RBD Block Challenge 2026 β Block 1: Four Corners
I always love the feeling of starting a new block challenge. There's a mix of excitement and calm that comes from choosing fabric and making those first few cuts.
For this year’s Riley Blake Designs Block Challenge!, I’m sewing every block using prints from my Thimbelina fabric collection with Riley Blake Designs. This line celebrates the magic of sewing through the eyes of tiny sewing fairies. It includes soft florals, sweet thimbles, tiny cottages, and playful sewing motifs in a dreamy pastel palette.
This year’s first block, Four Corners, was designed by the Lori Holt (@beelori1). The moment I saw the pattern, I knew it was going to be a solid, grounding start to this year's quilt. It’s a beautiful balance of movement and structure, and a great reminder that even small changes in layout can create strong visual flow.
Four Corners came together simply and gave me space to play with the Thimbelina prints without overthinking the layout. I found joy inf sewing this block, and it set the tone for a creative Block Challenge ahead.
Block 1: Four Corners
Four Corners finishes at 10” x 10” and uses easy-to-piece units for a calm, classic start to the challenge. Lori’s design invites you to play with contrast or go for a soft gradient feel, depending on your fabric choices. Whether you’re a confident beginner or a seasoned quilter, this block is a great way to ease into the project with success.
Sew with Me
Here’s how I approached my Thimbeliba version of Four Corners:
- Fabric Choices: I used prints from Thimbelina for all four corner units and center square, focusing on balance between lighter and deeper tones.
- Color Flow: I let the natural palette of the collection guide my choices, choosing prints that gave the block a gentle movement.
A Hand Stitched Detail
For this block, I added a small line of hand stitching before quilting. I used Aurifil embroidery floss and stitched a simple echo about a quarter inch inside the block. Working with three strands in a coordinating color keeps the outline soft and lets the piecing stay the focus. It adds a gentle bit of texture to the finished block, and once the quilting goes over it, the hand stitching shows through in a subtle, handmade way.
Sharing Tips:
- Double-check directionality on any directional prints before sewing.
- Lay out your block fully before stitching to make sure you love the placement.
- Take your time pressing seams, this block looks best with crisp lines.
More about this fabric Collection
If you enjoy sewing with Thimbelina, you may also enjoy being part of the Modern Rag Doll Membership. Members receive a brand new doll pattern every month, along with helpful tips and community support. This month we are sewing the Faye Doll, one of the dolls in the Thimbelina collection.
You can join the Modern Rag Doll Membership here
Quilting Together
One of my favorite parts of the RBD Block Challenge is seeing how many ways one design can come to life. From bold color blocking to soft vintage prints, the same pattern becomes something completely unique in each person’s hands.
If you’re sewing along, I’d love to see your version of Four Corners. Share your progress on Instagram or in our Sew A Story Facebook Group HERE.
We’re just getting started, and I can’t wait to see what you come up with!
What is the RBD Block Challenge?
If you're new here, the RBD Block Challenge is a free quilt-along hosted by Riley Blake Designs, featuring 16 quilt blocks designed by a variety of their talented designers.
- New blocks are released every Tuesday through May 26, 2026
- All blocks finish at 10" x 10"
- The challenge is free, beginner-friendly, and supported by tips and tutorials
Find free RBD Block Challenge block 1 pattern HERE
