Hive 3 - August Tutorial - Maple Leaf Block

Hello Hivemates! I'm so excited to provide the August tutorial because it's the perfect opportunity to celebrate my favorite upcoming season in the Midwest - FALL! Summer is great after the rough winters, but you really can't beat the gorgeous colors and festive spirit of autumn. 

This block is designed to be a "choose your own adventure." I've provided measurements for three different size blocks (6", 9", 12") and feel free to choose whichever sizing fits your stash availability, schedule, piecing desires, etc. This tutorial's images will show the 12" block.

Three sizes for the block

For fabric selection, choose a leaf fabric that fits any leaf color variety you've ever spotted (reds, pinks, purples, greens, browns, yellows, oranges, etc.). Prints or solids are welcome! The background fabric can be an off-white to cream solid or low volume. 

Examples of Leaf Colors

Cutting

6" Block

• Leaf: 2 squares 3x3", 3 squares 2 1/2 x 2 1/2", one strip 1 1/4 x 4"
• Background: 3 squares 3x3", 1 square 2 1/2 x 2 1/2"

9" Block

• Leaf: 2 squares 4x4", 3 squares 3 1/2 x 3 1/2", one strip 1 1/4 x 5"
• Background: 3 squares 4x4", 1 square 3 1/2 x 3 1/2"

12" Block

• Leaf: 2 squares 5x5", 3 squares 4 1/2 x 4 1/2", one strip 1 1/2 x 7"
• Background: 3 squares 5x5", 1 square 4 1/2 x 4 1/2"

Assembly

This block uses 1/4" seams and feel free to press as desired. 

Make 4 half square triangles by pairing up two of the larger leaf and background squares (3x3", 4x4", 5x5"). 

Draw a diagonal line across the paired squares. I like my Frixion pen for this step. Sew a line a 1/4" on either side of the drawn line.

Cut along the drawn line and square up the blocks to 2 1/2", 3 1/2", or 4 1/2". I like my Quilt in a Day HST ruler for this, but use whatever method is comfortable and available. 

Press your 4 HSTs open.

For the stem, cut the remaining larger background block (3x3, 4x4, 5x5) across the diagonal. 

Fold the resulting triangles across the longest edge to find the middle point. Fold the steam strip of the leaf in half vertically to find its middle as well. Match a triangle long edge's middle to the stem's middle and pin. Sew along this edge and press open. Repeat on the other side

Square up this resulting stem block (2 1/2", 3 1/2", 4 1/2") using a ruler or another leaf piece as a guide with your ruler. 

Using another leaf piece as a guide

Assemble the components as follows taking care that all the HSTs are facing the right way. 

Sew squares together in the three rows. Then sew the rows together. 

The resulting block will be 6 1/2", 9 1/2", or 12 1/2" untrimmed, but if you are slightly off don't worry and send it along! Also, don't worry about trimming. Variety (and scrappiness) will be highlighted in this future quilt, so slight sizing discrepancies are no big deal. Here is the finished 12" block.

Thanks so much everyone and I hope this is a fun and stress-free make as summer wraps up! 

-Alexa

Pattern credit: https://www.diaryofaquilter.com/classic-maple-leaf-quilt-block-tutorial/