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| Bear Paw Quilt Block |
It can be so comforting to plunge your hands into a traditional quilt block. It brings us back in time to generations of makers who sat by the same natural light, matching seams and clipping threads. Whether you are looking to put together a rustic but nicely put together project to add to your quilting queue or you have a specific challenge in mind, the classic Bear Paw Quilt Block pattern from The Fat Quarter Shop is an amazing beginning.
So, when you examine the above design, you can see why this design has been around for more than 100 years. The block is based on simple, precise geometry and little half-square triangles (HSTs) are little "claws" around a big "paw pad" square. See how the block on the left has a high contrast to tone, with a sharp focus, while the block on the right has rich, earthy prints and a colorful sashing. Toni Lovelady's design interpretation embodies just this versatility: a clean framework that respects the historic roots of this block while being extremely adaptable for modern makers.
In the sample downloadable pattern from the Fat Quarter Shop you'll get a very well organized guide for cutting the fabric and putting together the blocks! This block is just a dream come true for this girl with an afternoon to burn and a knack for chain-piecing! The structural magic is all on the accuracy of those HSTs. The whole block is a singing block if your points are sharp. The key to knocking this layout is to open or turn your seams to the light or dark side. This reduces the accumulation of bulk that is formed at the tips of claws where they meet several seams together naturally.
In addition to the individual block design, the ability of these units to come together to make a complete layout is extraordinary. The sashing strips and contrasting cornerstone squares help the dense patchwork from overwhelming, while holding an aged appearance. Sashing strips and contrasting squares between the main quadrants help to maintain an aged look without crowding the dense patchwork. It adds literal space on the quilt surface so that your favorite fabric prints can take center stage. This pattern can be made from a coordinated fat quarter bundle or from a favorite 'scrap bin' - either way, the results are a solid framework that you will be very happy with in the end.
Final Thought
Newer quilters can sometimes be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of point matching in the Bear Paw block, but quitting the block by following Toni Lovelady's simple pattern makes it easy and satisfying to piece. It strikes a balance between the historical charm and structure clarity. Now just grab your rotary cutter, select a very contrasting palette and have fun creating these lovely paws on your cutting mat.
Full Pattern: Bear Paw Quilt Block Free PDF Pattern
