The Moonbeam Quilt Block, designed by Robin Pickens for Moda Blockheads 6, shines with quiet beauty and precision. This radiant design blends half-square triangles, snowball units, and a center nine-patch, reflecting the soft, steady glow of moonlight that inspired its name.
Its crisp intersections and layered composition give the block a sense of depth and motion, perfect for quilters who love designs that balance structure and grace. The Moonbeam block is an ideal choice for anyone who enjoys detailed piecing and a luminous final result.
The Moonbeam Block finishes at 18 inches, making it a bold statement piece for any quilt layout. It combines symmetrical geometry with a glowing star-like appearance, giving your project a refined and elegant feel.
Each element from the snowball corners to the radiant center contributes to the illusion of a shining moon surrounded by beams of light. Whether made in soft neutrals, modern grays, or deep celestial blues, this block radiates serenity and sophistication.
🧵 Fabric & Cutting Instructions
For an 18” finished block, you’ll need:
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8 (3½”) squares – Fabric A
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16 (2½”) squares – Fabric A
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4 (1½” × 3½”) rectangles – Fabric A
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4 (1½” × 2½”) rectangles – Fabric A
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4 (6½”) squares – Fabric B
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5 (2½”) squares – Fabric B
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12 (2½”) squares – Fabric C
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4 (3½”) squares – Fabric D
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12 (2½”) squares – Fabric D
💡 Tip: Choose your fabrics thoughtfully — Fabrics A and D often form the glowing highlights, while B and C provide contrast and structure.
🪡 Piecing Instructions
Step 1 – Snowball Units:
On the wrong side of (8) 2½″ Fabric A squares and (8) 2½″ Fabric C squares, draw a diagonal line.
Layer (2) A squares and (2) C squares in the corners of one 6½″ Fabric B square — A at the top, C at the bottom.
Sew directly on the drawn lines, trim corners ¼″ away, and press toward the triangles.
Repeat to make (4) B–A–C Snowball units, trimmed to 6½″.
Step 2 – Center Nine-Patch:
Arrange (5) 2½″ Fabric B squares and (4) 2½″ Fabric C squares in a nine-patch layout.
Sew into rows, pressing seams toward B squares.
Join rows together and press seams open.
Trim to 6½″.
Step 3 – Diagonal Units:
Draw a diagonal line on (8) 2½″ Fabric A squares.
Place one on a 3½″ Fabric D square, sew along the line, trim, and press.
Repeat for the opposite corner to create a diagonal look.
Make (4) A–D Diagonal units, trimmed to 3½″.
Step 4 – Flip Corner Units:
Draw a line on (8) 2½″ Fabric D squares.
Place one on the corner of a 3½″ Fabric A square, sew, trim, and press toward D.
Make (8) A–D Flip Corner units, trimmed to 3½″.
Step 5 – Square Corner Units:
Combine one 2½″ Fabric D square with one 2½″ × 1½″ Fabric A rectangle and one 3½″ × 1½″ Fabric A rectangle.
Join pieces and press toward the rectangles.
Trim to 3½″.
Make (4).
Step 6 – Corner Assemblies:
Join Diagonal, Flip Corner, and Square Corner units as shown in the pattern.
Press seams open for accuracy.
Make (4) corner units, each trimmed to 6½″.
Step 7 – Assemble the Block:
Arrange the four Snowball units, center nine-patch, and corner units according to the layout diagram.
Ensure that the C triangles of the Snowball units point toward the center.
Sew rows together and press seams open.
Trim the completed block to 18½″ (finishing at 18″ once sewn into your quilt).
🎨 Color Inspiration
The Moonbeam block can transform dramatically depending on your palette:
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🌕 Lunar Glow: Silver, pearl, and white for a true moonlight feel.
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🌌 Night Sky: Deep navy, indigo, and soft grays for celestial contrast.
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🌸 Spring Radiance: Soft blush, cream, and lavender for a romantic quilt.
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🍂 Autumn Light: Mustard, cinnamon, and warm ivory for a cozy, glowing effect.
Play with tonal gradients to create a subtle light-to-dark transition that enhances the moonbeam illusion.
🌙 Final Thoughts
The Moonbeam Quilt Block by Robin Pickens is a stunning balance of geometry and light. Its precise structure makes it an enjoyable challenge for intermediate quilters and a striking centerpiece for any quilt top.
At the end of this article, you’ll find the free PDF pattern download so you can start stitching your own Moonbeam block and bring a touch of night sky elegance to your next quilt project.
📥 Download the Free Moonbeam Quilt Block PDF Pattern
This block beautifully captures the peaceful radiance of the moon a reminder that even in simplicity, there is brilliance.
