Intermediate block
Ohio star quilt pattern
A queen-size Ohio star quilt is 90″ × 102″: 56 12″ blocks and a 3″ border. It takes 10⅜ yd of fabric for the top and binding, plus 8¼ yd of 42″ fabric for the backing. An eight-pointed star on a nine-patch grid, carried west by settlers in the 1800s. Its points come from quarter-square triangle units.
How much fabric for an Ohio 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 |
| Muslin (blocks, quarter-square triangles) | 2 yd | 5½ yd | 6⅜ yd |
| Indigo (quarter-square triangles, border, binding) | 2 yd | 3⅞ yd | 4⅜ yd |
| Mustard (blocks) | ½ yd | 1 yd | 1⅛ yd |
| Top and binding | 4½ yd | 10⅜ yd | 11⅞ 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 Ohio star block
Four corner squares, a centre square and four quarter-square triangle units (hourglasses) for the points. All sizes include ¼″ seam allowances. Quarter-square triangles are made from squares the finished size plus 1¼″, cut twice on the diagonal.
| Fabric | 6″ block | 9″ block | 12″ block | 15″ block |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Background | 4 squares 2½″ | 4 squares 3½″ | 4 squares 4½″ | 4 squares 5½″ |
| Centre | 1 square 2½″ | 1 square 3½″ | 1 square 4½″ | 1 square 5½″ |
| Background | 2 squares 3¼″, cut twice on the diagonal | 2 squares 4¼″, cut twice on the diagonal | 2 squares 5¼″, cut twice on the diagonal | 2 squares 6¼″, cut twice on the diagonal |
| Star points | 2 squares 3¼″, cut twice on the diagonal | 2 squares 4¼″, cut twice on the diagonal | 2 squares 5¼″, cut twice on the diagonal | 2 squares 6¼″, cut twice on the diagonal |
Block diagram
- A Background (Muslin)
- B Star points (Indigo)
- C Centre (Mustard)
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 Ohio star quilt?
About 10⅜ yd for the top and binding (5½ yd of muslin, 3⅞ yd of indigo, 1 yd of mustard), 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 an Ohio star block?
It is drawn on a 3 × 3 grid, so it works best at 6", 9", 12", 15" finished. 12" is the most common size.
Is Ohio star good for beginners?
It suits a quilter with a few quilts behind them: there are many points to match. Make one test block first.
Can I use this pattern for free?
Yes. Ohio 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