This is the one that started it all. The first Balsam Star Quilt I sewed and then I just couldn't stop. Every where I looked all I saw was more fabric to buy to make more Balsam Star Quilts. Did it become an addiction? Let's not be dramatic.
But this modern star quilt pattern became the only thing I wanted to sew. Let me show you the first one I made and let's see if you aren't inspired to make your own as well.
As I said, the one in the top right started it all. Then, I just kept going!
The Balsam Star Quilt Pattern is fat quarter and yardage friendly. The pattern can be made two different ways and since it's never fun to guess how a designer modifies a quilt pattern, directions for both variations are written into the pattern.
The first way uses yardage and is a more modern style of quilt and with less fabrics. The stars in each row of the quilt are the same fabric all the way across.
The second option for the Balsam Star Quilt is making the quilt with fat quarters. This is my personal favorite because it's so easy to grab a fat quarter bundle and some background fabric and get sewing. This version gives the quilt a more scrappy feel and includes sashing which matches the accent fabric throughout.
The fat quarter version is what I used to make the quilt I'm sharing with you today.
You can see an example of the different quilts versions in the image below.
In this modern pattern two different star blocks alternate throughout the quilt. If you are a brand spanking new quilter then this might not be the right pattern for you. But if you have a couple patterns under your belt, then I think you could tackle this quilt.
Making a sawtooth star is probably the most classic quilting block out there. It's a great quilting skill to have and there is no time like the present to grow your quilting skills.
The pattern is listed as an advanced beginner because of the 4 at a time flying geese. Some people really struggle with these and some people find them super easy. My tip is to slow down and take your time to make sure you get the seam correct. Also, find a way to trim them that you like, even if it means buying a specialty ruler.
For this quilt I found a stack of fat quarters I have no idea where I got. They looked so cute together and I found them one day rummaging for something else. Since then they were begging to be made into a quilt.
I really love the combination of these colors together. Note: I didn't curate it. I especially love the pops of the gray stripes.
I chose the small star, Stary Fabric (by Ruby Star Society) as the background fabric because I thought the accent fabrics were basic enough the stars would coordinate well and not overwhelm the quilt. 
I have to say the block below gave me old school jail house vibes. 😉
In this pattern each star has a buddy. You can see what I'm talking about below.
The most detailed and time consuming part of making the Balsam Star Quilt is sewing and trimming the flying geese blocks. Otherwise, the pattern and blocks come together quickly and easily.
The Balsam Star Quilt Pattern includes 5 sizes. Perfect for all your needs!
Sizes include:
- Baby
- Small Throw
- Large Throw
- Twin
- Queen
This quilt is a small throw size which finishes at 51 in. x 64 in.
I found the Balsam Star Quilt was pretty easy to quilt on my machine at home. At first I quilted 2 inch lines horizontally across following a line already in the quilt. By that I mean I followed a line made by the pieced fabric like the sashing line, or one of the lines from the flying geese.
In this quilt I used a zigzag stitch which is a common stitch on all machines. So if you are a beginner quilter and don't have a "fancy" sewing machine you should still have a zigzag stitch. I would play around with the stitch length and tension first with 2 layers of fabric and a small piece of batting in between to make sure you have your settings just how you want them. You don't want to start quilting on your quilt only to realize the stitching isn't correct.
After sewing all the 2 inch lines all the way across, I went back and filled in-between with a line to make 1 inch lines all the way across.
I do not flip my quilt part way through the quilting. I used to a long time ago. But I find that this causes warping in the middle of the quilt where it's flipped and the fabric starts tugging the opposite direction.
One thing I did notice when using the zigzag stitch was when I sewed too fast sometimes it would skip a stitch. But if I kept a steady, slow pace then no stitches were skipped.
I think this pattern and design brings me so much joy because it's so fun to combine different fabrics, textures and colors throughout each quilt. You can see another Balsam Star Quilt and get an idea of what the pattern can look like with different fabric here.
Fat Quarters are such an easy fabric cut to use for quilts and it's why most of my patterns are designed to be fat quarter friendly. This gives you the quilter the ease of going into the a quilt shop and getting a curated bundle, or choosing fat quarters and curating one yourself to use for each pattern. Because, let's be honest, quilting shouldn't be an added stress in your life.
Give the Balsam Star Quilt Pattern a try. I'm guessing you might even have a bundle of fat quarters sitting around in your stash you forgot about, just like I did. And they might work perfectly for your next project. Happy Quilting!