away from center block.
The No-Hassle Triangles Quilt Blocks book shows exactly how to create this block and 11 others. For best results, use the No-Hassle Triangles Gauge.
Watch No-Hassle Triangles Quilt Blocks (Part One and Part Two) on Sewing With Nancy online.
For a chance to be the random winner of a Farmhouse Floral Fat Quarter Pack fabric pack, please leave a comment below.
Happy Quilting,
Team Nancy Zieman
Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC.
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Brenda
Thank you so much for. Continuing with the NZP traditions.love you all for it.
Gail Beam
Nancy makes this block look so simple with her easy to understand written and photo tutorial.
judy
The Lady is a true star and is a wonder how she uses different size squares to make it come out so magical. I can’t seem to get enough of her lately. Thank you Team Nancy!
Max
I like no hassle projects–looks like sew much fun.
Diane Nickerson
Such a beautiful fabric line! I am a beginner, but these instructions make this seem doable!
Susan Spiers
How wonderful is this block – and so versatile! Amazing color combinations! Thank you again Nancy Zieman!
Margaret C.
Truly a block for all seasons. Versatile. Thx
Charlotte Brown
I love this fabric so much. I am a new quilter (73 yr. old).
Nancy
Love this block and your fabric and color combinations. Thanks for the great giveaway.
Judith Paris
This pattern looks easy to follow. Thanks
Nancy B
I always enjoy the block of the month. Nancy’s instructions with pictures are very clear and helpful.
Julia Pennington
Nancy will be sorely missed. I pray her show goes on in syndication for years to come for all the generations of young seamstress’s to come!
RITA
I love the colors of the farmhouse floral pack!
Shirley Clark
This has always been one of my favorite blocks, and this fabric is just gorgeous!
I miss Nancy so much. She was a jewel!
Bonnye
I look forward to the emails from team Nancy Zieman. Keep up the good work.
diane c
I have been saving all these instructions — can’t wait until I have the time to make the whole quilt.
Kathy
I love this collection of fabric and look forward to making this block of the month in honor of Nancy. She was truly a star. Thank you for continuing her show and all she accomplished in her short life.
Clovis
It has been good doing the Block of the Month. I get to make different quilts. Thanks for the chance to win.
Terry
This fabric collection is beautiful. It reminds me of my Easter dresses when I was a child. I remember looking at my dress for hours and touching the flowers – as if I could really pick them of the fabric. LOL
Carol
I love the colors of the fabrics and I would love to sew with them this spring. Thank you.
Diana Stansell
The fabric is lovely, the colors very country. Love the blocks.
Helen G
The download planner that is offered in this post is for the March block. I had to click on the April planner and print it from there. I hope this won’t confuse someone and they cut their fabric incorrectly. Please correct this. These blocks are so fun to make and the fabric is gorgeous. I love working with it. I have made them all so far and hope to continue through to the last one! Thanks!
Ann H
I am looking for the April planner to download — the one attached to the Ohio Star is a repeat of the Hidden Star from March. Thanks.
Helen Glover
I had to copy and paste this download. If you have word, just right click on the image and hit copy. Then open Word and a new document. Right click and paste it on the new page. Then go to file and print it. I never could get the download to work either. I have emailed them but haven’t received a response. Good luck!
Linda Shumway
Just finishing up a quilt that contains this very block in it! Mine don’t look quite so perfect, but can see where I can improve and will try it again.
Joanie Wallrich
These fabrics would look great for a spring table runner and napkins. Thanks for continuing Nancy’s life long mission to teach all things sewing related. I miss her.
Pat
This quilt honoring Nancy is truly a work of love. The fabrics are beautiful and the clear and concise instructions are a tribute to Nancy’s way of teaching and creating. Thanks so much for continuing Nancy’s traditions.
Lynn Propst
Thank you for continuing Nancys legacy. She is smiling from heaven.
DebbieW
Sewing with fabulous fabric is heaven.
Mary Meyer
I usually work with solids, but the Farmhouse Floral pack has me wanting to work with them. What beautiful prints. No problem looking for a quilt design, I have dozens I want to make, although Nancy’s BOM may wind up being the choice.
Kathryn Smotryski
Loving the Farmhouse Floral design. Reminds me of the quilt I made my little girl some years back. Used very similar colors. Quilt is worn but perhaps the pink floral might work to restore it for her. (She’s now 35)
Florence Dupuis
I just love these Farmhouse Florals. It would be great to use them to make a quilt for my granddaughter.
Nancy
Nancy just keeps on giving, her wonderful talent, skills, and etc., as you continue leading her effort. Thanks to all of you.
MaryEllen
This looks like a great block and I love the fabric colors. They are so beautiful; spring is the perfect time for these colors. Uplifting!
Bridget
April’s blocks are magnificent! Thanks for showing the ease of the half triangle ruler!
Donna J Pfost
I love this month’s block!! I am a former Ohio girl so I am partial to that block!! 😉 The fabrics are so cheery and fun…LOVE it!!
Karen
These fabrics would be a treasure to own!
Mary Green
Eautiful florals!
BevM
I purchased a No Hassle Triangle Gauge, but I haven’t use it yet. I would love to try it on the lovely Farmhouse Floral fabrics.
Mary Hutteman
This is a fun BOM and uses a beautiful set of fabrics.
Joy
So glad that Nancy’s legacy continues on. I miss seeing her so very much.
carol
I’m amazed at how information on sewing Nancy left behind. I can’t think of anyone else who gave us as much as she did.
Linda Barnes
I love this fabric line. It is SEW pretty and looks like spring. I am so glad that TEAM Nancy is continuing on. So enjoyed -still do – watching and learning so much from her. Would love to win some of this fabric – then start on this quilt. – have to finish up couple projects. Thanks again for the chance to win
Yolanda
I borrowed from a friend the No-Hassel Triangles Gauge on one of my projects and it was incredibly easy to use. The Farm House Florals fabrics are beautiful. I need to restock fabric with floral prints. Nancy was one of a kind–a very creative lady, move on Team Nancy!
Linda C in TN
It is nice to have tools that make sewing easier.
Val
Love the No Hassle Triangle Gauge. Have had it for awhile and have used it when needed. Can’t wait to make these blocks.
Nancy is a true star….Thanks
Margaret Scott
Beautiful fabrics! Love this months blocks.
Robin in Kansas
You’ve all designed a wonderful pattern with the perfect fabrics to honor Nancy. This Block of the Month is a joy to work on and will be a quilt I keep for myself to cherish and remember her by.
Dorothy Highum
I really like the step by step photos. Beginners and seasoned quilter’s can easily follow the directions. Thank you for doing that.
Janice Hobbs
Wonderful easy to follow directions. Always looking for ways to make star blocks for Quilts of Valor. Thank you so much!
Treva Campbell
I love these beautiful floral patterns. They really make the Ohio Star pop.
Teri
These fabrics are so beautiful in the stars.
Barbara
recently got involved in quilting club at my church. I really knew nothing about sewing! but looked creative and fun. Well now that I have done the creative placement of different patterns to have the sewers put together I am ready to move to the sewing end. Would love to win products to help me get started at home now! I’m hooked. Thanks
beth
I would love to win these fat quarters. I could make a lovely quilt with them.
JoAn GODFREY
loving these blocks. i’m using an assortment of ocean colors in batiks
Helen Heise
A special Star block with fantastic fabric colors to remember a very special lady and speaker who I always enjoyed hearing and always learned many new things. Nancy always explained new techniques and methods, making them easy to complete.
Judy Kirkpatrick
A sweet group of fabric for a sweet lady. I’d like to make a quilt in her honor, also.
L Watson
What a great fabric line! It would be lots of fun creating something with it!
Karen
I am amazed how you can take fabrics and mix them together to make such awesome blocks. They coordinate so well with each other.
Linda
What a beautiful fabric line! Thanks for the extremely easy-to-follow instructions and the giveaway.
Cheryl
I am making the quilt in Nancy’s honor. Over the years, she has made sewing and quilting easy to understand for all of us.
Norma Ray
When I go to print off the APRIL block of the month, the pattern for MARCH keeps coming up. Hasn’t anyone else commented about this yet? Hope you can fid it so I get the correct block.
Norma Ray
When I go to print off the APRIL block of the month, the pattern for MARCH keeps coming up. Hasn’t anyone else commented about this yet? Hope you can fixed it so I get the correct block.
Helen G
I commented about the download being for March last Saturday but apparently no one is monitoring this blog because it has yet to be fixed. it would be so great if we were able to get some feedback or answers to questions.
Donna Fecteau
Beautiful fabrics that would make a lovely addition to any quilters stash.
chris lindner
I am loving this tribute to Nancy, she was a star in our hearts for sure.
Hazel Davidson
Breathtaking floral fabric will create stars that pop and this month’s Ohio Star has always been one of my favorite blocks.
Beverly
It is such a good feeling to see Nancy’s contributions to the world of sewing and quilting continue. What a tribute!
Jan C
I am enjoying this BOM very much. As soon as I can afford the fabric, I’ll be stitch’n.
P.J. Miller
I miss Nancy….
Laurie Anderson
I hope you realize that there were no instructions on sewing the quarter blocks together, only marking, cutting, and pressing.
Maire
If you will watch the video, it gives detailed instructions for the triangles.
Wendy
I love the colors in this fabric line!
E. Watson
I loved attending the sewing weekend this year! But it wasn’t quite the same without Nancy.
Sarah
I am looking forward to summer and hopefully a sewing project! This fabric would be fun to use.
Helen Glover
I am very disappointed that apparently no one from Nancy Zeiman dot com is monitoring this blog. So therefore, mistakes are not being addressed. Sad!
Maire
Of course you do know that Nancy passed away, yes, there is a group who will monitor the website, but kindly give a break.
Helen Glover
There is a mistake in the directions for making the 1/4 sq triangle blocks. If you are using the no-hassle gauge you should set the green clip to the 5 1/4″ mark on the gauge since this is a 5 1/2″ block. How can people make these errors?? Not a good thing for beginning quilters as this will totally mess up their work!