Beginner block
Friendship star quilt pattern
A queen-size friendship star quilt is 90″ × 102″: 56 12″ blocks and a 3″ border. It takes 10 yd of fabric for the top and binding, plus 8¼ yd of 42″ fabric for the backing. A pinwheel star on a nine-patch grid, often made as a group gift with each friend signing a block. Quick to sew and easy to love.
How much fabric for a friendship star quilt
The same quilt in three sizes, with a 3″ border and 2½″ binding. Yardage is for 42″ of usable width after trimming selvages, rounded up to the next ⅛ yard with a little extra.
| Throw | Queen | King | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finished size | 54″ × 66″ | 90″ × 102″ | 102″ × 102″ |
| Blocks | 4 × 5 = 20 | 7 × 8 = 56 | 8 × 8 = 64 |
| Blush (blocks, half-square triangles) | 2 yd | 5⅜ yd | 6⅛ yd |
| Raspberry (blocks, half-square triangles, border, binding) | 2¼ yd | 4⅝ yd | 5¼ yd |
| Top and binding | 4¼ yd | 10 yd | 11⅜ yd |
| Backing (42″ fabric) | 3½ yd | 8¼ yd | 9¼ yd |
| Binding | 7 strips 2½″ × WOF | 10 strips 2½″ × WOF | 11 strips 2½″ × WOF |
| Batting | 62″ × 74″ (twin) | 98″ × 110″ (king) | 110″ × 110″ (king) |
Cutting for one friendship star block
Four half-square triangle units, four corner squares and a centre square. All sizes include ¼″ seam allowances. Half-square triangles are made two at a time: cut squares the finished size plus ⅞″, pair a light and a dark, sew ¼″ each side of the diagonal and cut apart.
| Fabric | 6″ block | 7½″ block | 9″ block | 10½″ block | 12″ block |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Background | 4 squares 2½″ | 4 squares 3″ | 4 squares 3½″ | 4 squares 4″ | 4 squares 4½″ |
| Star | 1 square 2½″ | 1 square 3″ | 1 square 3½″ | 1 square 4″ | 1 square 4½″ |
| Background | 2 squares 2⅞″, cut once on the diagonal | 2 squares 3⅜″, cut once on the diagonal | 2 squares 3⅞″, cut once on the diagonal | 2 squares 4⅜″, cut once on the diagonal | 2 squares 4⅞″, cut once on the diagonal |
| Star | 2 squares 2⅞″, cut once on the diagonal | 2 squares 3⅜″, cut once on the diagonal | 2 squares 3⅞″, cut once on the diagonal | 2 squares 4⅜″, cut once on the diagonal | 2 squares 4⅞″, cut once on the diagonal |
Block diagram
- A Background (Blush)
- B Star (Raspberry)
Download the block diagram (SVG)
Prints sharp at any size. Use it to plan colours with pencils, or as a pressing guide.
Questions
How much fabric do I need for a queen friendship star quilt?
About 10 yd for the top and binding (5⅜ yd of blush, 4⅝ yd of raspberry), plus 8¼ yd of backing. That is for 90″ × 102″ with 12″ blocks, planned on 42″ of usable fabric width with a little extra.
What size is a friendship star block?
It is drawn on a 3 × 3 grid, so it works best at 6", 7 1/2", 9", 10 1/2", 12" finished. 12" is the most common size.
Is friendship star good for beginners?
Yes. It uses simple triangle units, and the seams are straight.
Can I use this pattern for free?
Yes. Friendship star is a traditional block in the public domain. The diagram and yardage on this page are free; the designer lets you change colours, size and borders and see the new yardage.
Updated November 9, 2026