March 2026 Monthly Color Challenge - Free Quilt Block of the Month

 

We are heading into the third month in the Monthly Color Challenge, and whether you are just joining us, or you've been a MCC quilter for years, I'm excited to have you with me on this quilting journey.

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

For 2026, we’re taking our color cues from frogs. When the idea first hopped into my head (sorry, I had to 😂), I wasn’t completely sure it would stretch far enough to inspire an entire year. But once I started looking closer, I realized just how brilliantly designed they are. From soft, earthy blends to vibrant, eye-catching bursts of color, frogs bring more variety than you might expect. We are in for a year filled with beautiful, nature-inspired palettes.

Photo credit: JamJam Exotic

Our color this month is Aqua and is inspired by the Teal Pacman Frog. Confession, I get teal and aqua mixed up all of the time. Throw in turquoise and I throw in my hat and call it a day. 😂 So if your fabrics are a bluey greeny color, they are good to me. Onto the Teal Pacman Frog. According to JamJam Exotic the Teal Pacman Frog, known really as the Blue Pacman Frog, is the result of selective breeding. and is very rare. They grow between 4 - 7 inches, with the female usually larger than the male. They are carnivorous frogs and can live up to 15 years.

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. March's colors are Aqua and Blue Grass.

Each month, I share a How To video that walks you through the whole block from start to finish — cutting, stitching, and trimming included. My goal is for you to feel confident at every step, no matter where you are in your quilting journey. The link to the video is always waiting for you at the bottom of your PDF instructions.

This month we are making a variation of the Churn Dash block, another one of my favorites to change up a bit. Whether you change up the center, or the side units, or both like we do this month, this is a great block to play with and may yours.

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.

You’re also invited to join the Quilt and Learn with Patterns by Jen Facebook group, where you can share your blocks, cheer each other on, and ask questions along the way. And when 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 March 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 – March emails have already gone out, you can still sign up to receive the April – 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.

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