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.
FABRIC 1: Send me To the Woods Pinecones Cream
- (1) 3.5″ square (for center)
- (2) 4″ squares (for half square triangles – HST)
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″.
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.
Sew the 3 blocks together in each of the 3 rows.
Press seams (open or towards the darker fabric – whichever you prefer)
Sew the three rows together to create the block.
Press seams open.
As easy as that your block is complete!
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:
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Look for the Send Me to the Woods fabric in your local fabric store or online. CLICK HERE to find a location near you >