Stars
Chandelier
A 4x4 grid where eight HSTs trace a central diamond outline around a 2x2 'fixture' core, with plain background squares at the four outer corners. Quilters often press toward the dark side to keep the diamond edge crisp.
Cut list
Dimensions for a 12 inch finished block with a standard 1/4 inch seam allowance. Scale proportionally for other finished sizes.
| Region | Role | Pieces | Cut size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top Left Corner | Background | 1 | 3 1/2" × 3 1/2" |
| Top Right Corner | Background | 1 | 3 1/2" × 3 1/2" |
| Bottom Left Corner | Background | 1 | 3 1/2" × 3 1/2" |
| Bottom Right Corner | Background | 1 | 3 1/2" × 3 1/2" |
| Top Left HST Light | Background | 1 | 3 7/8" × 3 7/8" |
| Top Left HST Diamond | Accent | 1 | 3 7/8" × 3 7/8" |
| Top Right HST Light | Background | 1 | 3 7/8" × 3 7/8" |
| Top Right HST Diamond | Accent | 1 | 3 7/8" × 3 7/8" |
| Left Top HST Light | Background | 1 | 3 7/8" × 3 7/8" |
| Left Top HST Diamond | Accent | 1 | 3 7/8" × 3 7/8" |
| Right Top HST Light | Background | 1 | 3 7/8" × 3 7/8" |
| Right Top HST Diamond | Accent | 1 | 3 7/8" × 3 7/8" |
| Left Bottom HST Diamond | Accent | 1 | 3 7/8" × 3 7/8" |
| Left Bottom HST Light | Background | 1 | 3 7/8" × 3 7/8" |
| Right Bottom HST Diamond | Accent | 1 | 3 7/8" × 3 7/8" |
| Right Bottom HST Light | Background | 1 | 3 7/8" × 3 7/8" |
| Bottom Left HST Diamond | Accent | 1 | 3 7/8" × 3 7/8" |
| Bottom Left HST Light | Background | 1 | 3 7/8" × 3 7/8" |
| Bottom Right HST Diamond | Accent | 1 | 3 7/8" × 3 7/8" |
| Bottom Right HST Light | Background | 1 | 3 7/8" × 3 7/8" |
| Center Top Left | Feature | 1 | 3 1/2" × 3 1/2" |
| Center Top Right | Feature | 1 | 3 1/2" × 3 1/2" |
| Center Bottom Left | Feature | 1 | 3 1/2" × 3 1/2" |
| Center Bottom Right | Feature | 1 | 3 1/2" × 3 1/2" |
How it goes together
- Step 1
Cut your pieces
Cut each region using the dimensions in the cut table for a 12 inch finished Chandelier block. Standard 1/4 inch seam allowance is included.
- Step 2
Sew sub-units
Sew the smallest units first (half-square triangles, flying geese, four-patches), then build outward.
- Step 3
Assemble the block
Join the sub-units into rows or columns, then join the rows. Press as you go. Square the finished block to size.
Read more
Color value vs hue in quilts
Value is how light or dark a color is. Hue is what we usually call “the color itself.” In quilts, value carries the design — hue carries the mood.
5 min read
Quilt block families, explained
Most quilt blocks belong to one of six families — Patchwork, Half-square triangles, Flying geese, Stars, Curves, and Hexagons. Each family is a way of piecing fabric together.
6 min read
The quilter’s seam allowance, explained
A seam allowance is the strip of fabric between the seam and the raw edge. Quilters work in a standard 1/4 inch — and getting it right is the difference between a top that finishes flat and one that fights you.
5 min read
Try the Chandelier on a real layout.
Open it on the Design Wall. Try a few colors, see the math, change your mind.