It's a bear of a block...the Bear Paw quilt block. This step-by-step process is made easy with Jean Wells, quilter and author of
Patchwork Quilts Made Easy and host Alex Anderson. Beginner quilters may want to use only two fabrics, one fabric for the background and one fabric for the bear paw. A more advanced quilter may be more challenged by completing this quilt with a scrappy look.
Materials:
two or more contrasting fabrics
rotary cutter
cutting mat
ruler
bias square ruler
Steps for one 12-inch block using five contrasting fabrics:
Cutting (figure A)
Cut from fabric:
- unit A: four 3-3/4-inch squares
- unit B: four 2-1/8-inch squares
- unit C: eight 2-1/2-inch squares for claw and eight 2-1/2-inch squares for background
- unit D: four 2-3/4" x 5-3/8" rectangles
- unit E: one 2-3/4-inch square
Cutting tips
- When cutting unit C for this block, place background fabric and "claw" fabric right sides together. Fold the fabric in half and then in quarters.
- Make sure a clean edge has been created for straight cutting (figure B).
- A shorter ruler is easier to maneuver when cutting fabric.
- When lining up the ruler to the fabric, always double check that the fabric lines up both at the top and side of the ruler.
- The bias square ruler is useful when cutting squares.
- Watch your fingers while using a rotary blade. A good rule of thumb is to bring the hand holding the ruler in by 1/2 inch to an inch away from the edge and rotary blade. Always keep safety in mind by closing the rotary blade after each cut.
- If the blade is becoming dull on the rotary cutter, going across twice over the fabric may ensure a cleaner cut.
- After cutting the squares (for the claws), the squares need to be cut diagonally (figure C). Because the fabrics were layered for cutting--after this cut has been made--the triangles are ready for sewing.
Sewing tips
- Here's a time saving tip to incorporate with chain stitching. Before stitching the triangles together, begin with a "bunny tail." This is a piece of fabric about an inch wide that's folded in half. Place the bunny tail in the sewing machine and with the pressure foot down, stitch through it. Once at the end of the bunny tail, and without lifting the pressure foot, start feeding the triangle pieces into the machine. (figure D). This technique works for any repetitive sewing. End the chain stitching with another bunny tail.
- When chain stitching it does not matter which side is up, light or dark. It's best to be consistent.
Pressing tips
- Whenever possible, press towards the darker fabric. This may lessen the sight of seams.
- It's important to move the iron in an up and down motion versus a sliding around motion.
- By pressing both the backside and front side of the piece will ensure a more uniform press.
Block assembly:
1. After pressing the 1/2-inch square triangles (unit C) cut or trim the bunny ears to clean up the square (figure E).
2. To put this block together, lay the pieces out for units A, B, and C, to make sure each piece is going in the correct direction. Because there are four "paws " per block, stack for four blocks or paws (figure F).
3. To create unit C, stitch two 1/2-inch square triangles (claws) together, right sides together. Do all four at the same time. Chain stitching will save time. Press seams.
4. Stitch unit A to unit C. Stitch unit B to unit C and press seams towards unit B. It's important that the seams match when adding joined units A/C to joined units B/C. Correct pressing will allow the units to nest when stitching together.
5. Stitch units A, B and C together to complete the paw. Continue until all four paws have been completed.
6. Stitch completed units A, B and C to one of the D units. Press seams.
7. Stitch together the first unit D, unit E and second unit D. Press seams.
8. At this point, there should be three combined units. Join all units to complete the Bear Paw block.
Bear Paw variations
- One wonderful way to display the Bear Paw block is in the Amish style. To accomplish this, use dark fabric for the paws and light fabric for the background (figure G).
- Create a completely different look by using only two differing fabrics. A large print works best for this. Add a special touch by using the same colored background fabric in the border, bordered a second time with the paw fabric and finished off with sashing (figure H).
- A scrappy Bear Paw quilt is a great way to use up fabric scraps. Cutting a number of squares, backgrounds, and points then stitching them together does not require a lot of planning. Deciding where each paw would be placed would need some planning . This would be a great design challenge for a quilting group (figure I)!
- How about using just the "paw" unit for a Bear Paw quilt (figure J)? This will create a whole other design. This design is set on a diagonal setting or "on point."
Resources Jennifer Sampou Fabric
Jennifer Sampou designed fabrics are available in local fabric stores, however, the designs featured in this episode may not be available.
Robert Kaufmann Co. Inc.
129 W. 132nd St.
Los Angeles, CA 90061
USA
Phone: 310-538-3482
Toll Free Phone: 800-877-2066
Patchwork Quilts Made Easy
by Jean Wells (ISBN: 0875966284)
This title is out of print. Consult local libraries, used book stores or click
here for Amazon.com's book search.
Guests Jean Wells
Author, Quiltmaker, Instructor, Shop Owner, The Stitchin' Post
Website:
www.stitchinpost.com
Also in this Episode
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