Honey Bee

Wow this was a fun block. But also horroring. The Honey Bee block has a pieced nine patch center and applique corners. I wanted to turn my applique edges. However to my horror, my hands no longer allow me to manage such small tasks. This was a shock. But I broke down and finished the block using raw edge. However in the templates I have also included 1/4 borders so anyone can choose. Raw or Turned edge.

Cutting

4 – 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 square background patches

4 – 3 1/2 x 6 1/2″ rectangle Background

9 – 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 square 5 patches accent fabric and 4 patches background fabric

Note: will need some accent scrape to use for applique.

Honey-Bee-Cutting Download

Piecing Nine Patch

here are the cut squares for my nine patch. Since I am using a fat quarter bundle from Anthology Batiks, called Loveable. I choose to accent colors. I cut 4 squares my main red and then 1 square a orange accent for the center block.

Using standard 1/4″ seam allowance (#97D foot for my Bernina 590). make your nine patch any method you choose. I actually used cut squares with Seam Align Glue for accuracy. however you may choose any method .

Adding Border

Once the nine patch is complete stitch a 3 1/2 x 6 1/2 unit on two opposite sides. And sew a 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 square to the 2 remaing 3 1/2 x 6 1/2 inch strips using your standard 1/4 inch seam allowance.

Now stitch using a 1/4 inch seam allowance the 12 1/2 x 3 1/2 inch strips to the other two sides of your nine patch block. Being careful to match your seams. I pressed my seams out.

Applique

Honey-Bee-Templates Download

Now using the templates provided. cut your applique pieces using scraps within your color range or fabric. (note: you need 2 D pieces. These pieces are angled to fit currently.

adhere your applique pieces to each corner using the layout on the template sheet. I used Elmer’s Glue Stick for the process. After all pieces are placed in the proper position, use a warm iron to secure the glue.

Using a 2mm x 2mm blanket stitch I secured my applique pieces. Proceed slowly to have smooth accurate curvers. (I used Amann Mettler Saba 150wt corespun polyester thread color 3000 (Candlewick), which is nearly invisible) Note I removed my paper templates as I prepared to stitch the pieces down.