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 accurate cutting, seam allowances, and sharp points. We are going to go unit by unit so you can practice making each shape 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 October 20 - December 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 and Choosing Colors & Fabrics for the Aldebaran Quilt Pattern
Week 2 (October 27): Cutting & Organizing
Week 3 (November 3): How to Make String Blocks
Week 4 (November 10): Assembling Blocks & Tips for Pressing
Week 5 (November 17): Partial/ Y Seams
Week 6 (November 24): Quilting Plans for Aldebaran
Week 7 (December 1): Catch up week- no live this week; join me instead for a free longarm training with HandiQuilter!
Week 8 (December 10): Virtual Quilt Show at 10am ET - Watch live on YouTube

*Exception: Week 1 Q&A will be at 10am ET on MONDAY, October 20th.

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 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”). 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