The Bellissimo Star Quilt Block, designed by Joanna Figueroa of Fig Tree & Co., is one of the most stunning designs from the Moda Blockheads 6 collection. As the name suggests, “Bellissimo” means beautiful in Italian — and this block truly lives up to that name.
With a composition of half-square triangles, flying geese, and quarter-square triangles, this pattern forms a structured yet graceful star that radiates elegance. Its balanced geometry and layered design make it a perfect centerpiece block for quilts that need a touch of sophistication and timeless charm.
The Bellissimo Star Block finishes at 18 inches, making it an excellent statement piece in any quilt layout. Its combination of precise angles and soft symmetry captures both traditional and modern quilting aesthetics.
The pattern’s step-by-step construction helps quilters refine their piecing accuracy from creating HSTs to mastering flying geese units resulting in a bold star that feels crisp, clean, and beautifully dimensional.
🧵 Fabric & Cutting Instructions
For an 18” finished block, you’ll need:
-
2 (6″) squares – Fabric A
-
4 (3⅜”) squares – Fabric A
-
8 (3¼”) squares – Fabric A
-
4 (2¾” × 7¼”) rectangles – Fabric A
-
4 (2¾” × 5″) rectangles – Fabric A
-
8 (3¼”) squares – Fabric B
-
2 (6″) squares – Fabric C
-
1 (6″) square, cut diagonally twice – Fabric C
-
4 (5¼”) squares – Fabric D
-
1 (6″) square – Fabric D
-
1 (6″) square, cut diagonally twice – Fabric E
🩵 Tip: Before cutting, plan your fabric placement carefully — this block shines when using two or three contrasting color families. Try a blend of soft neutrals with a pop of color for a refined look.
🪡 Piecing Instructions
Step 1 – Half-Square Triangles (HSTs):
On the wrong side of all 3¼″ Fabric A squares, draw a diagonal line.
Place each A square right sides together with a Fabric B square.
Sew ¼″ from both sides of the line, then cut along it.
Press seams toward the darker fabric to yield (16) A–B HSTs, trimmed to 2¾″.
Step 2 – Quarter-Square Triangles (QSTs):
Combine (2) Fabric C triangles with (2) Fabric E triangles.
Sew into pairs, press toward Fabric C, then join the pairs to form a QST unit.
Trim to 5″.
Step 3 – Half-QST Units:
Pair 6″ Fabric A and C squares, right sides together, and stitch on both sides of a diagonal line.
Cut and press open to yield A–C HSTs.
Combine each A–C HST with a 5¼″ Fabric D square, sewing along the marked diagonal.
Trim to 5″ to create A–C–D Half-QSTs.
Step 4 – Flying Geese Units:
Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of each 3⅜″ Fabric A square.
Place one A square on the corner of a 6″ Fabric D square, right sides together.
Sew ¼″ from both sides of the line, cut, and repeat for remaining corners.
Press and trim to 5″ × 2¾″ to create (4) A–D flying geese units.
Step 5 – Assembly:
Join the flying geese, HSTs, and Half-QSTs following the block diagram.
Press seams open for precision.
Trim the final block to 18½″ to finish at 18″ when sewn into your quilt.
🎨 Color Inspiration
The Bellissimo Star is as versatile as it is elegant. Here are a few color combinations to inspire you:
-
🌸 Romantic Vintage: Blush, ivory, and soft sage for a cottage-style quilt.
-
💙 Modern Coastal: Navy, sky blue, and crisp white for a clean, nautical look.
-
🌻 Golden Sunrise: Mustard, coral, and cream for a warm, sunny statement.
-
🌿 Classic Fig Tree Palette: Peach, olive, and taupe for that signature Fig Tree & Co. charm.
Use high contrast between background and star points to make the design pop beautifully.
💫 Final Thoughts
The Bellissimo Star Block by Joanna Figueroa captures everything we love about quilting precision, artistry, and heart. Its geometric balance and delicate color play make it a rewarding project for both intermediate and experienced quilters.
At the end of this article, you’ll find the free PDF pattern download so you can start sewing your own Bellissimo Star today.
📥 Download the Free Bellissimo Star Quilt Block PDF Pattern
Whether used as a single block for a wall hanging or repeated to form an entire quilt top, the Bellissimo Star will always stand out as a masterpiece of beauty and craftsmanship.
