There is no question that 12" quilt blocks are the most commonly used. But at times, you want to make a block that is a little smaller and uses easy math. Enter the 9 inch block -- not too big and not too small, but just fits the bill.

Friendship Star - Basic

Free Quilt Block Pattern

This Friendship Star quilt block is a basic nine patch block featuring the first pieced patch you will learn as you start your quiltmaking journey -- the half square triangle.

I love this block -- first for its simplicity -- and then because as you place it beside other Friendship Star blocks, you will see a secondary pattern emerge. For this very reason, this quilt block is also known as Ribbon Star because the stars seem to be separated by "ribbons". I like to make this block in one of the smaller sizes, just because you get to see more of them as you put them into your quilt. This block also makes for a wonderful choice for a "scrappy" quilt.

See Also:
~ Friendship Star (an interesting four patch quilt block)
~ Friendship Star (a more advanced level quilt block)

NEXT - Sample quilt layouts for FRIENDSHIP STAR BASIC quilt block