Barn quilt pattern

Sunburst Star Barn Quilt Pattern

A radiant many-point star that throws light across the barn wall like a rising sun.

Planning the board? Use the sizing calculator for exact cell and border measurements, or read the paint color guide before you buy paint.

Difficulty
Intermediate
Grid
8 × 8
Colors
4
Suggested board sizes
4′ × 4′, 6′ × 6′, 8′ × 8′

About the Sunburst Star block

Sunburst quilt blocks were popular in 1920s-1940s scrappy quilts as a way to use up small triangles of fabric. The pattern translates beautifully to paint because every wedge can carry its own color.

Tips for painting a Sunburst Star barn quilt

  • Sketch all of the spokes lightly in pencil first; small angle mistakes are very visible.

  • Warm palettes (gold/red/orange) push the sunburst feel.

Ready to design your Sunburst Star?

Customize the colors in the online designer and download a printable paint-by-color plan with a grid diagram.

Open in the designer

Painted the Sunburst Star? Share your photo.

We feature finished quilts from real makers in the gallery — it helps other painters see how the Sunburst Star looks in different color combinations.