Mystery Quilt 2026 - Month 1

Thank you so much for joining me on this incredible mystery quilt journey!
As we embark on a year filled with creativity and connection, I will be sharing not just timeless techniques, but the rich history woven throughout every block pattern. Together, we are set to explore the building blocks of quilt design, with a special focus on their story and significance.

With the 250th anniversary of our wonderful country upon us, there's no better way to honor our patriotic spirit than by crafting a mystery quilt inspired by American heritage. Over the coming months, I will guide you through a series of blocks - unveiling both their construction methods and cultural backgrounds. I hope everyone enjoyed the holiday season and feels as eager to get started as I do!

Mail boy

Starting with Half-Square Triangles:
A Foundation of Quilting

To begin our mystery quilt, we will dive into one of the most essential patchwork elements: the Half-Square Triangle (HST). Their use dates back generations, serving as a foundation for countless patterns across American quilting history.

  • Easy to create and ideal for beginners.
  • Key for constructing dynamic geometric patterns.
  • Historically prominent in patriotic and symbolic quilts.
  • Perfect for mixing fabric prints and colors.

Whether you’re an experienced quilter or just picking up your first needle, understanding HSTs opens a world of possibilities for design. Stay tuned as we stitch, learn, and celebrate together—block by block—throughout this commemorative year!

History

Half-square triangles are a cornerstone in traditional American quilting. These versatile units can be found in classic blocks such as Pinwheel, Broken Dishes, and Sawtooth Stars. Their simple design—two half-sized triangles sewn together to form a square—lends itself to endless creative possibilities, making HSTs a favorite for both beginner and experienced quilters.

Dating back to the late 18th century, half-square triangles gained popularity throughout the 19th century as mass-produced fabrics became widely available. This accessibility empowered quiltmakers to experiment with more intricate patterns and geometric layouts, transforming home textiles into folk art reflecting the nation's evolving culture. HST quilts commemorated patriotic events, such as the War of 1812. Their designs paid tribute to homesteading and community values over the years. The late 20th century introduced rotary cutters, streamlining the cutting process, and opening up even more design options.

Are you ready to give these blocks a go?

To begin, let's get all of your supplies ready!

LBQ fabrics

This mystery quilt is going to look amazing no matter what fabrics you have chosen! Don't worry that we are all going to be using different fabrics - I encourage you to use your own fabric scraps if that's what you have on hand! Just be sure to follow the red, light, and blue color cues in my block for the patriotic results. If you are just looking for a scrappy quilt simply use your color choices following the values of light and dark.

Supplies

(These notions are just my recommendations)

For our Mystery Quilt - Month 1, you will need:

Once you have everything ready, it is time to begin!

Mystery 2025 Block 1 - Poppy Seeds

Block 1
7⅛" x 7⅛" unfinished
Make 4.

Cutting Directions:

Select one light fabric and one dark fabric.
Light Fabric: 24 light HSTs cut from 12 – 2⅜” squares 
16 light HSTs cut from 8 – 2⅝” squares 
Red Fabric: 12 red HSTs cut from 6 – 2⅜” squares   
Blue Fabric: 12 blue HSTs cut from 6 – 2⅜” squares 
NOTE: I am using 2 different blues to give a bit more shading to the corners.

Block Assembly

NOTE: I will be pressing seams allowances open in this block.

Laundry Basket Quilts

To make one HST unit, sew 1 dark 2⅜” square to 1 light 2⅜” square.
Repeat to make 12 blue HST units and 12 red HST units.
Unfinished size of HST Unit is 2" x 2".

Laundry Basket Quilts

Arrange 2" HST units into columns as shown above with 4 light 2⅝” HSTs (these triangles are a touch larger to leave room for nice point later in quilt top assembly) at the top of each column as shown above.

Laundry Basket Quilts

Sew into columns as shown above and press seams.

Laundry Basket Quilts

Sew columns together and press seams open.
 Assembled Block1 is 7⅛" x 7⅛" unfinished.
Repeat to make 4 blocks.

We're off to a great start—the quilting journey has officially begun! The start of a new mystery quilt is SEW much fun! Every new block marks the beginning of a new, creative adventure.

Our 4 Block 1s will be positioned in the corners of the quilt center.

Laundry Basket Quilts

COLOR OPTION

Mystery 2026 month 1


This is just a suggestion for mystery quilt fabric option, feel free to get creative with your choices - I can't wait to see what you create! I hope you enjoyed making this block with me and I look forward to quilting with you next month!

Happy Quilting!
Edyta

Please remember to share your mystery quilt progress photos to Instagram and Facebook!
Tag us @laundrybasketquilts and #mysteryquilt2026

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