The Sew Flakes 2026 Mystery Quilt Challenge
January 2026 Month One
Instructions by Julie. Posted by Tia. (See PDF copy)

Goal: Create 18 finished blocks.
Finished Block Size: 12.5” square (unfinished).

Nine Patch Instructions

Step 1: CUT

• Colored fabric – 10 strips 4.5” wide and the WOF (width of fabric)
• Background fabric – 8 strips 4.5” wide and the WOF (width of fabric)

Step 2: SEW

• 2 sets of 1 background to 1 colored fabric and then 1 background fabric.
• 4 sets of 1 colored fabric to 1 background fabric and then 1 colored fabric

Press seams to the colored side of fabric. This will allow them to nestle properly.

Step 3: SUB-CUT

• All sets to 4.5” strips. Keep the sets together as you cut. i.e. place the sub cuts on top of each other per the type of strip they were cut from.

Each strip should measure 4.5” X12.5”

Organize your cuts into two stacks:

1. Stack A: Segments cut from “Set A” (Main color is in the center square).
2. Stack B: Segments cut from “Set B” (Background is in the center square).

Step 4: SEW

• Using your stacks of 4.5” strips, nesting the seams, sew the rows together with a ¼” seam allowance to create the 9-patch square.  (shown in diagram)
• Press your seams towards the middle of the block.
• Repeat this process until you have sewn 18 blocks. Each block should measure 12.5” square when finished.

This is how the completed block should look.

Congratulations, you have now completed
the first step in our 2026 Mystery Quilt Challenge!

Find a container to put your completed blocks in. It should be large enough to help them stay flat and unwrinkled as you finish them and be able to support all your blocks as you go. If they are all in one place throughout the challenge, it will be easier to complete the final step.

Step by Step Tutorials:

• Alternative Instructions: Sweet Red Poppy – How to Sew a Nine Patch Quilt Block Sewing Pattern and Tutorial
• Video: American Patchwork and Quilting – Machine Minute: Quick and Easy 9-Patch Block
  • IMPORTANT: The video uses small strips. Ignore her numbers! Please stick to these instructions and cut your strips 4.5″ wide to get our large 12.5″ block.