Stash Bee

 

Hive 3 February Tutorial

Hi All

In America, July 4, 2026, is the 250^th Anniversary of the United States and I’m using that as the inspiration for my block.  I’ve chosen a block that can be done in Red/White/Blue and that I’ll probably either complete as a veteran charity quilt or possibly a picnic style quilt for our July 4^th activities. 

Use the Chain Mail Block Tutorial with my fabric/color and modified cutting instructions or you can follow my basic instructions below.

Here is a pic of the final block.  

Here is a pic of my fabric pull.  Please NO SOLIDS, no batiks, no character or juvenile prints. The white is a low volume that is mostly white with some blue or red and if you don't have that, a white on white.  Some of the low volumes will lean towards cream and this needs to be white.  The Reds are true reds or can lean to orange red. The Blues are darker medium blues and can be lighter navy but please stay away from real dark navy that reads more black.

 

White 2x2 blocks are for the blue and white 4 patches.

Lighter Red 2x2 blocks are for the center (pattern is white) and the outer corners (pattern is peach).

Rather than follow the tutorial specifically, this block is straightforward enough that I just laid out my pieces and then sewed them together.

 

 

Coaching:

If using white on white - be sure to check which is the right side.

For the blue and white blocks - check your orientations to ensure the 4 patches continue the diagonal design.

Chain piecing works well for many of the blocks, just be sure to put them back into their correct orientation.

Be sure to watch your 1/4' seams and measure your final block at 12.5" square - do not trim.  If not the right size, your seams need to be adjusted.

Pressing to dark side for 4 patches allows for nesting seams.  Other seams you may want to do open or whatever your own preference is to ensure a nice flat block.

I hope this all makes sense and I look forward to getting your blocks.  Any questions, just post in the Instagram chat.  I’m there a few times a day and check for messages.

 

Lisa…