When I made a Four Patch Star, there were 4 rows, but the block was made up of solid and printed squares, and HST's. I found this link to show how I made mine. I would think this would be a little easier than adding the triangles. But, I don't have problems making HST's either. Would this way work for what you are doing?
http://www.scrapquilts.com/4star.html