The Falling Star Quilt Block, designed by Sarah Watts of the Ruby Star Society, is a magical design inspired by the childhood wonder of looking up at the night sky and waiting for a shooting star. This block captures that sense of mystery and imagination, making it a delightful addition to any quilt project.
Part of the Moda Blockheads series, the Falling Star block is available in 6” or 12” finished sizes, making it versatile for samplers, wall hangings, or as a repeating block in a full quilt. It combines traditional piecing with foundation paper piecing (FPP) for precise, crisp lines that form the star design.
The beauty of the Falling Star Quilt Block is that it combines creativity with precision. While the foundation paper piecing ensures sharp star points and perfect alignment, the variety of fabric choices allows quilters to personalize each block. Whether you prefer modern solids, whimsical prints, or a scrappy look from your fabric stash, this block will always shine. Its versatility makes it a wonderful choice for samplers, star-themed quilts, or even as a bold centerpiece in a wall hanging.
Materials Needed
Choose at least 5 fabrics in contrasting or complementary colors. For each size, you’ll need:
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Fabric 1 – Rectangles (sections A1–A6)
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Fabric 2 – Rectangles + small squares (A3 and J, K)
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Fabric 3 – Rectangles + squares (B, E, H, I)
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Fabric 4 – Rectangles + squares (A4, C, D)
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Fabric 5 – Squares (G, M, HST units)
Each fabric piece has its size listed in the cutting chart of the free PDF. The pattern provides cutting guides for both 6” and 12” blocks.
Key Techniques
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Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP): Ensures accuracy in the angled star points.
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Half-Square Triangles (HSTs): Created with simple stitch-and-flip methods.
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Pieced Units: Squares and rectangles combined into rows before assembling the final block.
Piecing Instructions (Overview)
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Foundation Section A (A1–A6):
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Begin by placing A1 fabric on the paper template.
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Add A2–A6 pieces in numerical order, trimming seam allowances as you go.
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Press after each addition.
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B/C & D/E Units:
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Sew rectangles and squares to form two small rectangular units.
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HST Units:
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Pair F and G squares, sew diagonally, cut, and press to create half-square triangles.
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Make F/G, H/G, and J/G HSTs.
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Block Assembly:
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Combine pieced units (B/C, D/E, and HST rows) with square M and foundation-pieced section.
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Sew rows together and square up to 6 ½” or 12 ½” (unfinished).
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Final Thoughts
The Falling Star Quilt Block is an inspiring and versatile design that invites creativity. Whether you use bold solids for a modern look or scrappy prints for a playful feel, this block shines in any fabric combination. It’s perfect for star-themed quilts, sampler projects, or even as a single block wall hanging.
At the end of this post, you can download the free PDF pattern, which includes cutting charts, FPP templates, and step-by-step diagrams.
Falling Star Quilt Block Pattern Free PDF
The Falling Star Quilt Block is more than just a pattern it’s a reminder of the magic and wonder we often seek in quilting. With its crisp design and endless fabric possibilities, this block is sure to become a favorite in your quilting journey. Pair it with other star blocks for a dazzling celestial quilt, or let it stand alone as a striking feature piece. Don’t forget to explore the other free quilt block tutorials available on our blog to keep your creativity inspired and your sewing machine humming!
✨ Stitch your own Falling Star and add a little magic and wonder to your next quilt!