Embrace the wonderful world of quilting by crafting a piece of history – the Honey Bee Quilt Block. This delightful pattern, initially introduced in August 1929, blends both piecing and appliqué techniques to bring the buzzing honey bee to life. This tutorial will provide a step-by-step guide on how to recreate this charming piece, perfect for the quilting enthusiast looking to expand their skills and create something truly unique.
Materials Needed
Before embarking on our quilting journey, let’s assemble our tools and materials:
Fabric Requirements:
- Background Fabric: (2) 4¾” strips cut into (4) 4¾” squares for outside corners, (4) 4¾” x 8″ lattice, and (4) 3″ squares for the center
- Dark Blue Fabric: (1) 5″ x 20″ strip
- Medium Red Fabric: (1) 5″ x 10″ strip
- Orange Fabric: (5) 3″ squares
Interfacing:
- Non-woven Lightweight Fusible: (1) 5″ x 10″ strip and (1) 4½” x 19″ strip
Supplies:
- Permanent marking pen
- Template plastic
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Creating the Nine-Patch Center
- Layout: Place the five orange squares and four background squares in a checkerboard pattern. This forms the basis for your nine-patch center.
- Sewing: Flip the squares of the second row onto the squares of the first row. Sew these together using a scant ¼” seam allowance.
- Row Completion: Unfold the sewn pieces and add the last row. Press the seams toward the orange squares. This helps keep your square flat and tidy.
- Finishing: Press the final seam away from the center. The completed nine-patch center should now measure 8″ square.
Step 2: Adding Borders
- Preparation: Layout the background border pieces. This includes the four 4¾” squares for the outside corners and the four 4¾” x 8″ lattice pieces.
- Sewing: Attach these border pieces to the nine-patch center, replicating the technique used for creating the center. Remember to use a scant ¼” seam allowance.
- Finishing: Press the seams toward the lattice to complete the bordered center.
Step 3: Making Appliqué Pieces
- Template Creation: Trace the bee body and wings patterns onto the template plastic. Carefully cut these out to form your appliqué templates.
- Interfacing: On the non-woven fusible interfacing, with the smooth side up, trace around your bee body and wings templates using your permanent marking pen. Leave a ½” space between each shape.
- Pinning: Pin the rough, fusible side of interfacing to the right side of the appropriate fabric color.
- Sewing: Sew along your traced lines, making sure to overlap your beginning and ending stitches for a secure finish.
- Trimming: Carefully trim away fabric ¼” from your stitching line. Then cut a small hole in the center of the interfacing.
- Turning: Turn the interfacing right side out through the hole you cut. Press the edges with a wooden iron to achieve crisp edges.
- Placement: Position the bee body and wings onto the corners of the bordered nine-patch center.
- Adherence: Following the manufacturer’s instructions, apply steam to adhere the appliqué pieces to the block.
- Final Stitch: Secure your appliqué pieces by machine sewing around the outside edges. Use invisible thread and a blind hem stitch, or matching thread and a blanket stitch, to keep your appliqué in place.
Full Pattern: Click Here
Congratulations! You’ve now successfully crafted a delightful Honey Bee Quilt Block. The blend of piecing and appliqué techniques provides a unique charm, showcasing not only the beauty of quilting but also your growing skills. Remember, every stitch adds to your mastery, so continue practicing and exploring new patterns.
Quilting is not just about creating stunning work; it’s about the journey and the story each quilt block narrates. So keep sewing, keep improving, and, most importantly, keep enjoying the art of quilting.
