Moda Fabrics Daybreak Quilt - Downloadable PDF

Moda Fabrics Daybreak Quilt Pattern Summary

The Moda Fabrics Daybreak Quilt is a downloadable PDF quilting pattern featuring the Daybreak fabric collection by Moda Fabrics. This intermediate-level project produces a finished quilt measuring 64" x 80", making it a generous lap or twin-size quilt suitable for everyday use or as a decorative statement piece. The pattern is available as a free downloadable PDF, offering excellent value for quilters looking to showcase the Daybreak fabric line.

Quilt Design and Block Construction

The Daybreak Quilt is built around a structured block-based layout incorporating three distinct block types: Star Block A, Star Block B, and Border V Blocks. Each finished block measures 8" x 8", and the combination of star blocks with decorative border blocks creates a dynamic, visually layered design reminiscent of a sunrise or daybreak motif — perfectly suited to the fabric collection's name and aesthetic.

Star Block A

Star Block A is the primary repeating unit of the quilt's central design. Construction requires precise cutting and piecing of 2½" squares, with the pattern calling for 40 squares of 2½" cut from designated fabric strips for this block alone. Star blocks in quilting traditionally use techniques such as half square triangles (HSTs) and flying geese units to create the classic pointed star appearance, and this pattern follows that tradition. Careful fabric organization by block type is strongly recommended in the pattern notes.

Star Block B

Star Block B serves as a secondary or accent star block within the overall layout. It shares the same 8" x 8" finished block size as Star Block A but requires fewer fabric pieces — specifically 8 squares of 2½" — suggesting it appears less frequently in the quilt top and may function as a coordinating or contrasting design element to break up the repetition of the primary star blocks.

Border V Blocks

The Border V Blocks frame and transition the star block interior, adding movement and visual interest to the quilt's edges. These blocks make use of Template B and Template C pieces, both cut from 4½" x WOF (Width of Fabric) strips. The pattern specifically instructs quilters to unfold WOF strips before cutting to avoid miscuts or mirror image fabric pieces — an important note when working with directional or asymmetrical template shapes. Quilters are also directed to turn the template 180° after each cut to make the most efficient use of fabric yardage. A total of 64 Template B pieces and 64 Template C pieces are required for the Border V Blocks, indicating a substantial and consistent border treatment around the quilt.

Techniques Used

• Template cutting — using provided Template B and Template C shapes for precise Border V Block pieces
• Half Square Triangle (HST) construction — referenced in the pattern abbreviations as a key piecing method
• Strip cutting and subcutting — WOF strips are cut and then subcut into squares and template pieces for efficient fabric use
• Block organization by type — the pattern recommends dividing cut pieces by block category (Star Block A, Star Block B, Border V Block) to streamline the sewing process
• Rotary cutting with template rotation — rotating templates 180° between cuts to minimize fabric waste
• Quilt top assembly — combining star blocks and border blocks into a cohesive 64" x 80" quilt top

Stitches and Quilting Methods

As a quilting pattern, the Daybreak Quilt relies on standard straight-stitch machine sewing for all piecing. Accurate ¼" seam allowances are essential throughout, particularly when assembling the star points and template-cut border pieces where precision directly affects the alignment of points and corners. The pattern is designed for machine quilting, consistent with intermediate-level quilting projects that assume familiarity with a sewing machine, rotary cutter, and quilting ruler.

Materials Required