The Broken Star Quilt Block is a striking geometric star design built from squares and triangle units that create sharp, radiating points around a contrasting center.
This version is demonstrated by Sunrise Quilt Studio and is assembled in sections rather than by sewing the entire block together in simple horizontal rows.
The project is a good next step for quilters who already feel comfortable with accurate quarter-inch seams, triangle piecing and matching points.
Below you'll find an organized guide to the cutting pieces, construction sequence, fabric-planning ideas, bias-edge tips, troubleshooting and a direct link to the original Sunrise Quilt Studio video tutorial.
Broken Star Quilt Block at a Glance
| Block | Broken Star |
| Tutorial Source | Sunrise Quilt Studio |
| Block Measurement | Approximately 12½" before final quilt assembly |
| Main Shapes | Squares and triangles |
| Main Techniques | Triangle piecing, star points, section assembly and bias-edge handling |
| Seam Allowance | ¼" |
| Skill Level | Confident beginner to intermediate |
| Source Format | Free video tutorial |
| Source Checked | October 2026 |
What Is a Broken Star Quilt Block?
Broken Star is a geometric star block whose points are divided into contrasting sections rather than appearing as one uninterrupted star.
The combination of light and dark triangles creates movement around the center while the surrounding corner pieces complete the square block.
Because the design contains several diagonal edges, accurate cutting and gentle handling are important throughout construction.
Fabric Pieces Used in This Version
The existing Sunrise Quilt Studio-based project uses the following starting pieces:
- one 3½" center square,
- one 4¼" square divided into four triangles,
- four additional 4¼" squares divided into triangles,
- four 3½" squares,
- one 7¼" square divided into four triangles,
- and two 3⅞" squares divided into four triangles.
Several squares are divided diagonally to create different triangle shapes. Use the Sunrise Quilt Studio video as your visual reference for the exact fabric assignment and triangle orientation before cutting the complete block.
Choose Fabrics with Clear Contrast
Broken Star relies heavily on the relationship between neighboring triangles.
Strong contrast helps each point remain visible and gives the star more depth.
Try combinations such as:
- navy, medium blue and white,
- burgundy, pink and cream,
- teal, green and pale gray,
- black, white and one bright accent,
- or several coordinated scraps against one consistent background.
Use Small Prints Near the Star Points
Small geometric prints, tone-on-tone fabrics and solids work particularly well in the narrow triangle sections.
Very large prints may lose much of their motif after being cut into triangles.
Step 1: Cut the Squares Accurately
Square up each piece before making diagonal cuts.
A difference of only a small fraction of an inch can become noticeable after several triangle units meet at the same point.
Use a sharp rotary blade and keep the fabric flat against the cutting mat.
Step 2: Cut the Required Triangles
Some squares are divided once diagonally, while others are divided in both directions to produce four triangles.
Keep each triangle group labeled until you begin sewing.
This prevents similar-looking pieces from being used in the wrong part of the star.
Why Bias Edges Need Extra Care
Many of the triangle edges are cut across the bias grain.
Bias edges can stretch if they are pulled, aggressively pressed or repeatedly repositioned.
Lift the iron rather than sliding it and support the pieces while sewing.
Step 3: Build the Center Section
Begin with the 3½-inch center square.
Fold the neighboring triangle pieces gently to locate their centers, then align those centers with the edges of the square.
Pin if necessary before sewing with an accurate quarter-inch seam.
Match Centers Before Matching Corners
When attaching a triangle to a square, the triangle may extend beyond the square at its outside points.
Matching the midpoint first helps keep the piece balanced and prevents the star from shifting to one side.
Step 4: Sew the Triangle Sections
Continue adding the required triangles around the center according to the Sunrise Quilt Studio layout.
Press each seam before attaching the next section.
Avoid trimming any important star points until the complete unit has been checked.
Step 5: Make the Flying-Geese-Style Units
Four of the outer sections resemble Flying Geese units.
The Sunrise Quilt Studio method uses pre-cut triangles rather than a stitch-and-flip technique.
Align the triangle points carefully, sew the first side, press, then add the matching triangle to the opposite side.
Trim Dog Ears After Pressing
Small triangle tips can extend beyond the edges after pressing.
Trim these dog ears carefully so they do not add bulk when the larger sections are joined.
Step 6: Construct the Corner Units
The remaining corner sections combine squares and triangles to complete the outside shape of the block.
Position the triangles so their points face toward the center of the Broken Star.
If you are using directional fabric, check the print orientation before sewing.
Lay Out the Entire Block Before Final Assembly
Place the center, four star-point sections and corner units on a table or design board.
Check that every triangle points in the intended direction.
Broken Star is particularly easy to misassemble because many units look similar after they are rotated.
Once the block looks right, take a photo before moving pieces to the sewing machine. Use it as a reference throughout final assembly.
Step 7: Assemble the Block in Sections
One feature of the Sunrise Quilt Studio method is that the Broken Star is assembled in larger sections rather than simply being sewn into standard horizontal rows.
This helps the angled pieces meet more naturally and can make the star intersections easier to control.
Pin Important Star Points
Before joining two large sections, identify the intersections that will be most visible in the finished block.
Match those points first and pin on both sides of the intersection if necessary.
Step 8: Join the Final Sections
Sew the larger sections together one at a time.
Check each seam before continuing.
If an important star point is noticeably misaligned, correcting it now is much easier than after the complete block has been pressed.
Give the Block a Final Press
Once assembly is complete, press the block from the front and back using an up-and-down motion.
The existing project finishes at approximately 12½ inches before final quilt assembly.
Do Not Over-Trim the Star Points
Before squaring the block, check how much fabric remains beyond each visible star point.
You need enough seam allowance for the points to remain visible when the block is later sewn into a quilt.
Fabric Ideas for Broken Star
Traditional Red, White and Blue
Use navy and red for the star with white or cream as the background.
Modern Jewel Tones
Combine teal, sapphire, plum and burgundy against a pale neutral.
Low-Volume Background
Small cream or gray prints can add texture without competing with the star.
Scrappy Star
Use several fabrics within each value group while keeping the overall light-dark placement consistent.
Ideas for Using One Broken Star Block
- make a quilted pillow,
- create a mini quilt,
- use it as a wall hanging,
- add borders for a table topper,
- include it in a sampler quilt,
- or repeat the block in several colors for a larger star quilt.
Common Broken Star Mistakes to Avoid
Stretching Triangle Edges
Handle bias-cut pieces gently while sewing and pressing.
Mixing Up Similar Triangles
Label each cutting group until it is used.
Rotating a Star Unit
Photograph the complete block layout before final assembly.
Using an Inconsistent Quarter-Inch Seam
Small differences can affect several points when the larger sections come together.
Trimming Too Close to the Star Tips
Preserve enough seam allowance beyond each visible point.
Skipping Pressing Between Sections
Flat units are easier to match and help reduce bulk at complex intersections.
Explore More Star Quilt Blocks
If you enjoy traditional star geometry, explore our Falling Star Quilt Block Tutorial .
For a large star project based heavily on Half-Square Triangles, see our Carpenter’s Wheel Quilt Free Pattern .
You may also enjoy our Easy Hunter’s Star Quilt Tutorial .
Broken Star Quilt Block FAQ
Who demonstrates this Broken Star block?
The featured video tutorial is from Sunrise Quilt Studio.
What size is the block?
The project information associated with this tutorial gives a block measurement of approximately 12½ inches before final quilt assembly.
Is this Broken Star tutorial free?
Yes. The Sunrise Quilt Studio video tutorial is free to watch on YouTube.
Is there a free PDF pattern?
We have not verified a separate downloadable free PDF for this exact Sunrise Quilt Studio version, so this page is best treated as a free video tutorial.
Is Broken Star beginner-friendly?
A confident beginner can try the project, but quilters who already have experience with triangle piecing, quarter-inch seams and matching points will find it easier.
Why is the block assembled in sections?
The method demonstrated by Sunrise Quilt Studio joins the angled components into sections before bringing the complete star together. This helps organize the many triangle pieces.
Can I make the block from scraps?
Yes. Use scraps with clear differences in value so the Broken Star remains easy to see.
Watch the Original Broken Star Video Tutorial
Sunrise Quilt Studio demonstrates the triangle construction, star-point sections and final block assembly in the original video.
Watch the Original Broken Star Quilt Block Tutorial →
Tutorial Source
The featured Broken Star construction is demonstrated by Sunrise Quilt Studio.
The Quilting Time does not reproduce the original video. This guide organizes the existing cutting information and adds fabric selection, bias-edge handling, layout, pressing, troubleshooting and related star-quilt resources.
Source availability checked: October 2026.
Happy quilting!
