Bear Paw

The Bear Paw quilt block is an easy block using basic shapes, with a versatility that can make any quilt rock! It can be used a lot with scraps, and also with solids.

via @karlaye

A little bit of history

via Judy Anne Breneman (womenfolk.com)

Bear Paw quilt patterns probably originate from Sawtooth blocks, that were popular in many forms. Recent stories include the Bear's Paw as having been used as a part of the Underground Railroad. This makes a wonderful tale of how the Bear Paw quilt signaled escaping slaves that they needed to follow the tracks, perhaps to find water or shelter. We need to realize there is no evidence that quilts were used during the Underground Railroad yet at the same time understand how these stories honor the brave people who escaped slavery and those who helped them.

via Needle in a Hayes Stack Quilt Patterns

Cutting Instructions for the Bear Paw quilt block

Always be careful of the colors you are choosing. They can easily mess up your block (or quilt) or on the contrary, make it shine! I prefer to make a test block before cutting pieces for the whole quilt. It makes me more confident to continue and make the whole thing. On the other hand if you are more of an improvisational quilter, than go ahead and cut!!

Remember FINISHED SIZE means the size it will be in a completed quilt. The measurements given already have the ¼ inch allowance included.

via @avidvintageshop2
via @porcupinestew_threads

Video tutorial of the Bear Paw quilt block

I hope you will enjoy this video tutorial on how to make the BEAR PAW quilt block and don't forget to subscribe to my channel for more quilt blocks!



Comments