The Ohio Star is one of quilting's most enduring and recognisable blocks. A classic nine-patch design, it combines five plain squares with four quarter-square triangle units to create a striking star that works beautifully in everything from scrappy sampler quilts to bold two-colour designs. It looks impressive, but with the right tools it's far more straightforward than it appears.
About the Ohio Star Block
The 12" finished Ohio Star block is made up of two shapes: plain squares and quarter-square triangles (also known as hourglass units). Traditionally, cutting these accurately, especially the quarter-square triangles, requires careful measuring, marking, and cutting, with plenty of room for error. The AccuQuilt GO! takes all of that out of the equation.
The AccuQuilt GO! Ohio Star 12" Die
The AccuQuilt GO! Ohio Star 12" die has all the pieces and parts for the complete block on a single die board. Simply layer your fabrics, run them through your GO! cutter, and every piece comes out perfectly sized and shaped, ready to sew. No templates, no rotary cutting, no trimming. As the UK's Exclusive Supplier for AccuQuilt, we stock the full range of GO! dies and cutters.
Watch: Making the GO! Vibrant Ohio Star Quilt
In the video below, Erica and Lynn from AccuQuilt demonstrate how to use the GO! Ohio Star 12" die to make their GO! Vibrant Ohio Star Quilt. It's a great introduction to the die and shows just how quickly you can build up a quilt top once your cutting is done.
Tips for the Ohio Star Block
- Before cutting, press your fabrics with Best Press Fabric Spray to ensure they are crisp and wrinkle-free. Well-pressed fabric feeds through the die cutter more cleanly and gives you more accurate cuts.
- Layer up to six fabrics at a time through the GO! cutter to cut multiple blocks in one pass.
- Use Seam Align Glue to hold your pieces in position before sewing. It's perfect for keeping the quarter-square triangle units aligned accurately as you piece the block together, giving you crisp, precise points every time.
- When sewing quarter-square triangle units, chain piece to save time and keep your units organised.
- Press seams open on the hourglass units to reduce bulk at the centre of the block.
- Lay out all your pieces before sewing to check colour placement and block orientation.
What You Need
- AccuQuilt GO! Ohio Star 12" Finished Die
- A compatible AccuQuilt GO! cutter: GO! Me, GO!, GO! Big, or GO! Bolt
- A GO! Cutting Mat 6" x 12"
- Your choice of quilting cotton. Two contrasting fabrics (plus background) work beautifully for this block.
- Best Press Fabric Spray for crisp, accurate cutting
- Acorn Seam Align Glue for precise, accurate piecing
Ready to give it a go? Shop the AccuQuilt GO! Ohio Star 12" die at Quilt Direct, or browse our full range of AccuQuilt GO! dies and cutters.
