Aldebaran marks one side of the Winter Hexagon, an asterism that appears in the southern sky during the winter. Unlike the other stars in the shape, Aldebaran burns red, adding its own pop of color to the collection of fiery stars, just like the string wedge in this hexagon quilt!Aldebaran is often considered the brightest star in Earth's night sky. The quilt pattern incorporates string piecing (perfect for scrap busting), cutting with a template, and sewing partial seams– all wonderful skill builders!

The Aldebaran quilt pattern and quilt-a-long is perfect for you if you’d like to make a quilt with friends, practice some simple string piecing, or learn how to sew partial seams! I can’t wait to stitch with you!

On MONDAYS, I’ll release a resource (blog and/or YouTube video) full of tips and tricks for that week’s sewing. Then, on WEDNESDAYS, join me via Instagram live (@stringandstory) at 10am ET from October 20 - December 10 to sew together while I answer Q&As (replays available).

Signing up for the QAL is free, but you’ll need to purchase the pattern to sew along with us.

The Schedule

The QAL will run from October 20 - December 10, 2025

This Aldebaran quilt is a perfect opportunity to practice string piecing (a great stash/ scrap buster), cutting with a template, sewing bias edges, and sewing partial seams. We are going to go step by step so you can practice each skill and feel confident about your final quilt blocks.

On MONDAYS, I’ll release a resource (blog and/or YouTube video) full of tips and tricks for that week’s sewing. (I’ll link them below as we go along and when you register for the QAL, I’ll also email you a link directly each week so you don’t miss a thing.)

Then, on WEDNESDAYS join me at 10am ET from Oct 20 - Dec 10 to sew together live while I answer Q&As.

Tune in on:

Instagram: @stringandstory
Facebook Group: Quilting Rockstars
YouTube: @stringandstory

Here’s the weekly topics we’ll cover:

Week 1 (October 20)*: Choosing Colors For a 4-Color Quilt
Week 2 (October 27): Cutting & Organizing: How to Use a Rotary Cutter & How to Organize A Quilt Project
Week 3 (November 3): How to Make String Blocks
Week 4 (November 10): Partial Seams
Week 5 (November 17): Quilt Top Assembly: Tips for Pressing
Week 6 (November 24)*: Quilting Plans for Aldebaran
Week 7 (December 1): Catch up week
Week 8 (December 10): Virtual Quilt Show at 10am ET - Watch live on YouTube

*Exceptions: Week 1 Q&A will be at 10am ET on MONDAY, October 20th, and the week 6 video will be pre-recorded

How To Join The Quilt-A-Long

Register with your name and email below. Remember, it’s FREE to join! You’ll just need to purchase the Aldebaran pattern. The QAL Includes:

Weekly Blog delivered via Email
Weekly live Q&A
Enter 1 Aldebaran quilt in the Quilting Rockstar Virtual Quilt Show

Supplies & Kits

As we kick off the quilt-a-long, I’m going to share some tips and tricks for choosing colors and fabrics for Aldebaran, but I know that some of our shop samples are Rockstar faves, so we’re also putting together some kits. 🎉

Each kit features 16 fat quarters and will make the Small Throw Sized top (36 x 55 inches). Use two kits to make a Twin sized quilt (72 x 88 1/2). The pattern, backing, and binding are sold separately.

Shop Aldebaran Kits