Teal Flower Block Tutorial

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This week I did the free motion applique on my rainbow blocks. I also have had several requests for the pattern for the blocks so I worked on that too!

Closeup of teal string applique block
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Making these quilt blocks is a great way to use up your scraps of fabric.

Applique Teal String quilt block

Below you will find the teal block tutorial and I will get the pink and blue one done soon.

Teal Flower Block Tutorial

I also made the blue quilt block again so it would be the same size as the pink and teal blocks and I made a pillow with the 18-inch quilt block. Be sure to check out that blog post.

18 inch Applique Flower Pillow on couch

My scrap box only had a few narrow strips of teal so I had to raid my fat quarters. I love teal…..hmmmm….I seem to say that with all colors!

I made another one of my string flower blocks and then added a border of HSTs.

For my Rainbow Scraps, I decided to use my AccuQuilt Die Cutter machine and the Go Value die.

The die cuts 2-inch squares, half-square triangles (HSTs), and 4-inch squares (finished sizes). As you can see I am just cutting the HSTs so I cut my fabric into 3 1/2 inch strips and then fold the fabric to cover the section of the die I want to cut.

Using the AccuQuilt GO! cutter and die to make my HST quilt pieces

The dog-eared corners on the die make it very easy to use. I am using my vintage 15-91 Singer sewing machine, it is my favorite!

Piecing the HST blocks on my vintage 15-91 Singer

Quilt block tutorial
12½” x 12½” quilt block

String quilt block

There first thing to do is to make a 7-inch string block out of neutral fabrics. I like using telephone book pages and then stitch my strips to that. For this block, I used narrow strips ranging from 3/4 inch to 2 inches.  Use a small stitch.

I usually iron my block each time I sew on a new strip. Once I have covered the complete block I carefully remove the telephone book page and then press and starch. Then I square it up to a 6 1/2″ square.

Applique template

The pattern for the applique flower is at the end of the post, I used Wonder Under for my applique and did raw edge stitching.

Square in a square

Cut two – 5-inch squares, you really only need 4 7/8″ squares but I find it is better to go a little bigger and trim down afterward. Cut them diagonally and sew to the string block center as shown using a 1/4″ stitch.

Teal Flower Block Tutorial diagrams

Half-square Triangles

Now cut the following out of assorted teal and neutral scraps. You are going to make HSTs (half-square triangles). Mark a line diagonally on the wrong side of a neutral square and place a teal block right side up underneath.

Sew a 1/4″ seam along both sides of the line. Cut along diagonal line and press. Trim the block to 2 1/2″ square.

Teal Flower Block Tutorial

Sew the block together

Following is the diagram to show you how to arrange the blocks and stitch them together. I sewed 4 blocks together first and added them to the top and bottom of the string block.

Teal Flower Block Tutorial

Then I add the side rows.

Teal Flower Block Tutorial

Here is the completed block which should measure 12 1/2″.

Teal Flower Block Tutorial

You can download the Applique Flower template here.

I hope you enjoy the block tutorial, I have to admit I have really been having fun working in Photoshop on my diagrams….now I have to get back to quilting!

Teal Flower Block Tutorial

I have some exciting news to share tomorrow and…..I might have a photo of the river without ice on it!

Last week I showed how I used the AccuQuilt die for half-square triangles which is the way I really prefer to make them.

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Connie with her dogs

About Connie

Hi, I’m Connie Kresin Campbell, the quilter, writer, and photographer behind Freemotion By the River. I enjoy inspiring others with my quilt tutorials and patterns. You’ll also see my sweet adopted dogs from time to time.

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22 Comments

  1. Doreen Sherk says:

    Happy Mother’s Day.
    I really like that flower block and your free motion quilting on it.
    I think I will give that a go. Thank you for putting the cutting instructions in as I don’t have an acu cut.
    Enjoy your Mother’s Day tomorrow.
    Thanks, Doreen Sherk

  2. Oh, yes!!! Nice and easy. Love these flower applique blocks and the fact that the block is 12″ or so when finished, is a bonus. Can knock quilts out in less time. Thanks, Connie

  3. Marga Smith says:

    Thank you so much for all the lovely ideas I get everytime, I really like them

  4. Robyn Lidstone says:

    This is a great stash buster project. I’d be making a pillow as it can be on show.
    I can also visualise three of these squares for a table runner – two with flower facing upwards and the middle one facing downwards.
    Thanks, Connie for the instructions which are always so easy to follow.

  5. Diane Dunham says:

    I love these flower blocks! Thank you for the tutorial!

  6. G Stanton says:

    Have been using up what was on hand, since start of pandemic. Many of the 23 tops were string blocks. Have grown tired of using scraps from the same bucket. This is the answer to new design inspiration and will use the previously under-used lights/low volume strips. Thank you for your continued inspiration and marvelous tutorials. Appreciate your sharing of knowledge and talents.

    1. I’m so glad you like it! I love using scraps and strings for background blocks.

  7. Josephine says:

    Great block and guilt-buster. The use of leftovers, fancy sewing machine stitches and more make this a must-try block. Just fun and great to ring in Spring. This one just makes me smile.

  8. I love this block, Connie. The scrappy neutrals are wonderful and the appliqué in the dark thread is perfect.

  9. yes indeed an inspiring tutorial, many thanks. I will ahve to try and make some of these beautiful blocks up.
    Im now following by email, mind you stalking might be more appropriate, just love the string centre, off point idea!

  10. Lorette Cole says:

    Great project and beautiful flower blocks! Thanks for the tutorial!

  11. Lorna McMahon says:

    Those flower blocks are gorgeous, Connie! Love the fmq applique. That looks like fun! Thanks so much for sharing the tutorial and template. Sweet!

  12. Jean Belle says:

    Wonderful block! and such a nice tutorial. I've never tried raw edge embroidery before.

  13. Joyce Carter says:

    Thank you so much, Connie, for taking the time to put all of this together. Your tutorial is great–very simple and easy to follow. i am really loving your blocks.
    It is feeling more like Spring here. The weather has been very nice and is supposed to stay like this for a couple of days. There have been a lot of birds in the yard, too. I am enjoying hearing them sing every day. Have a great weekend!

  14. Nell's Quilts says:

    Thanks for putting together the tutorial. The block is lovely and I appreciate seeing up close the stitching.

  15. Valerie Reynolds says:

    I continue to love your use of the neutrals with the colors….so very pretty. Esp.love the details you added to each flower!!! Thanks for the tutorial too. Happy Weekend!

  16. I just love your tutorial! You make them so easy to understand! Thanks so much for all the time you spend to share with all of us. Now, I can't wait to see what the surprise is tomorrow. Also glad the river is melting. Have a wonderful day.

  17. Podunk Pretties says:

    Great tutorial! Thanks. I'm so in love with your string block. I've been digging through the scraps and making a plan for my own blocks.