Diagonal Star Quilt Pattern, Scrap Quilt Tutorial
In this article, we’ll learn how to make a Diagonal Star Quilt Pattern using fabric scraps.
This scrap-friendly quilt is ideal for trading or sharing fabrics and blocks with quilting friends. The design combines three 8" × 8" block types—Aqua Star, White Star, and Chain—into a dramatic 96" × 96" quilt with strong diagonal movement of red/pink chains and aqua/turquoise star fields.
Quick facts
- Skill level: Confident Beginner
- Finished quilt size: 96" × 96"
- Finished block size: 8" × 8"
- Number of blocks (total 144):
- Aqua Star — 52
- White Star — 28
- Chain — 64
Materials
- Assorted aqua and turquoise fabrics — 4 1/8 yards total
- Assorted red and pink fabrics — 3 1/2 yards total
- Assorted white and cream fabrics — 3 1/8 yards total
- Assorted blue fabrics — 2 3/4 yards total
- Backing — 3 yards of 108"-wide fabric
- Binding — 7/8 yard
- Batting — 104" × 104"
- Basic sewing tools and supplies (rotary cutter, ruler, pins, thread, sewing machine, iron)
From aqua and turquoise:
- 272 E — 2½" × 2½" squares
- 64 D — 2½" × 4½" rectangles
- 64 C — 2½" × 6½" rectangles
- 208 L — 3" × 3" squares
From red and pink:
- 512 A — 1½" × 1½" squares
- 376 J — 3" × 3" squares
From white and cream:
- 176 H — 2½" × 2½" squares
- 64 G — 2½" × 4½" rectangles
- 64 F — 2½" × 6½" rectangles
- 112 K — 3" × 3" squares
From blue:
- 512 B — 1½" × 1½" squares
- 264 I — 3" × 3" squares
Project notes (read before beginning)
- Stitch right sides together using a 1/4" seam allowance unless otherwise specified.
- Materials and cutting lists assume 40" of usable fabric width.
- WOF = width of fabric; HST = half-square triangle; QST = quarter-square triangle.
- Follow the pressing directions indicated on your reference diagrams; arrows in diagrams show pressing orientation.
- If you prefer a particular HST method, use it — the pattern counts are based on trimming each HST to 2½" × 2½".
Helpful tip
For easier squaring up of HST units, align the diagonal seam of each unit along the 45° line of a quilting ruler. Making all HSTs in advance gives you more freedom to vary fabric placement in the Star blocks.Preparing HST units
Using the 3" I, J, K, and L squares, make the following HST units. Trim each HST to 2½" × 2½", keeping the diagonal seam centered in the corners.- 320 I–J HST units
- 224 J–K HST units
- 208 I–LHST units
- 208 J–L HST units
Star blocks
Aqua Star — make 52
1. Refer to the Aqua Star block diagram for placement and HST orientation.2. Arrange four I–J, four I–L and four J–L HST units and four E (2½" × 2½") squares into a 4 × 4 layout (four rows of four).
3. Sew the pieces into rows, press according to the diagram, then sew the rows together to complete each block.
White Star — make 28
1. Refer to the White Star block diagram for placement and HST orientation.2. Arrange eight J–K and four I–J HST units with four H (2½" × 2½") squares into a 4 × 4 layout.
3. Sew into rows and join the rows to finish each block.
Chain blocks
Make 64 Chain blocks by assembling four different units around a central four-patch.Step 1: Four-patch units
- Sew two A and two B 1½" squares together as shown to make a four-patch unit. Make 256 four-patch units.
Step 2: Add long rectangles
- Sew a C (2½" × 6½") rectangle to one side of a four-patch unit; repeat for F rectangles on other four-patch units. Make 64 of each unit type.Step 3: Add short rectangles and squares
- Sew a D (2½" × 4½") rectangle and an H (2½" square) to opposite sides of a four-patch unit; repeat with E (2½" square) and G (2½" × 4½") rectangle, noting orientation. Make 64 of each unit type.Step 4: Assemble Chain Block
- Sew together one unit from step 2 and one unit from step 3, as shown in the Chain diagram, to complete a Chain block.Assembling the quilt top
1. Layout: Arrange blocks into 12 rows of 12 blocks each (144 blocks total). Rotate Chain blocks as needed so the red/pink diagonals read correctly across the quilt.2. Sew blocks into rows: It can be easier to sew half-rows first, then join half-rows into quadrants, and finally join the four quadrants — this reduces bulk at seams.
3. Join rows: Sew the rows together to complete the quilt top and press the finished top.
Layering, quilting, and binding
1. Layer the quilt sandwich: quilt top, batting (104" × 104"), and backing (3 yards of 108"-wide).2. Quilt as desired. The photographed quilt was custom-quilted with straight lines, swirls, and feathers; choose a quilting design that complements your piecing and fabric choices.
3. Bind the quilt using the listed binding yardage (7/8 yard).
Finishing tips and troubleshooting
- Accuracy in HST trimming and 1/4" seam allowance are key to getting crisp star points and neat chain intersections.- If matching points is important to you, press seams in directions that nest seams when sewing rows together.
- When sewing bulky seam intersections, slow down, use your seam ripper sparingly, and consider clipping threads rather than pulling to avoid stretching.
- Working in smaller sections and pressing between stages reduces distortion and makes final joining easier.
Notes on color and fabric placement
- This is a scrap-friendly pattern: mix prints and values within the aqua/turquoise, red/pink, and white/cream families to get lively movement and texture.- Making all HST units before assembling Star blocks encourages more varied placement of individual fabrics within the stars.
