An Eight-Point Star Built from a Nine-Patch
The eight-point star in the Haven quilt is built on a simple nine-patch structure. Five of the units are plain squares, and the remaining four are peaky-and-spike units that create the star points.
Because most of the pieces are used exactly as cut, the construction stays efficient. The only extra step is preparing the units that form the star points.
A Simple, Reusable Template
The peaky-and-spike units rely on accurate marking. Instead of measuring each piece individually, a small cardstock template does the work for you.
The template is quick to make and sturdy enough to use for multiple blocks—or even multiple quilts. Once it’s prepared, marking becomes fast and consistent across all units.
This approach keeps the process organized and repeatable, which is especially helpful when you’re making several identical blocks – and we need four blocks for the quilt.
Focus on Alignment, Not Complexity
Use the template to mark points on the squares and rectangles of the triangle-in-a-square (TIAS) units.
The piecing itself is straightforward. The key step is accurate alignment before stitching. Use pins through the marked points to ensure the diagonals meet exactly where they should.
Instead of relying on corner-to-corner stitching, the drawn lines are slightly offset. This produces the sharp, centered triangle that defines the peaky-and-spike unit.
Once both sides are sewn and pressed, each unit forms a clean, pointed “mountain” shape that drops easily into the nine-patch layout.
Assembling the Block
With the units complete, the block comes together just like any nine-patch:
Arrange the three rows.
Sew the units into rows.
Join the rows to complete the block.
The finished block is smaller than the earlier ones in the quilt. That size difference is intentional and will be resolved with sashing and mini nine-patch units as the quilt grows outward. Each 8-point star block should measure 9-1/2″ square (unfinished).
If you’d like to sew along, the Haven Quilt-Along is completely free and self-paced. You can download the quilt-along guide from my website, follow the video tutorials on YouTube, or join the Haven email list to receive weekly PDF instructions.
Kits available from Vintage Pink & Green (in store or online).