Sage & Sea Glass – Star Chain Quilt
Creating a handmade quilt is more than just sewing fabric pieces together: it’s about bringing to life a project full of colors, creativity, and coziness. The quilt you saw in the image is a vibrant geometric patchwork, with diamond-shaped blocks that form a star effect and add movement to the piece.
If you’re a beginner, don’t worry — this guide will teach you step by step, from the basic materials to more advanced finishing techniques. In the end, you’ll have not only a beautiful quilt but also the pride of having created something unique with your own hands.
Fabrics
100% cotton fabrics (poplin is the most common in patchwork);
Various contrasting colors and prints (such as blue, green, yellow, red, orange, and small floral prints);
White or neutral fabric for the background, highlighting the colors;
Fabric for the backing (solid or with a soft print);
Fabric for the binding (edge finishing).
Batting (filling)
Acrylic or cotton batting with the thickness of your choice (the thicker, the fluffier the quilt).
Tools
Sewing machine (preferably with straight stitch and quilting option);
Patchwork ruler (clear acrylic with angle markings);
Rotary cutter and cutting mat;
Fabric scissors;
Pins or patchwork clips;
100% cotton thread (neutral or colored, depending on the project);
Iron (essential for setting seams).
Click and download the free pattern
The beauty of this quilt lies in the contrast between the colorful blocks and the white background. To create harmony:
Choose at least 6 different colors of solid and printed fabrics.
Mix vibrant tones (such as yellow, red, and blue) with small prints for variety.
Use white or light beige as a neutral base to enhance the colors.
Tip: Lay out the blocks on paper first or use patchwork software/apps to preview the combination before cutting.
The quilt’s pattern is made of diamonds that come together into stars.
Cut 12 x 12 cm fabric squares.
Cut them diagonally to form triangles.
Join two triangles to create a diamond.
Mix different colors for each diamond.
For the center of each star, use a bold printed square to create a focal point.
Arrange four differently colored diamonds to form a star.
Place a white square between them to highlight the shape.
Sew the diamonds to the background squares, always pressing with the iron after each seam.
Join blocks until you form a large quilt top — the final size depends on how many blocks you make.
Tip: Keep seam allowances at 0.75 cm (standard for patchwork) and always press seams flat to avoid bulk.
Once all blocks are joined:
Make the quilt sandwich:
Backing (large fabric piece, right side facing down);
Batting in the middle;
Quilt top (assembled blocks, right side facing up).
Secure all layers with curved safety pins or special quilting clips.
Quilting is the stitching that joins all layers together. It can be simple or creative:
Simple: Straight-line stitching along the block seams.
Advanced: Free-motion quilting with curves, spirals, and waves (like the quilt in the image).
If you’re a beginner, start with straight lines. Over time, try free-motion designs.
Cut fabric strips 6 cm wide.
Join strips until they’re long enough to go all around the quilt.
Fold in half lengthwise, press with the iron, and pin to the quilt edges.
Sew to the front, fold to the back, and finish with invisible hand stitches (or a straight stitch by machine).
Visual harmony: Use a color wheel to combine fabrics. Complementary colors (like blue and orange) create strong contrast.
Creative quilting: Practice on fabric scraps before quilting the full quilt.
Sizing: This model can be adapted for twin, queen, or even sofa throws.
Personalization: Embroider names, dates, or phrases at the bottom to make it truly special.
Cutting fabrics: 2–3 hours
Assembling blocks: 4–6 hours
Making the sandwich: 1 hour
Quilting: 4–8 hours (depending on technique)
Binding: 2 hours
In other words, in just two or three days of dedication, you’ll have a finished quilt!
Making a patchwork quilt like the one in the image is a heartwarming project. You begin with simple scraps and, by joining each piece, you create a unique work of art.
From the basics — cutting and sewing blocks — to advanced techniques — free-motion quilting and careful finishing — each step is an opportunity to learn and express yourself.
Beyond decorating your home with more color and comfort, this quilt can become a meaningful handmade gift.
So, choose your favorite fabrics, prepare your sewing machine, and get started!
