From the 2026 Sew Flake Mystery Quilt Challenge

October: Quilt Assembly

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

You will need all blocks created for this quilt

Step 1 – Arrange: Lay out the blocks in a grid measuring 5 blocks wide by 6 blocks long. Use the alternating checkerboard layout shown below to place your January 9-patch blocks. Place the remaining blocks into the open spaces in any arrangement you choose.

Step 2 – Sew Rows: Sew the 5 individual blocks together to form a single row. Repeat this process until you have 6 completed rows.

Step 3 – Press Seams: Press the seams of the odd-numbered rows (1, 3, and 5) in one direction. Press the seams of the even-numbered rows (2, 4, and 6) in the opposite direction to ensure the blocks nest properly.

Step 4 – Join Rows: Pin and sew the 6 assembled rows together in sequential order from top to bottom, nesting the alternating seams at each block intersection.

Step 5 – Complete: Press the horizontal row seams flat to finish the quilt top. You can reference the image to view a completed example layout.