Stars and Lanterns Quilt Pattern: A Bold, Classic Design from the 2026 Collection
Today I'm so excited to share my latest pattern release — Stars and Lanterns. This is such a classic quilt that you can make with any type of printed fabric, or do what I did and go all solids for a stunning, bold, refreshing result. It's classic. It's timeless. And with just two quilt blocks at the heart of the design, it's honestly one of those fat quarter friendly quilt patterns that you really can't go wrong with.
If you're new here, welcome! This pattern is part of my 2026 pattern collection, which is built around using six colored fabrics or fewer for the entire year. Stars and Lanterns marks the sixth pattern release of 2026, and I could not be more excited to get this one into your hands. Read on to learn more about this fabulous new quilt pattern, the fabrics I used, and all the details you'll want to know.
The Fabrics: Painter's Palette Solids from Paintbrush Studio
First things first — let's talk fabric, because if you're anything like me, that's where every quilt really begins.
For this quilt, I'm working with Painter's Palette Solids from Paintbrush Studio. These fabrics have such a great hand to them — the color saturation is rich and even, and they press beautifully. I've been a pretty devoted loyalist to Moda solids for a long time, but for this one I wanted to test drive something different and really get a feel for using Painter's Palette across multiple quilts. I'd used them before, but never this extensively or consistently.
And honestly? I'm so glad I made the switch for this collection. These colors have been such a fun presence in my studio — whether I was in the middle of making the quilts or just revisiting the finished quilts each month as I release a new pattern.
The Color Palette for Stars and Lanterns
Here are the exact colors I used:
- White
- Black
- Carrot
- Bubblegum
- Artisan
- Lemon Ice (this one reads as a bright yellow-green depending on the light — I love the way it plays against the stronger colors)
Together, these six colors create a quilt that feels bold and graphic while still staying warm and inviting. The contrast between the white and black anchors everything, and the Carrot, Bubblegum, and Lemon Ice bring in that playful, summery energy that I was going for with this design.
Grab the Stars and Lanterns Quilt Pattern HERE
The Design: Two Blocks, One Stunning Quilt
The Sawtooth Star Block
The first block in Stars and Lanterns is a classic sawtooth star block — one of the most iconic and beloved blocks in quilting for a reason. It's recognizable, it's structured, and it has that satisfying graphic quality that makes it work beautifully with both bold solids and printed fabrics. If you've been quilting for any length of time, you've probably made a version of this block before. If you're newer to quilting, this is such a great one to have in your repertoire.
The Lantern Block
The second block is what I'm calling the lantern block, and this is where the design really gets its personality. The lantern block is meant to evoke the feeling of an evening out under the stars — candles or lanterns lit on a picnic table, good conversation with friends and family, one of those warm summer nights that feels like it could go on forever. If you're from Minnesota like me, you know exactly the kind of summer evening I'm talking about, because they are precious and few, and you hold onto them.
One thing I love about both of these blocks is that they're wonderfully friendly for scrap quilting and fussy cutting. A few of my pattern testers took advantage of this in the most beautiful way — one fussy cut a pink floral fabric for the lantern block centers, and the result was just spectacular. Having those quilts in the studio while I was finishing the longarm work was such a treat. It's one of those reminders of why I love designing patterns: watching other quilters take the bones of a design and make it completely their own.
Grab the Stars and Lanterns Quilt Pattern HERE
Pattern Sizes and Skill Level
Five Sizes to Suit Your Needs
One of my goals with every pattern I design is to make it as versatile as possible, and Stars and Lanterns delivers on that. This pattern includes five different sizes:
- Crib
- Throw
- Twin
- Bed
- Large Bed
Whatever you need — a sweet baby gift, a cozy lap quilt, or a statement piece for your guest room — there's a size in this pattern that will work for you.
Beginner Friendly
Stars and Lanterns is a genuinely beginner-friendly quilt pattern, and I don't say that lightly. The main technique you'll practice is flying geese, and I walk you through that clearly in the pattern instructions. But here's the thing that really makes this pattern accessible: there are no seams that need to align or meet between blocks. That means if your points aren't perfectly precise (and whose are, really?), you can tuck those imperfections right in and keep moving. No unpicking, no frustration — just sewing.
That said, experienced quilters will still find plenty to love here. The design is clean and satisfying to make, and the opportunity to experiment with color placement and fussy cutting makes it endlessly interesting no matter your skill level.
Grab the Stars and Lanterns Quilt Pattern HERE
The Quilting: Good Vibrations Pantograph
For the longarm quilting on this quilt, I went with a pantograph called Good Vibrations — a hybrid between straight line with a gentle wave built in. The result is a quilting design that gives the quilt such a fresh sense of movement. It feels alive and energetic without competing with the piecing.
I love how well this quilting plays into the overall theme of the pattern. The softly undulating lines feel like a warm summer breeze — the kind of air that moves just enough on a humid evening to make everything feel perfect. And because the quilting is symmetrical and evenly spaced at half-inch intervals, it has that modern, graphic quality that I gravitate toward. Dense, structured, and beautiful.
The Binding: Black for a Finished, Framed Look
For the binding, I went with black, and it was absolutely the right call.
A black binding on this quilt acts like a picture frame — it draws a clean, confident line around the entire design and gives it a polished, finished look. It feels like a period at the end of a sentence. Definitive. Complete. The simplicity of the quilt design is a feature, not a limitation, and the black binding honors that.
Grab the Stars and Lanterns Quilt Pattern HERE
The Backing: Black and White Brushstrokes
For the backing fabric, I chose a black and white brushstroke print, and I think it's the perfect complement to everything happening on the front.
If you've been following along with the 2026 collection, you'll know that I've been rotating between two backing fabrics across all six patterns: a black and white pickle dish print and this brushstroke option. The pickle dish is geometric and graphic — clean, bold, structured. The brushstroke is more organic and a little playful. For Stars and Lanterns, with its very defined, symmetrical design and dense straight-line quilting, the brushstroke backing was exactly what I needed. It adds just a touch of looseness and life to the back of the quilt without fighting anything on the front.
Why This Is the Perfect Fat Quarter Quilt Pattern
If you're shopping for fat quarter quilt patterns or modern quilt patterns that work with fabric you already have in your stash, Stars and Lanterns is genuinely one of the best fits I've designed this year. The limited color palette (six fabrics or fewer) means you can shop your stash efficiently, and the fat quarter friendly construction means you won't end up with awkward leftovers or strange yardage requirements.
Whether you're working with bold solids like I did, reaching for prints, or planning a scrappy version using your stash, this pattern adapts beautifully. It's one of those quilt patterns that feels both fresh and timeless — the kind of design that I think will still feel relevant and beautiful years from now.
Grab the Stars and Lanterns Quilt Pattern HERE
Interested in Longarm Quilting Services?
Edge-to-Edge Quilting with Modern Pantographs
I specialize in edge-to-edge longarm quilting services using modern digital pantographs that pair beautifully with a wide range of quilt styles. Whether your quilt is bold and modern, soft and traditional, or full-on scrappy, I'll help you choose a design that enhances your quilt — not overwhelms it.
A Growing Pantograph Library
From geometric designs to soft, organic textures, my pantograph library continues to grow. This means you'll always have options that work beautifully with modern quilt patterns, scrap-friendly quilts, and classic quilt layouts alike.
Support for All Quilt Styles
Every quilt is different — and I treat it that way. Whether you're sending a bold solids quilt, a neutral minimal design, or a colorful scrappy quilt pattern, I'll help you choose the right quilting approach for your top.
Optional Binding Services
Want your quilt completely finished and ready to use (or gift)? I also offer binding services so you can receive your quilt fully completed — no extra steps required.
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You don't need to be local to take advantage of my mail-in longarm quilting services. I've designed the process to be as simple and stress-free as possible.
Here's how it works:
- Sign your quilt up on my website (link below)
- Ship your quilt top
- Include your backing and batting (or purchase through me)
- I handle the quilting and finishing
- Your quilt is shipped back to you, ready to enjoy — usually within 2 weeks
If you're unsure which quilting design to choose, I'm always happy to guide you through the process.
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Grab the Stars and Lanterns Quilt Pattern HERE
