Turning Point - A Benartex Spring 2026 Block Hop Block

 

Welcome quilters to my stop on the Benartex Spring 2026 Block Hop! It has been so fun to see the blocks designed by some amazing designers and then made up by you. The block I designed I have named Turning Point, as it really has a lot of movement for a block so traditionally pieced. LOL 

I have a tutorial up on my YouTube channel. It doesn't go in depth, but it does touch on making HST and FG units as well as adding those setting triangles. If you are a new quilter, this could be helpful for you. If you like pictures instead of video, scroll down for the same tips.

You can download your pattern here.

Watch the Tutorial:

https://youtu.be/vETFdgqpCA0

Did you miss any of the previous stops on the Block Hop? You can find them all HERE.

The Benartex Spring 2026 Block Hop continues through May 28 when the quilt top and finishing will be revealed. You won't want to miss seeing how these all come together.

Scroll down for some up close pictures my tips for making Turning Point.

Go make something you LOVE.

New to Patterns By Jen?

Newsletter sign up

Follow me on Instagram and Facebook for sneak peeks and updates.

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for Snippets with PBJ and 2 Minute Tips.

Join the Quilt and Learn with Patterns By Jen Facebook page.

Inspire, By PBJ is my monthly digital subscription that delivers a wall hanging sized design, color inspiration and more right in your inbox.

Join the 2026 Monthly Color Challenge.

Find paper and digital patterns, gifts and more in my Etsy shop.

Find fun PBJ merchandise at Teespring.

Turning Point Tips

From this point on this post will be a little photo heavy. If you have any questions about the block, please reach out.

When marking your squares for Half Square Triangle (HST) and Flying Geese (FG) units, line up your ruler just a tish off the corners to make room for your marking utensil. This ensures your drawn line will go right through the middle of your corners for more accuracy.

When cutting your squares in the diagonal, if you don't have a rotating cutting mat, turn your square just a bit so you can comfortably cut each way without moving the pieces.

When making your FG units, lay your smaller squares just off the edge of the larger square. This makes keeping that point easier. 

Do the same with the next step.

Trimming without specialty rulers

When trimming your HST units, trim as little off as you can for the first cut. That way if your ruler slips you have a little leeway.

When making the final trim, line the ruler lines on the fabric along the edge, not off of the fabric. 

When trimming the FG units it's important to keep the middle mark lined up with the point of your unit.

It is also important to line up your seams with the outer measurement. 

On both sides. Rotate your FG unit and do the same thing.

Last, big "dog ears" are ok when adding the setting triangles. Do not trim them off. 

EQ Giveaway!

 I am excited to share with you an EQ8 Giveaway!

*I am an Electric Quilt affiliate. Links included in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Patterns By Jen 💜 Read the full disclosure HERE.

I have used Electric Quilt Company software to design my quilts since the very beginning. I started with EQ5, so it's been a software I've used for a long time. Don't do the math, though, I know I'm getting older. LOL

The Electric Quilt Company has something new, the EQ for You Starter Box! It comes with everything you need to start using this amazing software. And. . . I have one to give to a lucky reader. 

Inside the box you get

• EQ8 Software - Minimum requirements are Windows 10 or macOS Big Sur (11)

•EQ8 Lessons for Beginners Book

• Simple Starts Add-On for EQ - downloadable software

•1 year EQ Membership Voucher

• Instructional videos and Printed Guides

• EQ Mouse Pad and Sticker - Super cute

You can watch the full unboxing video here:

One thing that I really love about using EQ8 is the ability to see my quilt designs with the fabric I want to use. It shows me, before the first cut, if the fabrics will work or not. It also allows me to play with the layout. Turning blocks with a click of the mouse has lead to a few "Oh my gosh!" moments when a pattern has gone from pretty to amazing. Looking at you Square Illusions. 

To enter simply leave a comment below telling me your favorite quilt block to make. ( I do have to approve comments to keep the bots away, so don't panic if your comment doesn't show up right away.) 

*Make sure to add your first name so I can track you down after May 31*

The giveaway runs through May 31, 2026. I will randomly pick one lucky winner from the comments and  Electric Quilt Company will send them a brand new, unopened EQ for You Starter Box. Good luck!

Go make something you LOVE.

New to Patterns By Jen?

Newsletter sign up

Follow me on Instagram and Facebook for sneak peeks and updates.

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for Snippets with PBJ and 2 Minute Tips.

Join the Quilt and Learn with Patterns By Jen Facebook page.

Inspire, By PBJ is my monthly digital subscription that delivers a wall hanging sized design, color inspiration and more right in your inbox.

Join the 2026 Monthly Color Challenge.

Find paper and digital patterns, gifts and more in my Etsy shop.

Find fun PBJ merchandise at Teespring.

May 2026 Monthly Color Challenge

 

It is the 5th month in the 2026 Monthly Color Challenge and I'm loving the blocks that have been shared so far this year. Thank you so much for stitching along with me. May's block has flying Geese units again, but take note, the trimming measurement is not the usual 1/2" mark. As usual you can find a link to the how to video at the end of the instructions.

2026 Monthly Color Challenge: A Free Block of the Month Program

This year we are inspired by the color of frogs. We have some beautiful colors to work with this year, though no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't find a true purple frog. Very sad.

Photo credit: The Living Rainforest

This month our color is dark blue inspired by the Blue Poison Dart Frog. These frogs are so bright and beautiful, it's hard to believe they are so bad for you. These frog weren't discovered until 1969 and can only be found in "northern Brazil and in only a few isolate areas of rainforest in Suriname." - The Living Rainforest

The fabrics I am using this year are Whisper Weave and Whisper Weave Too. They are basics from Benartex and have a wonderful texture to give these blocks some movement. This month's colors are Denim and Navy.

Each set of instructions includes a full how to video for that month. My goal with the Monthly Color Challenge is to not only have you using fabrics from your stash, but to help new quilters grow their confidence and experienced quilters have an easy going, no stress quilt to make in their own time. From how to make that first cut, to marking the ruler for trimming accurately to the last press. We make this quilt together.

This month's Flying Geese units are getting turned on point, which is one of my favorite ways to give a traditional block a new look. 

Join the Quilt and Learn with Patterns by Jen Facebook group and share your blocks, cheer each other on, and ask questions along the way. If you post on Instagram, be sure to tag me and use #monthlycolorchallenge so I can see your fabric pulls and finished blocks!

Here’s a look at the full May block. You can download the pattern HERE and jump right in. I can’t wait to see what you create!

If you’d like each Monthly Color Challenge block delivered straight to your inbox, be sure to subscribe using the sign-up link below.

The May block is free through the end of the month and available in my Payhip shop. If you’re finding this later, don’t worry, it will still be there for just $1.

While the January – May emails have already gone out, you can still sign up to receive the June – December blocks (plus the final layout!) delivered directly to your inbox. Join us HERE.

I’m so grateful to be continuing the Monthly Color Challenge this year, and even more grateful you’re sewing along with me.

Go make something you LOVE.

New to Patterns By Jen?

Newsletter sign up

Follow me on Instagram and Facebook for sneak peeks and updates.

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for Snippets with PBJ and 2 Minute Tips.

Join the Quilt and Learn with Patterns By Jen Facebook page.

Inspire, By PBJ is my monthly digital subscription that delivers a wall hanging sized design, color inspiration and more right in your inbox.

Join the 2026 Monthly Color Challenge.

Find paper and digital patterns, gifts and more in my Etsy shop.

Find fun PBJ merchandise at Teespring.

How to Make Cloth Napkins (Beginner-Friendly Tutorial)

 

Do it yourself cloth napkins with a touch of whimsy.

Cloth napkins are such a great way to add a special touch to your table. Whether it's a holiday or every day, cloth napkins make a pretty addition. When you stitch a fun design around the edge, you've just upped your table setting. 🤣

Today's Snippets tutorial shows how to cut your squares and get a good press so you can finish these napkins really nicely.

Watch the full tutorial.

Supplies needed:

For one napkin

Two 16" squares

 *******

For four napkins

Eight 16" squares

Finishing Tips:

Sew a 1/2" seam allowance, then clip the corners. Once you have turned it right side out give it a really good press before top stitching. Take this opportunity to use some of the fancy stitches on your machine if you have them. Use a contrasting thread to help them stand out. The larger seam allowance gives you a wider base for your stitching so have fun with it!

More projects you can personalize or use the extra stitches on your machine for:

Personalized Pillowcase - This is such a sweet project. It's very beginner friendly as well, and adding that personalization makes it feel really special.

Bowl Cozy - This makes a great gift! Teacher Appreciation Week is coming up in May. This was a much appreciated gift. Use accent thread to "write" a special message inside the cozy.

Go make something you Love!

New to Patterns By Jen?

Newsletter sign up

Follow me on Instagram and Facebook for sneak peeks and updates.

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for Snippets with PBJ and 2 Minute Tips.

Join the Quilt and Learn with Patterns By Jen Facebook page.

Inspire, By PBJ is my monthly digital subscription that delivers a wall hanging sized design, color inspiration and more right in your inbox.

Join the 2026 Monthly Color Challenge.

Find paper and digital patterns, gifts and more in my Etsy shop.

April 2026 Monthly Color Challenge

 

Hello April! Month four of the Monthly Color Challenge is here and ready for you to enjoy! Here in the upper midwest of the US we are seeing the Canadian geese making their way back north. I love the sound of their honking. While our color inspiration is coming from frogs, our block this month has us flying north, too.

2026 Monthly Color Challenge: A Free Block of the Month Program

We are pulling our colors this year from frogs all over the world. You may have noticed that our colors are slowly going from cool to warm as the year goes along, with a little neutral thrown in the middle. You can see what is coming up in the Announcement post if you missed it.

© Joe McDonald, Clyde Peeling's Reptiland

This month our color is a light, or baby, blue and is inspired by the Mexican Dump frog. I don't know which is cuter, the name or the frog. 🤣 The Mexican Dump frog can grow up to 4", lives most of it's life up in a tree (jealous) and live off insects (not jealous). They lay their eggs on top of foliage over water and the tadpoles just roll into the water when they hatch. I think I would like to see that.

The fabrics I am using this year are Whisper Weave and Whisper Weave Too. They are basics from Benartex and have a wonderful texture to give these blocks some movement. This month's colors are Ice and Bluebells.

Each set of instructions includes a full how to video for that month. From first cut to last press, we make the block together. If you are a new quilter, this is the perfect Block of the Month program for you. If you are looking for more accuracy in your piecing, this Block of the Month program is for you. If you are looking for an easy going, no pressure Block of the Month, this is for you.

This month we are making Flying Geese units using the no waste method. I show how to mark your regular ruler to trim these Geese for accuracy and ease. These are some of my favorite units to make and I love how versatile they are. Just turn them and you get a new look.

If questions pop up at any point during the year, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can email me at jen@patternsbyjen.com  I truly love hearing from you.

Join the Quilt and Learn with Patterns by Jen Facebook group and share your blocks, cheer each other on, and ask questions along the way. If you post on Instagram, be sure to tag me and use #monthlycolorchallenge so I can see your fabric pulls and finished blocks!

Here’s a look at the full April block. You can download the pattern HERE and jump right in. I can’t wait to see what you create!

If you’d like each Monthly Color Challenge block delivered straight to your inbox, be sure to subscribe using the sign-up link below.

The March block is free through the end of the month and available in my Payhip shop. If you’re finding this later, don’t worry, it will still be there for just $1.

While the January – April emails have already gone out, you can still sign up to receive the May – December blocks (plus the final layout!) delivered directly to your inbox. Join us HERE.

I’m so grateful to be continuing the Monthly Color Challenge this year, and even more grateful you’re sewing along with me.

Go make something you LOVE.

New to Patterns By Jen?

Newsletter sign up

Follow me on Instagram and Facebook for sneak peeks and updates.

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for Snippets with PBJ and 2 Minute Tips.

Join the Quilt and Learn with Patterns By Jen Facebook page.

Inspire, By PBJ is my monthly digital subscription that delivers a wall hanging sized design, color inspiration and more right in your inbox.

Join the 2026 Monthly Color Challenge.

Find paper and digital patterns, gifts and more in my Etsy shop.

Find fun PBJ merchandise at Teespring.

Personalized Bowl Cozy Tutorial

 

Step by Step Tutorial for adding a little personal touch to a bowl koozie for a fun gift idea.

I love to give a bowl koozie as a gift. Especially to those graduating seniors who are off to college and microwaved meals. 😂 They make great teacher gifts as well. These are really easy gifts to add that special personal touch to, with fabrics that are the persons favorite color, animal, sport, hobby, etc.

In today's tutorial we're going to stitch a little personalization onto it as well.

Watch the full tutorial here:

What you will need to make the Bowl Koozie:

*Everything you use MUST be 100% cotton*

1 - 10" square of main fabric

1 - 10" square of lining fabric (can be the same as the main)

1 - 10" square of 100% cotton batting

100% cotton thread

Tips for finishing

If you have a walking foot for your machine, it makes the final top stitching easier because of all of the layers. If you don't have one, just take it slow as you come to each seam and guide the fabric through gently.

Use an accent thread for personalizing the Bowl Koozie so it can be seen easily and appreciated. We don't want that special touch to disappear into the fabric. 😉

Is this really beginner friendly?

Yes, you can do this. To make it even easier, grab a Layer Cake so you don't have to worry about cutting the squares or finding fabric that coordinates. I walk you through how to personalize this, but also how to mark, cut and sew the darts all the way through to top stitching.

More than a name

Have fun with this and add something sweet, silly or meaningful to your little koozie.

1) Happy Birthday

2) Go Tigers

3) Don't forget to study

4) Teachers Change the World

5) I love you

Bonus: More Beginner Friendly Projects

If you are looking for more easy gift ideas with a touch of whimsy this one also has a YouTube tutorial

Personalized Pillowcase:  Another great project that you can personalize is a pillowcase. It's beginner friendly, easy to personalize with fabrics and that special touch. You can watch the tutorial here.

Go make something you love,

New to Patterns By Jen?

Newsletter sign up

Follow me on Instagram and Facebook for sneak peeks and updates.

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for Snippets with PBJ and 2 Minute Tips.

Join the Quilt and Learn with Patterns By Jen Facebook page.

Inspire, By PBJ is my monthly digital subscription that delivers a wall hanging sized design, color inspiration and more right in your inbox.

Join the 2026 Monthly Color Challenge.

Find paper and digital patterns, gifts and more in my Etsy shop.

How to Sew a Simple Pillowcase (and Add Custom Text with Your Sewing Machine)

Step-by-step tutorial for sewing a simple pillowcase and adding custom words using the lettering built into your sewing machine.

Pillowcases are one of those easy to sew (and quick!) gifts that are fun to give. I especially love to use a sweet flannel on the body of the pillowcase so I know the one I'm gifting it to will be laying their head on softness. Pillowcases aren't just great gifts, they are a great way to build your sewing skills, something I want to help you do, and they are a great way to try out the features on your sewing machine you may not have tried yet.

In today's Snippets with Patterns By Jen tutorial I'm not only walking you through how to sew a simple pillowcase, but how to add custom text using the lettering built into your machine. Side note: I do not go over specific settings, you will need your sewing machine's manual for that.

Scroll down to get the 5 ideas for personalizing your pillowcase.

Watch the full tutorial here:

Save this tutorial for later.

What you'll need to make the pillowcase

• 3/4" scrap of SF101 to stabilize your fabric for adding the text

Find it here: 👉 https://tidd.ly/4l8pdqg   

(This is an affiliate link, you can read my full disclosure here.)

• 2" x WOF Accent fabric

• 11" x WOF Cuff fabric

• 27" x WOF Body fabric

Note: In the How To Video the width I used was 41" for each piece because that was the width of the flannel I used.

Fabric Tips for a Beautiful Finish

As I mentioned I love to use flannel for the body of the pillowcase, but regular quilting cotton works just fine. The cuff is a great place to use fun fabrics, like glow in the dark ghosties for a halloween pillow. My children loved that, way back when they were little. 

If you are going to add text to the accent piece then I recommend using a solid color fabric and choosing thread that will stand out on it. If your fabric is light pink for instance, pull out a dark, dusty mauve. If it's navy, use a pretty baby blue. This little touch we're adding is going to make this pillowcase just a little more special.

Why this project is perfect for beginners

A pillowcase is a simple project that not only gives you a quick finish for that "Look what I made" feeling that keeps the crafting going, but it let's you practice basic sewing skills in a forgiving project. Straight seams, matching and pinning seams, pressing correctly and diving into using those fancy text stitches on your machine. So often we let those sit, and we should use them. Finishing a pillowcase will give you the confidence you need to keep growing in your sewing skills.

5 Ideas for Personalizing Your Pillowcase

One of the fun parts of this project is deciding what to stitch on the pillowcase. The lettering built into your sewing machine makes it easy to add a name, a phrase, or something playful that matches the fabric you’re using.

Here are a few ideas to get you started.

1) Names: Easy, simple, no thinking involved 😂 great for gift giving. 

2) Sweet Dreams/Blessings: A little touch to let the person know they are loved

3) Holidays: Holiday fabric is so fun to use in these pillowcases and now you can add another touch

4) Birthdays/Anniversaries: A birthday pillowcase with their current favorite animal/food/sport. Did you know 2nd anniversary is cotton? Hello cotton pillowcase. 

5) National Days: Maybe you know someone who just needs a pick me up. Do a quick online search for what the days national day is, I'm pretty sure there is one for every day at this point, and make a quick gift with a fun little saying on the accent piece to pick up their spirits. 

For instance March 5th (the day of this post) is National Cheese Doodle Day. A quick saying like "Sweet cheesy dreams" or "Dreaming of snacks" or maybe something funnier than I can come up with. Ha!

Bonus: More Beginner Friendly Projects

If you’re looking for a couple more small projects to help build your foundational sewing skills, here are a few tutorials you might enjoy next. Both have YouTube videos to walk you through the steps.

Minky Blanket with Doll Blanket: This cozy blanket tutorial has been a favorite. It walks through sewing with minky fabric and includes instructions for making a matching doll blanket, which makes it a sweet gift set.

Hot Pad: Another quick project that’s great for practicing straight seams is this simple hot pad. It’s beginner friendly, useful around the kitchen, and makes a thoughtful handmade gift.

If you make a pillowcase using this tutorial I'd love to see it. Share it in the Quilt and Learn with Patterns By Jen Facebook Group or tag me on Instagram.

Go make something you love,

New to Patterns By Jen?

Newsletter sign up

Follow me on Instagram and Facebook for sneak peeks and updates.

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for Snippets with PBJ and 2 Minute Tips.

Join the Quilt and Learn with Patterns By Jen Facebook page.

Inspire, By PBJ is my monthly digital subscription that delivers a wall hanging sized design, color inspiration and more right in your inbox.

Join the 2026 Monthly Color Challenge.

Find paper and digital patterns, gifts and more in my Etsy shop.