Shoofly Quilt Block Tutorial by Tara Reed

FREE QUILT BLOCK TUTORIAL: Shoofly Block

Want to learn to sew a versatile quilt block? The Shoofly Block is great for projects small and large and quick to put together!

This tutorial creates a 9″ block – a chart follows to show how to create a 6 or 12″ block as well.

All seams are sewn at scant 1/4″

For this example I used 2 prints from my Send Me to the Woods Fabric sold by Riley Blake Designs.

Send Me To the Woods Fabric bolts

FABRIC 1: Send me To the Woods Pinecones Cream

  • (1) 3.5″ square (for center)
  • (2) 4″ squares (for half square triangles – HST)
Send Me to the Woods Fabric by Tara Reed

FABRIC 2: Send me To the Woods Forest Green

  • (4) 3.5″ squares (for outer squares)
  • (2) 4″ squares (for half square triangles – HST)

Use the chart below for cutting directions for different sized blocks.

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

 

Place the FABRIC 1 and FABRIC 2 squares, right sides together. (You will make 2 sets which will create the four corners of your block)

Draw a line diagonally on one square.

(NOTE: If you are using directional fabric on the HSTs (half square triangles) you need to draw your lines and sew in opposite directions on the sets of two squares – otherwise you will have trees that are upside-down on your finished block (not ideal!)

Stitch 1/4″ to each side of the line. 

Cut on the diagonal line you drew originally.

Press towards the darker color fabric.

Square the HSTs to 3.5″.

Shoofly Quilt Block - Tutorial from Tara Reed
Shoofly Quilt Block Tutorial by Tara Reed
cutting HST blocks
Shoofly Quilt Block Tutorial by Tara Reed

STEP 2: Assemble the Shoofly Quilt Block

 

Layout the squares to form the block – paying attention to directionality of the trees if using the same fabric as in my sample.

Shoofly Quilt Block - Tutorial from Tara Reed

Sew the 3 blocks together in each of the 3 rows.

Press seams (open or towards the darker fabric – whichever you prefer)

Shoofly Quilt Block - Tutorial from Tara Reed

Sew the three rows together to create the block.

Press seams open.

As easy as that your block is complete!

 

Shoofly Quilt Block - Tutorial from Tara Reed

Pretty quick and easy – have a creative day!

– Tara Reed

P.S. If you make this block I’d love to see it!

Tag me on Instagram: @artisttarareed
Share it on Pinterest: pinterest.com/artisttarareed

P.P.S. Want to see more free projects using my  Send Me to the Woods Fabric? CLICK HERE >

Materials Used in this Project:

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  It’s one of the ways I support my site.

Craft Sewing Clips

Look for the Send Me to the Woods fabric in your local fabric store or online.  CLICK HERE to find a location near you >