Seeing the Big Picture Before You Sew

Understanding how the block goes together will make all the cuts and stitching make more sense.

The Bear Paw Quilt Block is really a block made up of 4 paw print blocks (each rotated 90 degrees), a center square and sashing – or rectangles – separating the main paw prints.

You can see the main Paw Print section (figure 1) below and then how it will all come together. (figure 2)

The key to success with the Bear Paw is to choose fabrics with good contrast – either in color or shade (dark and light) so all the work you will put into creating it shows!

Preparing your Fabric Pieces

Sew using scant ¼″ seam allowances and press towards the darker fabric when construction the Bear Paw quilt block.

Decide what size block you want to create and cut your fabric according to the Chart below.

STEP 1: Create 4 half-square triangles (HST)

You will need SIXTEEN (yes -16!) HSTs to create your Bear Paw block.

• Place the FABRIC 1 and FABRIC 2 squares – the sizes you cut 8 of each print – right sides together.
• Draw a line diagonally on one square. (figure 1)
• Stitch ¼″ to each side of the line. (figure 2)

• Cut on the diagonal line you drew originally. (figure 3)
• Press towards the darker color fabric.
• Trim your HST to measure 1⅜″ for the 6″ block, 2¼″ for the 12″ block. (figure 4)

STEP 2: Assemble Half Square Units

Next you will join two HST squares to create the claws. Pay close attention to the direction when assembling – the top claws are put together differently than the side claws. You will create (4) of each as shown below. (figure 5)

TIP: Place your squares in the direction they need to be then
clip the edges to sew before moving to your sewing machine –
this will save using your seam ripper! (figure 6)

---

STEP 3: Assemble the Bear Paw Section

SEW left sections to right sections, then top row to the bottom to create the Bear Claw section. (figure 7)

Repeat to create 4 sections.

STEP 4: Assemble the Bear Paw Block

To assemble your Bear Paw Block – lay the pieces on your table as shown.  (figure 8)

Sew each row together and press seams.

Sew the three rows together.

— LOVE THIS IDEA? —

Be sure to save it to Pinterest and follow me for more ideas and resources for sewing, crafting and creative living.

If you make this or other projects and post on Instagram, be sure to tag me (@artisttarareed). Follow my YouTube channel for new sewing projects and tips every week.

Tara Reed

P.S. Is there a sewing tutorial you’d love to see? Leave me a comment and I’ll add it to my idea list!