From the 2026 Sew Flake Mystery Quilt Challenge

July Block One: Round About

Instructions by Julie. Posted by Tia. (See PDF copy)

You will need 4 Fabrics: Use the Coloring Diagram as needed.

2 – Sew Bar Blocks: Make (4) Bar Blocks with two rectangle pieces (Fabric One and Background Fabric). See diagram.

4 – Start Flying Geese: Lay the background square, right sides together on one end of the (8) 2 1/2” x 4 1/2” Fabric Two rectangle as shown in the diagram. The marked diagonal line should be in the middle of the 4 1/2” rectangle, going to the outside corner. (See diagram.)

Sew along the marked line. You will be sewing only one side of the 4 1/2” rectangle. The chain method works well on this step.

When you have completed sewing the first square on all 8 units, trim the seam down to 1/4”. Set your seam and press to the side

Julie’s Note: I like to place my needle just to the right side of the marked line (away from the center of the rectangle). This helps compensate for the space of the marking on the fabric. This slight variance seems to be effective. When I place my needle just to the right edge of the line, the block works correctly.

5 – Finish Flying Geese: Lay the remaining background squares, right sides together on the opposite end of the rectangle. The marked diagonal line should be in the middle just overlapping the first block sewn, going to the outside corner. (See the diagram.)

Using the chain method, sew all 8 blocks to the rectangle.

When completed, clip apart the chain and trim the seams down to 1/4” inch. Set your seam and press to the side.

6 – Assemble Flying Geese Blocks: Make (4) Flying Geese Blocks using two finished Flying Geese rectangles. See diagram.

7 – Arrange: Arrange (1) Center Square, (4) Flying Geese Blocks, and (4) Bar Blocks as shown in the diagram. Sew together in order shown in the diagram.

8 – Complete: Your completed block should measure 12.5” square.