Hive 4- June Tutorial - Prairie Queen

Our group's blocks have been awesome and I hope everyone enjoys making my block this month.

The goal is for the blocks to be pretty. I’m really easy going. If someone else thinks something is pretty I

probably will too. Generally I’m very happy and positive. I love colors and have few dislikes. I plan on

this quilt to be something for me.

Fabrics

Choose one statement floral fabric, fussy cut as needed to get the best frame. I don’t want the florals to

get cut off or lost in the seams. Modern and traditional florals alike are both welcome. Match the other

fabrics to your statement floral square. No novelty, holiday, civil war, or patriotic fabrics please.

Blenders, small print fabrics and Batiks are preferred. Solids are ok, but use sparingly please. Consider

using two pairs of darker and lighter fabrics. Medium tones are good, but some contrast will make this

block really sing.

No requested backgrounds. Any colors that you like and match will work … I think it’ll be really pretty. I

like scrappy. On my test block, the outer corners are a light green. It looks like the background, but it’s

not meant to. It was just how I liked it when I assembled it.

Cutting Directions

1. Main Center Square (one unit): 4.5" square floral for the main focus fabric to be used in the center. It should be something pretty and floral and cut so that it is framed nicely.

2. Half Square Triangles (HST) (four units): Choose two colors with good contrast and cut two 5” squares for each color. You will create four HSTs using these two squares.

3. 4 Patch (4 units): You will need 2 colors, also with contrast, to create four 4 patches. Use two 5” squares for each color if you use the Missouri Star method (see below) or your favorite method possibly using 2.5” strips.

Construction

To make the HST, draw a diagonal line down the middle on whichever fabric is lighter. Match a light and

dark and sew on both sides of the drawn line. Cut on the drawn line, press towards the darker fabric.

Trim to 4.5” square. Repeat with the other pair of fabric You should have 4 HSTs.

To make the 4 patches line up 2 different 5" squares sew along the left and right sides, cut in half, up

the center. Press open towards the darker fabric, match up two, flipping one over so that the same

colors do not touch. Sew along both sides again, cut in the center, press open. You will have four 4

patches.

This Missouri Star Quilt Company video shows how to make both of these blocks components.

https://youtu.be/P-IafuCbkFc

Arrange the 9 units into a 9 patch and sew together. Pay attention to orientation. The HSTs should point

the darker triangle inside towards the floral center and 4 Patches should have the darker side starting in

the upper left hand corner to create a trail of dark squares. Use the finished block photos for a guide.

The final block should measure 12.5”.

Thanks, Anita <3