This week in the Autumn Night Quilt Along we’re stitching up the wonky star block—and let me tell you, these are such a joy to sew! There’s something so fun about those wonky star points—each block feels perfectly imperfect in the most charming way.
I’m especially loving the cozy, warm colors in the fabric collection I chose. The autumn tones paired with a classic plaid really make these stars glow with that seasonal, snuggly vibe. 🍂
The best part? The block pattern for this week is completely FREE as part of the Autumn Mystery Quilt Along by Fat Quarter Shop. If you haven’t joined yet, it’s not too late to jump in!
A Small Variation
I made a little tweak to my own wonky star block—instead of using the same star fabric for the center, I swapped it out with a different print from another star block. This way, the centers are interchangeable, adding more variety and depth across the quilt. It’s a subtle change, but it gives each block a unique personality while still keeping the overall quilt top cohesive.
Quilt alongs are the perfect time to experiment. You can switch up color squares, mix in novelty prints, or play with different sizes of blocks. Even small adjustments to your patchwork elements can make a big difference. And it’s always fun to see other variations with other quilters’ in the quilt along. You can follow along this Autumn Night QAL over on Instagram HERE>
I think this quick small quilt is also great to use up your own stash! Mix lots of scraps, or even a charm pack, for variety.
The star blocks came together pretty quickly. I love it when there aren’t too many seam allowances or points to match—such a relief! The wonkiness adds a playful element to the overall look, and I kept those triangle scraps from trimming the first triangles. Instead of tossing the excess fabric into the scrap bin, I can see myself using them in another project down the road—maybe a mini quilt or even a baby quilt.
Fabrics, Quilting Tools and Notions I used:
- Fabric Collection Riley Blake Designs – The Awe of Autumn by Sandy Gervais
- My trusted workhorse, Janome Horizon Memory Craft QCP8200
- I used Superior Thread Snow for piecing this quilt
- My favourite Ergonomic Rotary Cutter – this have saved my wrist a lot!
- Large cutting Mat
- Wool ironing Mat (I have no issues with the smell, but sometimes it can burn if the iron is way too hot and no steam)
- Oliso Pro Iron (I love this Iron, it lifts as you let go, saving the wrist from too much work and it gives a good heat and steam)
- Portable Design Board
- Quilter’s Clapper
- Wooden Seam Roller
- Diagonal Seam Tape – the tape I have on my machine to guide my 1/4″ seams and diagonal stitching. Game changing! Buy the original, it’s worth it and it will last for a very long time.
- This set of super sharp Pins
Video Tutorial for Wonky Star Quilt Block
If you’re a beginner, there’s a fantastic step-by-step video tutorial by Kimberly at Fat Quarter Shop with further information on piecing and trimming. so, make sure you check that out.
Falling in love with the fall fabric
- Fabric Collection Riley Blake Designs – The Awe of Autumn by Sandy Gervais
I think what’s making me fall in love with this project even more is the fabric itself. The palette is a cozy dream: burnt oranges, golden yellows, creamy plaids, and deep browny mauve. Together, they remind me of all the things I love about autumn—pumpkin patches, crunchy leaves, and evenings snuggled up under a quilt. The plaid prints in particular are giving these stars such a nostalgic, homey feel. I love plaids!
This collection is so versatile, too – I can see many projects with these.
Idea for future make: Wonky Stars Table Runner
Here’s an idea that I’d like to work on someday, and maybe you would like to try too.
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Stitch three or four wonky star quilt blocks together and put sashing strip in between them, and make two borders, one background and the last border, a patchwork one – it’ll make a cozy table runner.
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Another idea: Make seasonal pillows for the living room. Four of these wonky blocks in a four patch would be so cute!
That’s the beauty of a block with so many possibilities—it’s just as fun as a standalone design as it is in a full quilt or as the pattern calls for.
Quilt Along
One of my favorite parts about quilt alongs is the community aspect. Even though we’re all sewing in our own homes, there’s a special feeling knowing that quilters everywhere are making the same blocks at the same time. I love seeing everyone’s fabric choices and little variations—it’s amazing how one pattern can look so different depending on the maker. Quilt alongs bring accountability, encouragement, and, most of all, fun.
Let’s Sew Together!
Have you started your wonky stars yet? I’d love to see your blocks—tag me on Instagram or leave a comment below so I can cheer you on.
Sewing these wonky star points has been such a delightful, relaxed process—and I know they’ll sparkle even more once the quilt top comes together.
Grab the FREE pattern, check out the video tutorials over at this page –> Autumn Mystery Quilt Along by Fat Quarter Shop
