It's week 8 of the Riley Blake quilt block challenge and this week we're tackling the classic Bear Paw quilt block. Would you believe this is the first time I've ever made a Bear Paw quilt block? I really enjoyed it!
As with weeks past, I'm making 6" x 6" and 12" x 12" finished blocks using fabric from my Sugarhouse Park fabric collection for Riley Blake Designs.
Scroll down below to find links to instructions for all of the past week's blocks in 6" and 12" sizes.
This week's block tutorial is by Amanda Castor of Material Girl Quilts.
CLICK HERE for Bear Paw Quilt Block Tutorial
Amanda's excellent tutorial has instructions for a 12" x 12" version as well as a mini 6" x 6" block shown here made by Melanie Collette of Hello Melly Designs.
Instead of piecing the teeny-tiny full version I took the lazy way 😉 and made my 6" x 6" blocks as single "claw". Here's how I did that, in case you want to take that route as well.
For each block cut:
"Claw" - 1 square 4.5" x 4.5" and 2 squares 3" x 3"
Background - 2 squares 3" x 3" and 1 square 2.5" x 2.5"
Match up both sets of a 3" x 3" 'claw' and background square right sides together. Draw a diagonal line on back of background square. Use Half Square Triangle short-cut method to create 2 sets of 2 Half Square Triangles (HST's). Square up HST's to 2 ½" x 2 ½".
Lay out blocks in this format. Use layout to sew block together.
(See Amanda's tutorial if you need assembly help.)
In case you missed or are looking for the previous blocks for the quilt along you can find all of them linked below If you’re sewing along with us make sure to use the hashtag #RBDBlockChallenge if you share you blocks on Instagram. You can see blocks other people are making here.
Week 1 - Churn Dash
Week 2 - Log Cabin
Week 3 - Friendship Star
Week 4 - Economy Block
Week 5 - Nine Patch
Week 6 - Shoo Fly Block
Week 7 - Sawtooth Star
A few people have asked me about fabric requirements for this quilt along. Because this is an informal block challenge without a specific pattern, there's not a list of specific fabric requirements. It's a great project for using up stash or leftover scraps.
Bear Claw Quilt Block Pattern Inspiration
Each week when we share a new block, I like to share a little inspiration of what can be done with this classic quilt block, including quilts that this traditional block a modern twist.
This super fun, scrappy Bear Claw quilt version is a tutorial from Wendy's Quilts and More
Here's another scrappy version using a single 'claw' block. This version was made by Heidi Staples of Fabric Mutt using this tutorial by Rita of Red Pepper Quilts (one of my favorite sources for scrappy inspiration).
Look how stunning this block looks set on point! It changes the whole design dynamic. This image and quilt are from a tutorial from the Fat Quarter Shop.
This variation is made by Jeni of In Color Order shows the modern potential of this classic block using by supersizing it and adding a pieced monochromatic background. The tutorial for this 39" x 39" Bear Claw quilt is found at In Color Order.
And check out how amazing this supersized version is! Heidi of Fabric Mutt combines classic Log Cabin blocks and Half-Square Triangles to make this really fun variation.
As with every quilt block, it's so fun to see how playing with scale, color, fabric placement, etc can create a whole new design. I hope this post gives you a bunch of new inspiration for playing with Bear Claw quilt blocks.
Karmen Bryant
New to your blog and loving it!
Amy
Thanks, Karmen!
Kristi
Thanks for a very inspirational post. I love the Bear Paw Block and a quilt made with this block is still on my "to-do" list!
Gwyn
This is such a cool block in any fabric and any size, Thank you!
Kathy
This is my first quilt-a-long/challenge. I am enjoying all these classic blocks, being a fairly new quilter. Thanks for all the inspiration!
Amy
Wonderful! I'm so glad!
Melody White
I have been following this block challenge and I have made each block in both sizes but that bear paw.....that 6" one took a trip to the trash can. Thank you for the "single" paw alternative....
Rachel Anderson
Your corners are so *crisp*!! Very impressive. Any tips or secrets?