I had this logo created and of course I had to get it on a coffee mug. This is pure vanity but I like the logo.

The Friendship Star quilt block is a beloved traditional pattern with roots in early American quilting. It symbolizes camaraderie and connection, often exchanged as a gift among friends, particularly in the 19th century.

Origins and Historical Context

The Friendship Star design likely dates back to the 1800s, a period when quilting was both a necessity and a social activity. Women in rural communities frequently gathered for quilting bees, where they sewed together while sharing stories, news, and support.

The block became especially significant in signature quilts—quilts made collaboratively by friends or community members, with each person contributing a block, sometimes signing their name with embroidery or ink. These quilts were often gifted to brides, departing friends, or individuals embarking on significant life journeys, such as westward migration.

Design and Characteristics

• The block consists of a 3×3 grid, similar to a Nine Patch.

• It features a central square surrounded by four half-square triangles, forming a star with movement.

• The simplicity of the block allows for high contrast, making the star shape stand out clearly.

• It can be made in a variety of color combinations, often using a light background with a dark or bright star.

Symbolism and Popularity

The Friendship Star carries deep meaning, representing warmth, love, and unity. During times of westward expansion, women used quilts with this block to send messages of support and remembrance. Some quilt historians suggest that Friendship Star quilts may have been used along the Underground Railroad, as stars were a common guiding symbol for those seeking freedom.

In modern times, the Friendship Star remains popular in traditional, scrappy, and contemporary quilts. It is often included in memory quilts, group quilting projects, and charity quilts as a tribute to friendship and community.

The quilting group that I joined had a Christmas party this weekend and they gave me so many great presents. I really love quilting even more.