Aunt Lee's Frame is a quilt block pattern that's a variation of the popular Evening Star (often called Variable Star). This version of the block gives you a bit of extra patchwork to play with -- between some of the star tips and in each corner of the block.

You'll notice that my block's corner triangles are two different colors, and that like-colors are positioned diagonally from each other. If blocks are sewn side-by-side, contrasting triangles can be arranged to create two-color patchwork where the blocks meet.

If you prefer, sew all four outer triangles from the same fabric.

Choose a focal fabric for your block's larger center square, or go with something a bit more subdued and use the area to showcase quilting stitches. Another option -- applique motifs to the center square (but cut it a bit larger than necessary and then trim it back to the required size after adding the applique, but before assembling the block).

The star tips are created using the no-waste flying geese method. If you haven't tried that technique -- do, because it's easy and results in very accurate patchwork.

The quilt block finishes at 8" x 8".

Change cutting instructions to use a different method for the geese -- they should measure 2-1/2" x 4-1/2" after assembly (finishing at 2" x 4").

Fabric for One Aunt Lee's Frame Quilt Block

Change fabrics to suit your needs.

Light Background

• (1) 5-1/4" x 5-1/4" square for Flying Geese 'peak'
• (4) 1-7/8" x 1-7/8" squares, each cut in half once diagonally

Teal for Star Tips

• (4) 2-7/8" x 2-7/8" squares (draw a diagonal line from one corner to the opposite corner on the reverse of each, but do not cut)

Darker Teal or Dark Blue for Squares Between Star Tips

• (4) 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" squares

Large Triangles for Corners

• (2) 2-7/8" x 2-7/8" squares of two different fabrics, each cut in half once diagonall

Block's Center

• (1) 4-1/2" x 4-1/2" square

More Evening Star Block Variations

• Morning Star
• Clustered Stars (two sizes)
• Oddfellows Chain
• Twinkling Star (challenging)
• Rolling Stars (easy)
• More in my Quilt Block Patterns Archives

Sew the Block's Corners

1. Grab a 1-1/2" square and two triangles cut by dividing 1-7/8" squares in half once diagonally.
2. Refer to the top left diagram. Use a scant quarter inch seam allowance (a pencil-line width narrower than the quarter inch) to sew one of the triangles to the left side of the square as shown (beginning quilters -- seam allowances make the pair look a bit different than the drawing). Press seam towards the square.

1. Sew another small triangle to the top of the square. Press seam allowance towards the triangle unless it will be visible from the front. If it is, press towards the square.
2. Trim the little 'dog ears' (nubs) that extend past the seam where the two triangles meet (not visible in drawing).
3. Repeat to make three more of the same patchwork unit.
4. Sew a triangle cut by dividing the 2-7/8" squares to each of the units. Press seam allowances towards the larger triangles. Make two of each color combo.
5. The corner units should measure 2-1/2" x 2-1/2".

Sew the No Waste Flying Geese

1. Gather the 4-1/4" square and the four 3-7/8" squares reserved for flying geese.
2. Follow the instructions in my no waste flying geese tutorial to sew the small squares to the larger square. Remember that, unlike another flying geese method we often use, seams are offset by 1/4" from the line you drew on the back of small squares. Just follow the instructions and you'll be fine.
3. When complete, you should have four flying geese that measure 2-1/2" x 4-1/2".

Assemble the Quilt Block

1. Arrange the center square and other patchwork into three rows as shown, bottom left drawing.
2. Double check to make sure the larger triangles of the corner units are on the outer edge of rows, and that corners with like-color triangles are placed diagonally from each other.
3. Sew patchwork in each row together. Press seam allowances towards the flying geese. If seams are too bulky, try pressing the other direction.
4. Join the rows and press. The quilt block should measure 8-1/2" x 8-1/2".