Originally Posted by JCquilts

Since your original question was concerning traditional methods:
The block was originally referred to as Friendship Ring. I havent seen one constructed of fabrics from the 1800s or early 1900s and the earliest published pattern that I can find is in the early 1930s. The one in the link above with the pointed petals is called Aster also published in the 30s. There was one more variation that was publishef as both Friendship Circle and Dresden Plate that has four pointed petals between sets of four rounded petals. It also has a center constructed of four melon shapes leaving a center diamond shape open. Similar to the double wedding ring centers.