Jan in VA

Because this is, in effect, a 9-patch block, it is hard to design it as an 8" overall finished block -- as 8 can't be easily divided by 3. It would work much better if you could use a 9" block instead and use your stated 3.5" cuts.

In this 9" case, I would make the star points @ 1 & 7/8" or a scant 2" square.

Jan in VA

JoyjoyMarie

Nice pattern to beat the "point craziness" that we are sometimes driven to. Thanks Jan for the drawing and tips.

onaemtnest

Thank you Jan for responding to my request about sizing the star points for the smaller block. Your help is always greatly appreciated.

calla

Yes, thank you Jan, I've wanted to do this too.....calla

Jan in VA

May I suggest, because the background will be so dominant and obvious in this style of star, you might find a "muckled up" background will give the quilt more interest. By that I mean, using several or many different blenders of the same color randomly in the blocks, or using a fabric that is much less value in contrast to the stars, but still has movement/(swirl e.g.) in the design in the print.

I failed to mention that you could also make that block a 9.5" and then trim it down to an 8.5", but, of course, that leaves you much less float.

Jan in VA