Variable Star quilt block

Variable Star quilt block

January 28, 1933-Nancy Cabot published the Variable Star quilt block "formerly known as the Tippecanoe and Tyler Too!"  To be "historically correct", she tells readers it should be made from print fabrics but would be "more outstanding if pieced in plain colors."  Tippecanoe and Tyler Too was a campaign slogan from the Harrison presidential election of 1840. 

To see a more colorful example of this block and download a FREE 12" block pattern, go here.

I made a 6" finished size block since I'm making a sampler quilt that size all from Nancy Cabot blocks.

To make a 6" block from two colors-                                      Row 1

Unit A- 4) 2 1/2" squares of background fabric
             1) 2 1/2" square of fabric for center of star
                                                                                          Row 2
Unit B/B-2) 3 1/2" squares of background fabric
               2) 3 1/2" squares of fabric for star                       
         
                                                                                          Row 3




To make your B/B units, you need to make quarter square triangles from your 3 1/2" squares.  When completed, trim each unit to 2 1/2".  Sew the units together in rows as shown in the diagram. Very Easy!

McCall's Quilting has an excellent video explaining how to make quarter square triangles.  There are also written instructions right below the video.

This basic block is #1631d in the Electric Quilt and BlockBase software.  It shows it in 4 colors though.