RBD Block Challenge 2026 – Block 3: Starry Bloom
It is always fun to reach Week 3 of the RBD Block Challenge because by now the project is starting to feel familiar. I have enjoyed seeing the first two blocks come together and was excited to sew this week’s design using prints from my Thimbelina fabric collection.
This week’s block, Starry Bloom, was designed by Cherry Guidry. The name fits well because the block has a soft, floral feel with points that radiate outward. The piecing is simple and steady, and once the units come together the star shape becomes very clear. It was a nice block to sew and offered a little more detail without feeling complicated.
Sewing Starry Bloom reminded me how much small changes in fabric can shift the look of a design. This block has enough open space to showcase your favorite prints and enough structure to keep the star shape strong.
Block 3: Starry Bloom
Starry Bloom finishes at 10 inches by 10 inches and uses a mix of squares, rectangles, and stitch and flip corners. Cherry designed the block in a way that makes the star feel layered, almost like petals. It is a beginner friendly block that still has a pretty effect once assembled.
If you enjoy blocks that show off your fabric choices, this one is a great fit. You can highlight the center, let the petals shine, or keep everything soft and blended.
Sew With Me
Here is how I approached my Thimbelina version of Starry Bloom.
Fabric Choices: I chose prints that had enough contrast for the star shape to stand out without overpowering the block.
Placement: I laid out the pieces ahead of time to see which prints worked best in the “petal” areas and which ones looked nicer in the corners.
A Hand Stitched Detail:
For this block, I added a hand stitched echo line about a quarter inch around the design using Aurifil embroidery floss. The soft outline helps define the star shape without drawing too much attention, and I like how the extra texture shows through once the block is quilted. Using three strands in a coordinating color keeps the stitching gentle and clean.
Sharing Tips:
- Take your time trimming the stitch and flip corners. Clean trimming helps the points finish neatly.
- Press as you go so the seams stay flat and the block keeps its shape.
- Lay out the block fully before sewing the final units. Star blocks often look best when the prints are balanced.
More About This Fabric Collection
If you enjoy sewing with Thimbelina, you may also enjoy being part of Crafting Connections Together. This membership helps you build simple, creative moments with your child in about ten minutes. Each month includes a new guided craft project you can make together. This month we are creating Thimbelina Finger Puppets, a fun and easy way to encourage storytelling and shared creativity.
Join Crafting Connections Together HERE
Quilting Together
It has been wonderful to see the first blocks from this challenge. Starry Bloom is a lovely design to personalize with your favorite prints and it is always inspiring to see how different each version can be. If you are sewing along, I would love to see your Block 3. Share your progress on Instagram or in our Sew A Story Facebook Group.
What is the RBD Block Challenge
If you are new here, the RBD Block Challenge is a free quilt along hosted by RBD and features sixteen quilt blocks designed by a variety of their talented designers.
- A new block is released every Tuesday through May 26, 2026
- All blocks finish at 10 inches by 10 inches
- The challenge is beginner friendly with tips and tutorials
Here is this week’s download:
Find free RBD Block Challenge block 3 pattern HERE
