Alaska Star Block

Quilters who appreciate crisp lines and radiant star patterns will fall in love with the Alaska Star Block, a visually striking quilt block that captures the icy elegance of the North. Originally featured as part of the “Heavens to Betsy” quilt design from Quilter’s Newsletter Magazine (June 2005, Issue #373), this block showcases the brilliance of foundation paper piecing and geometric symmetry.

Designed by renowned quilt designer Carol Doak, the Alaska Star is one of three exquisite star blocks created for the quilt’s border—alongside the Ohio Star and the Connecticut Star. These blocks come from Carol’s celebrated collection 50 Fabulous Paper-Pieced Stars and offer a perfect opportunity for quilters to explore precision piecing and advanced star layouts.

Why You’ll Love the Alaska Star Block

The Alaska Star is ideal for adding movement and complexity to any quilt project. With its dramatic points and swirling effect, it evokes the dynamic beauty of the northern lights and snow-covered peaks. This block is especially suited for quilts with a celestial, wintry, or patriotic theme.

Alaska Star Block

Because it’s built using foundation paper piecing, it allows for intricate angles and sharp points that are difficult to achieve through traditional piecing methods. It’s a fantastic challenge for intermediate to advanced quilters who want to take their skills to the next level.

Pattern Details

• Technique: Paper Foundation Piecing

• Block Name: Alaska Star

The pattern includes 13 numbered segments, divided across the quadrants of the block. Each section should be pieced in numerical order using the foundation paper piecing method, ensuring crisp points and clean joins.

Materials Needed

• Assorted quilting cottons in light and dark contrast

• Foundation paper or freezer paper

• Sewing machine with a small stitch length setting

• Rotary cutter and mat

• Ruler

• Iron and pressing surface

• Scissors or paper trimmer

• Optional: Carol Doak’s Foundation Paper for ease of use

Pro Tips:

• Reduce your stitch length on the sewing machine to 1.5 or lower. This makes tearing away the paper easier and helps hold your seams tighter.

• Use translucent foundation paper or vellum for easier alignment.

• Color-code your paper pieces before cutting fabric to ensure fabric placement accuracy.

A Timeless Star for Modern and Classic Quilts

The Alaska Star Block may have historical roots, but it shines just as brightly in modern quilt layouts. Try making it with icy blues and whites for a snowflake-inspired quilt, or use bold reds and golds for a dramatic focal block. It’s ideal for samplers, borders, medallion-style quilts, or even as a framed mini-quilt.

Download the Alaska Star Block Paper Piecing PDF:

PDF PATTERN

Happy quilting!