This post will be updated weekly.
What is Blockheads 5?
If you’re new to Blockheads, here are a couple of quick things to know:
- This is a free quilt-along. No sign-ups are required. Just download the pattern and you’re ready to sew!
- Moda Blockheads 5 kicked off 9/6/23 and will run for 34 weeks with 34 different block patterns from different pattern designers!
- The PDF patterns will be posted on the Moda blog, our blog and in the official Facebook group every Wednesday by 8:00 AM CDT.
- If you’d like to sign up for the Moda blog newsletter to get blog posts delivered to your inbox, you can sign up here: Moda Blog Newsletter Sign-Up
- If you want to sew along with a virtual Blockheads community, head over Little Quilting Closet's Instagram and follow the hashtag #Blockheads5RSSEdition, #modablockheads and #modablockheads5 to see the latest blocks from the talented designers and other Blockheads.
- The theme of Blockheads 5 is stars, all 34 designers were creating around that theme.
For Blockheads 5, Moda has tweaked the format a bit, breaking the series into two groups. This gives everyone a bit of a break over the holidays and also gives you the option to finish a smaller project with the first group of blocks. Of course, that’s just an option – you are welcome to combine all the blocks into one large quilt, or make several smaller quilts, or make a tote bag, or…whatever you’re inspired to do!
This is the post we will use to organize all the amazing #Blockheads5 patterns and information for our Ruby Star Edition Blockheads 5 Sew Along!
Each week Little Quilting Closet will sponsor prizes consisting of fabric, notions, quilty merch items and quilt/sewing labels for participants using the hashtags and we have some REALLY REALLY fun things lined up!
How Much Fabric Will I Need?
This is advice from the Moda Blog:
"It’s tricky to provide fabric recommendations that account for all the possibilities with this sampler program, so please know that we are not trying to be cagey here! You may fall in love with a particular fabric and end up using that print more than you’d originally planned. You might make a block, love it, and then see Robin Pickens’ color study for that block and decide to remake your block with a different color option! There are endless variables with this choose-your-own-adventure quilt-along, so we do our best to provide rough fabric recommendations, but it’s difficult to be very precise."
Read full post here.
That being said--Moda recommends 30-40 FQs and 3-4 yards of background fabric if you are going to make all the blocks in both sizes. THAT IS A LOT OF FABRIC. I personally have 2.5 yards of my background and I am using bits and pieces of each collection I love within my color story! If you're scrappy--I think this would work well for you too!
This will be an informal sew along--some weeks you might not be able to participate and that is A-OK! When you are able to join us be sure to use the hashtag so you are entered into the drawing for the weekly prize! Make sure you are following Little Quilting Closet on Instagram to get all of the updates and hear more about weekly prizes!
Without further ado--let's dive right in!
Quick Reference Links for Blockheads 5 Free Patterns (thank you Moda!)
KICK OFF WEEK: Moda Blockheads 5 - Bonus Block Pattern - Designed by Me and My Sister Designs
You can download the Autograph Star pattern by clicking the link (at no cost, ad free!)
For more detail about this block you can visit Moda's Blog and read all about the kick off and the Autograph Star block!
This is the kick off week- a good time to select your fabrics and make a plan! For my Ruby Star Society versions I will be using older out of print collections mixed with newer and more current collections! I will use peony, pink, goldenrod and turquoise/blues for color inspiration and using Sunbeam Beaming-Natural as my background for each block. I am so excited!
I am waiting to make this bonus block until the end because I want it to be ULTRA SCRAPPY so I will use my favorites I have left over! I did finish the Moda version and I absolutely love it!
GROUP 1 WEEK 1: Moda Blockheads 5 - Bright Star Pattern- Designed by Betsy Chutchian
You can download the gorgeous Bright Star Pattern by clicking the link (at no cost, ad free!)
For more detail about this block you can visit Moda's blog to read all about the inspiration and process behind designing the Bright Star block!
Here is my #Blockheads5RSSEdition Bright Star block!
GROUP 1 WEEK 2: Moda Blockheads 5 - Galaxy Star Pattern- Designed by Joanna from Fig Tree and Co.
You can download the wonderful Galaxy Star Pattern by clicking the link (at no cost, ad free!)
For more detail about this block you can visit Moda's blog to read all about the inspiration and process behind Fig Tree and Co.'s Galaxy Star Block!
I will post my Galaxy Star just as soon as I have it wrapped up! Right now I have some big decisions about what fabrics I am going to use! Curio by Melody Miller or Honey by Alexia Marcele-Abegg?
Oh what a difference a few hours makes, I ended up going with Sugar Cone! This collection from Kim Kight is just so sweet (pun intended) and I couldn't resist the peony, pink and golden tones! Plus! I had a sample charm pack sitting in my sewing room. This block is definitely a great way to use up some of those leftover charm squares if you are going for a more scrappy look!
I'd like to formally introduce my Galaxy Star block! I am the worst at trimming quarter square triangles, I know I will get better the more I practice–so I keep going. Inevitably, I am going to lose some of these star points but that is ok with me. I actually shudder at the thought of a perfect quilt. All these small imperfections remind me that the joy is in the process as much as it is the outcome and I had a blast making this block and playing with these fabrics!
GROUP 1 WEEK 3: Moda Blockheads 5 - Stellar Elegance- Designed by Brigritte Heitland from Zen Chic
You can download the beautiful Stellar Elegance pattern by clicking the link (at no cost, ad free!)
For more detail about this block you can visit Moda's blog to read all about the inspiration and process behind the Stellar Elegance block.
GROUP 1 WEEK 4: Moda Blockheads 5 - Super Scrappy Star- Designed by Corey Yoder
This is my favorite block so far! It uses traditional quilt piecing techniques and has a scrappy feel that I absolutely adore!
Download the Super Scrappy Star Free quilt block pattern here.
After you have downloaded the pattern, head over to Corey's blog! She is sharing her inspiration, tips and tricks for the Super Scrappy Star block. You can find Corey's blog here: Coriander Quilts blog
GROUP 1 WEEK 5: Moda Blockheads 5 - Souther Star- Designed by Jenelle Kent
We have reached the halfway point for the first part of Blockheads (as a reminder--there is a break around the Holidays and then we will pick back up with the second set of blocks!) This week's block is brought to you by Jenelle Kent of Pieces to Treasure--she designs toweling, wovens and patterns for Moda!
You can download the Southern Star quilt block pattern here for free!
Jenelle has a wonderful blog where she shares her inspiration, tips, and tricks for the Southern Star block (and lots of other amazing things.) Be sure to visit the Pieces to Treasure blog!
GROUP 1 WEEK 6: Moda Blockheads 5 - Celeste - Designed by Laurie Simpson
Block 6 of Moda's first group of Blockheads 5 is brought to you by Laurie of Minick & Simpson. The block for this week is based on a traditional block called “Girl’s Favorite.”
You can download the free quilt block pattern for Celeste here!
You can learn more about this block and follow along with Laurie by visiting her blog!
GROUP 1 WEEK 7: Moda Blockheads 5 - Summer Star Pattern- Designed by Sherri McConnell
Here is a note from the Summer Star block designer, Sherri McConnel:
"I'm super excited to be a returning 4th-year Blockhead! The Blockheads quilts I've sewn from my previous years sewing along are some of my favorite scrappy quilts. I've really appreciated being able to sew a wide variety of blocks and consider it a fun creative exercise to work on these blocks."
We are right there with her! That has been one of our favorite things about Blockheads also! So much fun and experimentation!
You can download the free pattern for the Summer Star quilt block here.
A Quilting Life is a wonderful website filled with lots of quilting information for both beginners and experienced quilters alike. If you want to quilt along with Sherri and/or see more of her beautiful quilting work visit her blog!
GROUP 1 WEEK 8: Moda Blockheads 5 - Community Star Pattern- Designed by Robin Pickens
Can you believe it? Next week is our last week of the first set of Moda Blockheads 5! After that we have a short break for the holiday season and we will pick back up with the second set.
I am trying to decide if I will join this set and start with a fresh concept for the second set--or keep going with the color palette and background I have been working with! Decisions, decisions!
You can download the free quilt block pattern for the Community Star here.
Robin Pickens has a fabulous blog where she shares quilting inspiration, pattern play and color studies–be sure to check it out!
GROUP 1 WEEK 9: Moda Blockheads 5 - Candy Striped Holly Star Pattern- Designed by Sarah Thomas
You can download the free quilt block pattern for the Candy Strip Holly Star here.
GROUP 2 WEEK 1: Moda Blockheads 5 - Dream Big Pattern - Designed by Sherri McConnell
As we kick off the first week of Blockheads 5 – Part 2, Sherri McConnell takes the lead with a design that incorporates familiar elements yet offers countless design possibilities. For those of you who enjoy utilizing coloring blocks to determine color placement, I have a feeling you'll find yourself eager to fill out the entire page of coloring blocks!
You can download the free quilt block pattern for the Dream Big Star here.
If you relished the initial round of Blockheads, brace yourself for the upcoming set of blocks—it's bound to exceed your expectations. With an expanded lineup of designers and an abundance of applique and foundation paper piecing, there's a lot to look forward to!
For my block, I worked EXTRA hard on preserving my points for this one. Went nice and slow and really enjoyed it.
I have decided for this group I will be using one of my FAVORITE new collections, To & Fro by Rashida Coleman-Hale and this gorgeous lavender shade of Add It Up for all my Group 2 blocks.
I am really excited for a few reasons. 1) This collection is everything. The gals walking to & fro have amazing style. I want to be one of them. 2) It does not have pink as a main color. That second one might shock you. Pink is my love language, HOWEVER, sometimes it is really refreshing for me creatively to try something different. Go with some new colors and see where it takes me.
I am definitely going to go back to Blockheads 5 Group 1 and revisit some of my favorite blocks with this collection/basic combo!
GROUP 2 WEEK 2: Moda Blockheads 5 - All Stars Block Pattern - Designed by Lisa Bongean
Download the free quilt block pattern for the All Stars Block.
Make sure to visit Lisa's blog right after you've downloaded the pattern! Lisa is generously sharing her insights on fabric placement and construction options for All Stars. Her post is filled with valuable information that you wouldn't want to miss. Check out Lisa's blog post here: Lisa's All Stars blog post.
Happy Sewing all my #Blockheads5RSSEdition friends! I can't wait to see the magic you create!
GROUP 2 WEEK 3: Moda Blockheads 5 - Shimmer Star Pattern - Designed by April Rosenthal
This week I decided to have fun with selvedge! I am also living for these city girls walking to and fro--I couldn't let it go from last week!
If you'd like more Shimmer Star Block inspiration head over to April Rosenthal's blog!
Here is a super handy video from the team at Moda on how to construct this block:
GROUP 2 WEEK 4: Moda Blockheads 5 - Morning Star Pattern - Designed by Barbara Groves
Introducing the enchanting "Morning Star" quilt block pattern, a dazzling creation by Barbara Groves of Me and My Sister Designs, and a celebrated Moda fabric designer. The pattern showcases Barbara's artistic flair and expertise, offering a delightful experience for both novice and seasoned quilters.
What makes Morning Star truly special is its use of the innovative "4 at a time" flying geese method alongside simple squares, resulting in a stunning and distinctive quilt block. This clever technique not only adds a touch of magic to the design but also makes the block accessible and enjoyable for quilters of all skill levels.
Download the free quilt block pattern for the Morning Star Block.
I am loving working with Rashida's To & Fro collection! The prints and colors are so dreamy!
Here is a handy video that shows every step of making the Morning Star block!
GROUP 2 WEEK 5: Moda Blockheads 5 - Glimmer Star Pattern - Designed by Janet Clare
Another gorgeous pattern fro Blockheads 5! This one is designed by Janet Clare. Isn't it lovely?
There is a free printable pattern for the Glimmer Star block hosted on Moda's blog!
Here is the tutorial for constructing this week's block-its very helpful!
GROUP 2 WEEK 6: Moda Blockheads 5 - Favorite Vintage Star - Designed by Melody Miller
This is an exciting week for Moda Blockheads5 Ruby Star Edition!! We have a block designed by the wonderful Melody Miller!!
This block is so unique to the rest in the group! It was fun to work on and simple to assemble--I, personally, learned a new technique for making diagonal lines in a block!
Download the free Favorite Vintage Star block pattern and have fun with this adorable and unique block!
Moda has published a handy video that can help you if you are having trouble with any piece of this block!
GROUP 2 WEEK 7: Moda Blockheads 5 - Star Bloom - Designed by Vanessa Goertzen of Lella Boutique
This weeks Star Bloom free block pattern is brought to you by the lovely Vanessa Goertzen of Lella Boutique–isn't it fabulous? A few snowballs with some strategic fabric placement and you have a complex looking drool worthy block!
Here is a video tutorial from the team over at Moda to show you step by step instructions! You can step on over to their blog and read the full article!
GROUP 2 WEEK 8: Moda Blockheads 5 - Sparkle Star - Designed by Crystal Manning
This weeks free Sparkle Star block pattern is brought to you by the Chystal Manning. The second I saw it I thought, "I have to fussy cut my city girls!" Which as you can see is my default reaction. The print with the busts of the cute city girls sized out perfect for the 1.5" cuts (for the 12" version of the block.)
Check out this handy dandy video provided my Moda that provides step by step instructions. You can step on over to their blog and read the full article!
As you can see my block is a bit different from the way the pattern is featured. That was a "happy accident." I inverted the background and orange floral cuts, just moving too fast and not using the swatches--which I almost always do! I was totally going to remake the flying geese when I realized it after trimming them. However I thought "let me just see...." I was so happy I did! I flipped the geese units in the layout and it made a very cool square illusion. I really liked the look so I stuck with it!
GROUP 2 WEEK 9: Moda Blockheads 5 - Ohio Star - Designed by Deb Strain
Phew talk about a sewing palette cleanser. February was such a busy month for me and my family that I was so thankful for this classic and simple block. I just love an Ohio Star and I love that it has a personal connection to the guest designer, Deb Strain.
Moda has provided this wonderful video with step by step instructions. You can step on over to their blog and read the full article!
GROUP 2 WEEK 10: Moda Blockheads 5 - Patch Star - Designed by Alexia Marcelle-Abegg
This week's Patch Star block pattern has been designed by the talented and wonderful @alexiamarcelleabegg.
I gasped when I saw the pattern, I loved it so much. I knew I had to keep the fussy cut party going with To & Fro! Rashida delivered us fussy cutters an absolute delight when she designed this collection.
I want a whole quilt of this block! Thank you Alexia for making all of our #Blockheads5RSSEdition dreams come true!
GROUP 2 WEEK 11: Moda Blockheads 5 - Shooting Stars - Designed by Stacy Iest Hsu
For week 11 of Group 2 we have this really fun block from the fabulous artist and Moda designer, Stacy Iest Hsu. I love her collections and I love this Shooting Stars Block.
This is the first week I have not fussy cut any ladies and I am on the fence if that was a good call. That is taking nothing away from this gorgeous block design--just a personal critique on my fabric choices!
Moda has provided the Shooting Stars pattern and all of the Blockheads patterns free of charge on their site!
If you get stuck you can also refer to this wonderful tutorial provided by Moda-it covers the block construction step-by-step.