Surprise! There is a bonus block for The Bee Hive series – Autumn Chain.
On its own, the block looks a little like four flowers or abstract autumn leaves. But when it’s put into repeat, stars, diamonds and pluses suddenly appear too.
But of course, it doesn’t have to be Autumn, maybe you want an Ocean Chain instead. Or maybe have some fabric placement fun and choose to fill in the pluses.
I have used monochromatic colour schemes, but the most important thing with these block designs is simple – make it your own! Choose your own colours and fabric placement to personalise these designs for yourself.
What you’ll need
Background:
4 – 3.5” x 6.5”
2 – 2.5” squares
1 – 2.5” x 6.5”
Print 1:
8 – 3.5” squares
Print 2 (darkest), 3 (medium), 4 (lighter), 5 (lightest):
1 – 4” square
1 – 3” square
All seams are 1/4″ and press as directed. Makes one 12.5” x 12.5” quilt block.
Step 1. Draw a line diagonally across the wrong side of each of Print 1 squares. Place one in the corner of a 3.5” background rectangle, aligned as per the diagram, and sew along the line. Trim 1/4″ away from the seam towards the corner and press the seam towards the print. Repeat for the remaining corner.
Make 4.
Step 2. Draw a line diagonally across the wrong side of each of the Print 2 and 4 squares.
Step 3. Pair each Print 2 square with the Print 3 squares. Sew 1/4″ away from the line on both sides, trim along the line and press the seams towards Print 2. Trim the larger half-square triangles to 3.5” and the smaller HSTs to 2.5”.
Repeat for all Print 4 and Print 5 squares. Press towards Print 5.
Step 4. Arrange all the units from step 3 and the remaining background pieces. Sew into rows, then sew the rows together, pressing all seams open.
Step 5. Arrange all the units and sew into rows, pressing seams as per the diagram. Sew the rows together and press seams open.
You can find all the block tutorials on the original The Bee Hive post. If you’re sharing your blocks or quilts from The Bee Hive on social media, be sure to use #thebeehivequilts and @blossomheartquilts so we can find your awesome work!
If you are in a swarm for The Bee Hive, please see the quilting bee etiquette post for answers to any questions you may have. If it’s Autumn Chain specific regarding the block construction, please ask in the comments on this post and I will answer it here so that everyone can benefit from the question/answer.
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