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| Jellied Lone Star Quilt by Betsy Smith |
Few quilt blocks are as iconic as the Lone Star. Its radiating diamonds and bold visual impact have made it a favorite for generations of quilters. But if you’ve ever felt intimidated by the complex piecing and precise angles of a traditional Lone Star, the Jellied Lone Star Quilt might be your perfect introduction to this timeless design—made more approachable thanks to pre-cut jelly roll strips and a clever construction method.
Designed by Terri Ann Swallow for Moda Bake Shop, this pattern takes the grandeur of the Lone Star and makes it beginner-friendly without losing any of its dazzling charm. Whether you’ve admired Lone Star quilts from afar or you’re simply looking for a new way to use jelly rolls in your stash, this quilt is a wonderful project to explore.
Why This Lone Star is So Accessible:
Traditionally, Lone Star quilts require cutting many diamonds and sewing them together with extreme precision. Terri Ann simplifies this by using 2½" pre-cut strips (jelly rolls) to assemble strip sets that are later sub-cut into diamonds. This method not only saves time but also makes the construction more forgiving—perfect for quilters who want to try a Lone Star without fear of distortion or mismatched points.
Materials Needed:
- 1 Jelly Roll (40 strips) – for the star points
- 2½ yards background fabric – for setting pieces
- 1 yard border fabric
- ¾ yard binding fabric
- 4½ yards backing fabric
- Batting and basic quilting supplies
The tutorial walks you through each step, including how to press seams to reduce bulk, align diamond units, and set the star into the background fabric.
Construction Highlights:
This quilt finishes at approximately 76" x 76", making it a great lap quilt or wall hanging. The process starts with assembling and sewing the jelly roll strips into panels. You’ll then use a 45-degree ruler (or carefully marked cutting lines) to sub-cut your diamonds. Once sewn into eight wedges, these pieces form the star’s points, which are joined into a complete star and set into the background.
Terri Ann’s tutorial includes plenty of tips and visual aids to help you manage bias edges and achieve sharp points—a huge help, especially if you’re trying this type of quilt for the first time.
Tips for Success:
- Starch your fabric before cutting to reduce stretching and distortion.
- Label your strip sets and diamonds to stay organized during assembly.
- Use a design wall or large floor space to audition placement and ensure balance.
- Take your time with the Y-seams when inserting background pieces—slow and steady wins the race.
Final Thoughts!
The Jellied Lone Star Quilt is a fantastic gateway into more advanced-looking designs without the usual stress. With the help of pre-cuts and smart piecing techniques, you’ll be able to create a stunning centerpiece quilt that looks far more complex than it actually is.
Whether you’re sewing this as a gift, a showpiece, or just to challenge yourself with something new, this project delivers beauty, satisfaction, and plenty of quilting joy.
Ready to get started? You can view the full pattern here: Patriotic Quilt Pattern
