I don't know what this star/cross is called. My friend just had her leg amputated due to diabetes. She asked me to make her a quilt for her bed to match her tatoo. It is a butterfly with five start/crosses around it. She says the stars are "The power of five" Her deceased grandmother, mother, daughter, herself and her living grandaughter. She wants black and whites and primary colored butterflies. However, her husband has to sleep under it, so I am trying different options to keep it toned down. The attached is just one of the possibilities. I used tiger skin fabric to make butterflies and will applique them on. My 1st question: The stars - Do I paper piece them? (I've never done it before, but I will learn to do this if that's best).

I'd paper piece the block then applique the butterfly on it.

I agree paper piece the star and applique the butterfly :wink: Do you have an embroidery machine ? That is also an option

I don't have an embroidery machine but the tigers skin fabric makes awesome monarch butterflies. Very dramatic. Is there a pattern for this cross or is it considered a star?

I would use a Five Pointed Star and probably paper piece it but I might applique it instead. How large is it going to be?

I would go with the 5 pointed star, is sounds like this has special meaning to her (?) Or did I get that wrong?. Paper piecing is the way to go with any of these complex stars. While the one you have shown is very pretty, it is a traditional mariner's compass. Can you sneak us a picture of her tatoo?

I think I would applique it. It would be easy to trace the pattern onto fabric and then cut it out. You could always do a small satin stitch for the dark lines.

You could use the clover bias 1/4 inch tape like we do on the stained glass effect. Just trace the star design on to your background fabric and then outline it with the tape. What a challenge.

I would paper piece the star - I think it would be the best way to get the fine points at the tips.

It is going to be beautiful. And have so much meaning for her. I would PP the stars. Your butterflies look like they will be beautiful. Please post a pic when you get started. I would love to see the blocks.