2026 Block of the Month – with a Twist
Where did February go? I’m sure everyone is more than ready for the March Block of the Month!
It’s time to head back to the Challenge Wheel, give it a spin, and see what creative twist awaits us this month. Just like in January and February, I’ve stitched up a sample block using random fabrics to show the construction and layout. Once the wheel decides our official challenge, I’ll make a second version that follows the chosen theme.
I can’t wait to see what March has in store — and how everyone interprets the challenge!
Challenge Wheel March Block of the Month
To recap: As we do each month, I’ll be going live on my Facebook page to spin the Challenge Wheel and determine the color and/or fabric type for this month’s block.
Because the spin happens in real time, I won’t have a completed block in the focus colors and fabrics immediately. Instead, I’ll start by sharing the block design in grayscale, based on the graphic layout. This will give you a clear view of the construction and design so you can begin planning and thinking through how you’d like to interpret the challenge once the wheel makes its decision.
Part of the fun is embracing the surprise — and watching everyone’s creativity unfold from the same starting point!
I was so close to not having to make another block for March. Green Batik is in my first block, but there isn’t any blue. Back to the sewing room – but not today.
March Directions
The directions are posted on the main 2026 Block of the Month page, and I’ll include a direct link here as well so you don’t have to go searching. My goal is to keep everything easy to locate and simple to follow — whether you’re sewing along right away or catching up when your schedule allows.
Once the spin is complete and I’ve had time to sew, I’ll update this post with my finished block using the selected colors and fabrics. That way, you’ll be able to see the entire process — from the wheel spin to the completed block — all in one place.
For now, here is the grayscale image of the fabrics I used for my test block so you can get a clear look at the layout and value placement. Now here’s where I realized I wasn’t paying close attention to the grayscale values. Honestly, I didn’t even notice the issue until I converted my photos to grayscale! In some of my Half Square Triangle units, one side actually reads darker than my “dark” fabric. That wasn’t intentional — and it definitely affects the overall value balance of the block.
It’s a good reminder of why checking value placement matters just as much as choosing pretty fabrics. I’ll be paying much closer attention to the grayscale when I make the official challenge block!
Block of the Month – Oversized Half Square Triangles
For March, we’ll be creating oversized half-square triangles that will be trimmed down to the correct size after sewing.
Begin by drawing a diagonal line on the wrong side of your lighter fabric square. Place it right sides together with the coordinating fabric square. Sew a scant ¼″ seam on each side of the drawn line. Then cut directly on the line to create two triangle units.
Oversizing and trimming help ensure accuracy — and give you beautifully crisp points in the finished block.
Press the unit closed first to set the seam, and then press the seam allowance toward the darker fabric.
Trimming the Half Square Triangles (HST)
Since we only had four units to square up — and I was using a 6″ x 12″ ruler instead of a square ruler — I trimmed one side at a time. It took a little extra attention, but it worked perfectly for this block.
I have to say, I absolutely love the way my blocks turned out. Even with the little grayscale lesson along the way, I’m really happy with the final result!
I’m including photos of each step below so you can see the process from start to finish.
When trimming your Half Square Triangle units to size, you’ll need to trim all four sides to get a perfectly squared block. I didn’t capture that last photo, but here’s how to do it:
- Align the 45° line on your ruler with the seam of the triangle.
- For the first two cuts, line up the left side of the block with the 3¾″ mark on your ruler.
- For the final two cuts, line up the left side of the block with the 3½″ mark.
This method works for right-handed quilters; if you’re left-handed, simply switch “left” to “right” on your ruler.
Trimming carefully on all four sides ensures crisp points and a block that measures exactly as it should. It will be evident when you sew your units into rows – everything will fall into place the way it should.
Block of the Month – 4-Patches
4-Patches are quick and easy units, but they can create an incredible impact once a quilt comes together. Even though they’re simple, their repetition adds movement, contrast, and structure across the entire design.
Before pressing the seam allowance to the side, press it closed to set the seam, then press toward the darker fabric.
Because we’re incorporating them into each block this year, you’ll start to see that visual rhythm building as the months go on. And just wait — the sashings and borders will build on that foundation and really pull everything together.
Consider that your little hint of what’s to come.
Square in a Square
Now let’s shift our focus to the center portion of the block.
The center unit is a Square in a Square (SIAS) block. We’ve made this unit before, and there are a couple of different construction methods you can use — stitch-and-flip corners or oversized and trim, whichever you prefer.
The most important thing to remember is accuracy: when completed, your Square in a Square unit needs to measure 3½″ unfinished. As long as you hit that measurement, your block will come together beautifully.
Please feel free to choose the method you’re most comfortable with. The written directions will walk you through one approach, but if you have a preferred technique for making a Square in a Square, go right ahead and use it.
The goal is accuracy and consistency — not locking you into a single method. As long as your unit measures 3½″ unfinished, you’re right on track.
Assembling the March Block of the Month
It’s finally time to assemble our March Block of the Month!
Start by laying out all of your units, making sure they’re in the correct orientation. A little extra attention now can save you a lot of unpicking later.
Here’s a tip: double-check those Half Square Triangles — they can be sneaky! I can’t even count how many times I’ve had to unsew, rotate, and resew them to get everything just right. Taking a moment to verify placement now will make the assembly smooth and your block come together beautifully.
Feel free to share your results – either below or on the Facebook Page.
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Until next time.
