Hive 5, November Tutorial - Scrappy (Almost) Bear Paw Block

Can you believe it's November already? Or finally? 

This month I am requesting that you all make a not quite completed Scrappy Bear Paw Block. Instead of a completed traditional block like the one below, I am asking that you only make the 4 "paws".  This will allow me to mix your paws with my paws and the paws of the others to get a very mixed up, scrappy look.  It also saves you fabric as well as some time cutting and sewing. 

I love Bear Paw blocks, they are simple in their construction, even a beginner could make them. They can look modern and cheerful when made with bright fabrics, vintage or traditional by changing the colors. They can be feminine or masculine. 

This is what I am asking you to make.  

 

Below is what the completed block will look like, As you can see, what you will be making is not quite "finished" as it's lacking the sashing and center cornerstone. 

 

Because you are sending separate paws you can make them all the same, you can use the same fabrics just mixed up in each block, or you can make each block completely different. It's up to you. 

I do ask that you not duplicate a fabric in a block and instead use 8 different fabrics, not counting the background fabric. The 4 blocks above were made from 9 different colored fabrics, not counting the background fabric. 

For the fabrics I am looking for bright colors either prints or tone on tones that have good contrast against the background fabric.  Please no brown, gray, white, or neon.  Below is a photo of some suggested colors and fabrics to add to what is shown in the photo of the "paws" above.

For the background I am wanting black fabric, it can be solid or a tone on tone. Feel free to use one or multiple different black fabrics for the background. Please don't use fabrics with colors other than black, no white on black, gray on black, black with colors, etc. The backgrounds should read as black. 

 

You will be making 4 paws so in total you will need:

16 colored squares, it can be 4 each of 4 colors or any variety you choose

16 half square triangles of a background and a color, 4 each of 4 colors or any variety you choose

4 black squares  

 

Cutting 

16   2 1/2" squares from the colored fabrics

4    2 1/2"  squares from the black background fabric

8    3" squares from the colored fabrics (or whatever your preferred method calls for to make 16   2 1/2" half square triangles)

8    3" squares from the black background fabric (or whatever your method calls for to make 16   2 1/2" half square triangles)

 

Making the 16 Half Square Triangle Blocks please use the method that works best for you.  This is the method I used, it makes 2 half square triangles at a time:

Using the 3" squares of colored fabrics draw a line from one corner down the center of the square to the opposite corner. Place a colored square and a black square right sides together. Sew a 1/4" from the line on each side.  Cut the block in half on the drawn line, you will now have 2 half square triangles.  Open, press seam to the dark side, trim to 2 1/2". Make 16 of these.  

 

Assemble Rows of Blocks

 

 

 

Row 1  Will be a black square, then 2 half square triangles (watch the direction of your triangles, ask me how I know...) Press seams all going the same direction.

Row 2  will be 1 Half Square Triangle, then 2 colored squares, press seams opposite direction of Row 1

Row 3 will be 1 Half Square Triangle, then 2 colored squares, press seams in same direction of Row 1

Sew the rows together in the order listed.

Press the block, it should measure 6 1/2", make 4 of these

 

 

I hope you all enjoy making these blocks! I look forward to seeing what you all come up with!

Thank you -  Bretta

 

Crashing Hive 5, "Curved Legs" for Cathy

Dear All,

Crashing the party from Hive 1! 

I just couldn't resist preparing a block for my South Florida Modern Quilt Guild friend Cathy!

I did my best with those curves😏

Marie

Hive 5 September 2025 Tutorial - Rainbow Scrappy Chain Blocks for Erin

 Hi All!

It has been a little rainy around here over the past few days, so I wanted to brighten things up!

This is a fun block to make with the scraps you have laying around! 

This tutorial is based on the Scrappy Chains block by Cynthia Brunz

                    See her tutorial ---> here

We're going to change up the colors for a fun twist!

Soon you’ll have a ‘chain” of white/low volume squares

running through a rainbow of scraps.

COLOR INSPIRATION

Interesting Low Volumes

        White/gray-based low vol fabrics

        Fun/interesting prints are welcome!

Bright & Cheerful Colors

You don't need to stick to exactly these colors

         Plan to pull some clear bright colors

          Use your scraps! your colors don't have to perfectly match on either side of your lv square

COLORS TO AVOID:

    Red, Brown, black, muted colors, pastels

PRINTS TO AVOID:

    Christmas, patriotic, sports, batik

CUTTING LIST:

Low volume/white

(6) 2.5" x 2.5”

Pink -

(1)  2.5" x 10.5" rectangle

Purple

(1) 2.5" x 10.5" rectangle

Orange - scrappy, different fabrics for cuts

(1)  2.5"x2.5" square

(1)   2.5" x 8.5" rectangle

Blue - scrappy, different fabrics for cuts

(1)  2.5" x 2.5" square

(1)   2.5" x 8.5" rectangle

Yellow- scrappy, different fabrics for cuts

(1) 2.5" x 4.5" rectangle

(1)  2.5" X 6.5" rectangle

Green- scrappy, different fabrics for cuts

(1) 2.5" x 4.5" rectangle

(1)  2.5" X 6.5" rectangle

Lay out your fabrics, creating (6) strip sets with white squares between matching color strips

The white squares should form a diagonal “chain” going up from left to right

Strip Sets

Pink 2.5" x 10.5" +  low vol 2.5" x 2.5” 

Orange 2.5" x 2.5" + low vol 2.5" x 2.5”  + Orange  2.5" x 8.5"

Yellow 2.5" x 4.5" + low vol 2.5" x 2.5”  +  Yellow 2.5" X 6.5"

Green 2.5" x 4.5" + low vol 2.5" x 2.5”  + Green 2.5" X 6.5"

Blue 2.5" x 2.5" + low vol 2.5" x 2.5”  + Blue  2.5" x 8.5"

Purple 2.5" x 10.5" + low vol 2.5" x 2.5” 

Order your strip sets from left to right

Pink → Orange → Yellow → Green → Blue → Purple

low volume squares should rise "up"

from bottom left (pink) to top right (purple)

Sew low volume and color strips into strip sets

Press toward your color fabric

Sew strip sets into double strip sets (seen below)

Sew together your double strip sets to create your final block!

now

I hope you had a nice time!

Feel free to tag me @3normous on instagram if you're planning to post there

I am very excited to see the bright and fun blocks you make!

Erin - 3normous

Hive 5 Tutorial for July- Sampler

 July 6" Sampler Squares

This year, I am grateful to ask your help in making a sampler quilt for my nephew, Danny. 

I thought I would start with a little bit of information about the recipient. Danny is a 10-year-old boy who loves his family and his pets. He has two dogs, one cat, and three siblings, and loves being a big brother. His favorite subject is math, and his favorite colors are green and blue. He likes baseball and playing video games, but he is the kind of kid who does not answer his ringing iPad when friends call if he is spending time with his family. For Danny, nothing tastes better than his grandma's home cooking--he especially loves his grandma's turkey burgers or cheese tacos. 

I hope this provides you with some inspiration!

The Quilt

I struggled to come up with an idea for what to make Danny, and I finally decided on a sampler quilt. I already have a good number of 12" squares, and I would like your help to make 6" squares to mix in. The plan is to mix up blocks of different sizes. You can make ANY 6" (finished size) block you'd like. They should be 6.5" unfinished. Generations Quilt Patterns has a lot of options for inspiration.

These are some of the 12" blocks that I have received from another swap for this project.

Fabric Parameters: 

I am using Danny's favorite colors in this quilt: Blue and Green. If you need an additional background color, please use light to medium grey. 

Please avoid: 

• Florals 
• Girly themes (shoes, lipstick, etc)
• Overly childish themes (I want the quilt to grow with him)
• Greens that lean toward olive or mint. I am looking for brightly saturated green

Here is my fabric pull for the project. You can see batiks, light denim, solids, patterns, and blenders.

Tutorial

As I mentioned above, any 6" block is perfect! You can use traditional piecing, FPP, appliqué, improve, you name it. Just make sure the unfinished size is 6.5". For the sake of this tutorial, I am going to lead you through making a Double Pin Wheel from Generations Quilt Patterns.

Step 1: Cut Fabric

• Background - Cut (1) 4.5" square, then subcut it twice diagonally, corner to corner. You now have 4 triangles.
• Accent Color - Cut (1) 4.5" square, then subcut it twice diagonally, corner to corner. You now have 4 triangles.
• Main Color - Cut (2) 4" squares, then cut each once diagonally. You now have four larger triangles

Here are my cuts. The grey is the background; the green is the accent, and the blue is the main color.

Step 2: QST

With right sides together, align the edges of one background triangle with one accent fabric triangle. Stitch them together along a straight edge (not the bias) to form a quarter square triangle. Press to the darker fabric. Repeat with three other sets.

Here is what my QSTs look like.

Step 2: Quarter Units

Sew each QST to a larger, main fabric triangle. Be careful and make sure all of your smaller units look the same. Trim to 3.5" inches. 

If you've sewn everything correctly, you can easily make a pinwheel by rotating each block 90 degrees 

 

This is what it looks like when you mess up. Try not to do this!

Step 3: Assemble Block

Sew units together so that they create the double pinwheel block. Press the rows in alternating directions so the seams nest. Press however is most comfortable for you, and trim to 6.5". 

Here is my finished double pinwheel! Thanks for sewing, and I am looking forward to seeing what you come up with. 

Note that I my centers do not line up perfectly. I don't mind if yours are a little off either :)

 

Hive 5 May Tutorial - Kaleidoscope for Emily

 

A kaleidoscope is a constantly shifting pattern of colors, shapes, and reflections—a little handheld burst of magic. That’s exactly what inspired the Kaleidoscope quilt. Designed in bold shades of bright orange and pink, this quilt is all about movement, energy, and joyful surprise. Just like looking through a real kaleidoscope, every angle reveals something new.

What you need:

Color

 

Bright Pink or Orange 

It can be solid or it should read as a solid (from a few feet away). Here are a few samples I pulled from what I have. 

 

Low Volume 

These can be solid white, low volume, or white on white.

Here are a few samples from my stash

 

What you need:

Cuts

I used 5" blocks from my stash.

2 - 3 ½” low volume squares

4  - 5" low volume squares

4 - 5" Bright pink or Orange squares

Each block is made from 8 triangles wedges – 4 low volume (light) and 4 pink or orange (dark).  You can do pink and orange or only pink or orange; just please use 4 different prints for the (dark) fabrics.

See cutting template 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Apnk3-xOzLHXn_6FR-cCAQd5n0a1n18W/view?usp=sharing

Or you can use a 45° triangle ruler like the Creative Grids Spider or Quilt in a Day. Line the fabric up to the 5" line.

Sewing

Take one light and one dark triangle wedge and stitch them together along one long side. Repeat with 3 more pairs of triangles wedges (for a total of 4). Press seam allowances to dark side.

Sew two of these pairs together to form half blocks.  Press seam allowances to dark side.

Sew two half blocks together, making sure to match up the middle seam intersections as shown.

Press the seams towards the dark fabric.

Corner triangles: Take the 2 - 3 ½” squares. Cut each square in half from corner to corner along the
diagonal. You need a total of 4 for the block.

 Sew corner triangles onto the light triangle wedges to make the block square. Press seam allowances away from the center and toward the outside corners. Trim off excess; your block should be 8 3/4" square.

Because the block is small it was suggested I could ask for 2 blocks.  If you want to and have time; you can make an additional block but sew corner triangles onto the dark triangle wedges to make the block square. Press seam allowances towards the center. Trim off excess; your block should be 8 3/4" square.

 
 I know each of your interpretation of this block will add a new layer of energy and personality to the design—and I’m so here for it.  Thanks for making it with me!

 

Hive 5 April Tutorial- Scrappy Star for Debbie

 I want to make a new quilt for my youngest grandson.  I have asked him what colors he would like and my dear Jensen said red and white.   Seriously, I had suggested red and blue, but no, he repeated emphatically red and white. White for a boy who is 9??( which changed my whole idea of what block to choose. 

So I am going to choose something somewhat simple . I found this awesome video and pattern. 

Scrappy Star  

 ( Pattern and directions from Teresa Down Under) (FYI new pattern every week on youtube)

Finished size 12 1/2 inches 

Link of 3 minute video instructions:    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42I-0idw4_U

I am going to be rather detailed on instructions to give pointers. Please don't be offended if I include too much.  (I just thought it might be a teachable moment. )

Colors red prints for background   and white or white on white for center star.

Please no Christmas or girly prints; it is for a BOY

Cutting directions: 

White or white on white

 One  3 1/2 inch square  and                 Eight   2  inch squares

Red prints:   Can be red/white   even small flowers    Fabric pull  video shows more white.  

I am ok with some of them mixed in.

Four 5 inch squares   and                  Eight 2 by 5 inch rectangles

Lay out block to contrast fabrics and balance brights

Draw diagonal lines on the white small squares from corner to corner.  I used a washable pen, that didn't have much ink in it.  Where is my Frixion pen when I need it?

Lay white squares on center strips making sure to have alternate angles of drawn line on squares.

Mine are barely seen.

Sew just inside the diagonal line picking up one strip at a time and leaving in chain. ( So you don't lose the order. )  Press to half square and cut off excess on the back.

This is purely optional, but helpful.

Sew 2 center strips together matching the diagonal corner at the top.   Press open to avoid bulk at top of V.  ( I used something called a strip stick which really helps . It is a padded strip flat on the bottom, rounded on the top. They have new wool ones, but are more expensive.

)  

Notice I also have a wool mat that I cover in a scrap fabric and pin it on the sides.  It is easy to change it out and wash the cover as it gathers stains from my Best Press and threads. 

Lay block back out; fold column 2 onto column one and chain stitch leaving threads between sections.

This is called webbing and helps to keep things in place, not that I haven't turned around some.

Once this is sewn, lay back out and now fold column 3 onto column 2 and stitch together again chain piecing the 3 sections together.   ( Forgot picture for this step.)

Fold down and place  row 1 onto row 2.      Notice I pressed in the direction of the bulky seams;  for the center row that means towards the white square.   For rows  1 and 3 away from the center block because of the side seam of the diagonal white star point.  The 2 seams will nest together.  I pin with extra fine pins just before the intersection .  ( And you can tell the quilt police I sew over them, too :but very slowly.)  

 

Follow the same procedure for row 2 onto row 3. Clip webbing strings.

I pressed the rows open, but the columns to each side. ( This is for when I assemble the quilt.  

And it is finished: a 12 1/2 inch red and white scrappy star block.

Thanks for making a block for me.  

Any questions, let me know.