Many quiltmakers like to make six inch quilt blocks in order to use a greater variety of blocks in a sampler style quilt. Another reason might be to test out the look of a block in a smaller size in order to save on the fabrics (just in case the block looks very different than in your imagination).

Whatever your reason for creating six inch blocks, the pieces are all just smaller versions of larger sized quilt blocks -- such as the most popular size, the 12" quilt block. This is what makes quiltmaking so exciting -- you are the designer and get to choose all the components.

Padre Island Star

Free Quilt Block Pattern

I have to admit that I had never heard of the Padre Island Star block but I liked it right away. I also knew that it looked familiar. Upon further investigation, I noticed that two other blocks are made of exactly the same patches, but by colour changes and placement, you get entirely different looks. I have linked to both of these blocks below, so you can see for yourself.

This is an easy block and therefore a good choice for a beginner quilter. Simple patches made of "checkerboards" (a very common unit made by placing four small squares together), are present in each of the corners, and my favourite patch -- flying geese -- make up this very versatile nine patch block.

See also
~ Maple Star
~ Lucky Clover

NEXT - Sample quilt layouts for PADRE ISLAND STAR quilt block