Rainbow Starburst Quilt – A Celebration of Color and Craft
If you’re looking for a joyful and vibrant quilt project that will light up any bedroom or creative space, the Rainbow Starburst Quilt is exactly what you need. This eye-catching design bursts with energy and charm, featuring colorful geometric blocks and a radiant star at its center.
With a blend of classic piecing and playful color transitions, this quilt is ideal for quilters who want to celebrate their stash and show off their skills.
From the very first cut to the final binding, this project invites you to play with color in its most exciting form. It’s a wonderful way to explore your fabric collection and try out new combinations, and it’s sure to bring a smile to your face every time you see it.
Whether you’re creating it as a gift or for your own home, the Rainbow Starburst Quilt is a piece that radiates joy, warmth, and creativity.
Perfect for spring or summer themes, this pattern is also a favorite for gifting—whether for birthdays, graduations, or just to brighten someone’s day.
Its rainbow tones add a cheerful touch to any decor, making it a standout centerpiece in any home
🎓 Skill Level: Intermediate
This quilt involves precision cutting and block alignment, with some experience in color planning and layout.
💼 Materials Needed
- Assorted cotton fabrics in rainbow colors (fat quarters or scraps work beautifully)
- White or light neutral background fabric
- Coordinating binding fabric (rainbow stripe recommended)
- Batting (cotton or cotton-blend)
- Backing fabric (approx. 90″ x 90″)
- Rotary cutter, mat, and quilting ruler
- Sewing machine
- Thread in coordinating colors
- Iron and pressing surface
🎨 Finished Size
Approximately: 80″ x 80″ (can be adjusted with borders)
📖 Quilt Pattern Name
This quilt is commonly known as the “Rainbow Starburst Quilt” or a variation of a Modern Star Medallion Quilt. While similar versions may appear in books or quilt-alongs, the bold center star surrounded by rainbow lattice blocks gives it its striking name.
🏋️ Instructions: Step-by-Step
1. Cutting Your Fabrics
- Cut strips or squares in bright rainbow shades.
- From background fabric, cut:
- 2.5″ strips for sashing
- Triangles/squares for star background
- Border strips
2. Central Star Block
- Choose four rainbow strips in gradient order.
- Sew into strip sets, then cut into angled diamond shapes.
- Arrange into an 8-point star pattern.
- Join with background triangles to form the central block (approx. 24″ x 24″).
3. Rainbow Lattice Blocks
- Create 16 surrounding blocks:
- Use colorful squares arranged around a white center square
- Add angled corner pieces to form the diamond illusion
- Each block should measure approximately 12″ x 12″
4. Assembly
- Arrange the central star block in the middle.
- Surround with lattice blocks in a balanced color order.
- Add a thin inner border (white or solid color).
- Add a wider outer border using rainbow stripe or matching print.
5. Quilting
- Layer top, batting, and backing.
- Quilt as desired: echo quilting around the stars, straight lines, or free-motion swirls.
- Use variegated thread for added dimension.
6. Binding & Finishing
- Trim quilt edges.
- Bind using rainbow or stripe fabric.
- Add a label and enjoy your finished quilt!
🌟 Final Notes
The Rainbow Starburst Quilt is more than a blanket—it’s a celebration of color, creativity, and craftsmanship. Whether made for a loved one or to brighten your own space, this project delivers both joy and pride with every stitch.
Ready to get started? Gather your brightest fabrics and let the rainbow guide your hands.
Happy quilting!
