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| 2026 Monthly Color Challenge January blog header with tree frog on a branch and Patterns By Jen logo |
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We have finally arrived at the beginning of the 2026 Monthly Color Challenge. I am so excited to bring back this favorite block of the month program, and from the comments and messages I have received, you are too. So let’s get started.
2026 Monthly Color Challenge: A Free Quilt Block of the Month
This year I am getting our color inspiration from frogs. As I was trying to decide what I was going to use for inspiration, I was a little worried that choosing frogs might not give me much color to work with. As always, though, Mother Nature knows what she is doing. We have a year of beautiful color to look forward to, brought to us by our friend, the frog.
Our color this month is an olive green, and I’m “taking” it from the tree frog. As I have found with all frogs, tree frogs come in many different shades of green, from bright lime green to dusky olive. The American Green Tree Frog only grows to 2 1/2", which seems like such a nice quilty measurement, doesn’t it?
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| Two fabrics for the January Monthly Color Challenge quilt block folded with a small toy frog on top on a green fabric background. |
The fabrics I am using this year are sponsored by Benartex. They are from their basics lines, Whisper Weave and Whisper Weave Too. For January, I am using Pistachio and Pine.
Unfortunately, I do not have these available as a kit, but I have heard you, and I will be looking into that for 2027. Whoops! Did I just let it slip that this is continuing in 2027?
Each month comes with its own How To video. I walk you through how to cut, stitch, and trim every part of the block, so no matter your skill level, you can make each block with us. You can find the link to the How To video each month at the bottom of the PDF instructions.
This month we are making my favorite quilt unit, the half-square triangle (HST). If you are a beginner, I walk you through the cutting, marking, stitching, and trimming of this versatile unit. I want you to love the HST as much as I do, so I share exactly how I make them. I’ve paired it with an easy corner block, and we have some cute little spools to start off the year.
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| Close-up of the corner of the January Monthly Color Challenge spool quilt block on green background fabric showing fabric colors and piecing. |
Should you ever have questions throughout the year, you are more than welcome (and encouraged) to email me at jen@patternsbjen.com. You can also join the Quilt and Learn with Patterns by Jen Facebook group, where you can share your finished blocks and ask questions. Follow me on Instagram and use #2026monthlycolorchallenge when you post your fabric choices and finished blocks.
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| Close-up of the opposite corner of the January Monthly Color Challenge spool quilt block on green background fabric showing fabric colors and piecing. |
Here’s a look at the full block for January. You can download the pattern HERE and start sewing, I can’t wait to see your blocks when they’re finished!
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| January Monthly Color Challenge quilt block with green fabric background, lily pad, lily pad flower, and toy frog |
If you’d like the Monthly Color Challenge blocks sent straight to your inbox, be sure to subscribe using the sign-up link below.
The January block is free through the end of the month and is available in my Payhip shop. If you’re finding us after January, the block will still be available there for just $1.
While it’s too late to receive the January instructions by email, you can still subscribe to have the February–December Monthly Color Challenge blocks (plus the final layout!) delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up HERE.
I’m so happy to be back with the Monthly Color Challenge and to have you here with me.
Go make something you LOVE.
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