This block is a modern take on the traditional bear paw quilt block, i.e. modern traditionalism in modern quilting. It is based on a free Redford Quilt pattern by Meghan Buchanan of thencamejune and @thencamejune on Instagram.
It does not have the traditional cornerstones in the centre and it uses skinny 3/8″ sashing. You can read about the pattern on her blog and there is a link to download the free pattern if you would like to make one for yourself:
https://thencamejune.com/blogs/blog/redford-quilt-the-teddy-bear-one
Fabric Colours
For this block lotto we are going to use the same colours as on the blog and we are aiming for a cheerful, scrappy look. You’ll need:
- bright and modern pinks (can be peachy/orangey/reddish), yellows, and softer-medium blue/turquoise
- quieter low volume fabric
- solid fabric for the inside sashing
Block size: 14 3/8″ square (unfinished). One claw is 7 ¼” square.
Fabric Requirements for One Bloc
Bear Paw Cuts – Colourful Fabrics
4 – 5″ squares
8 – 3 ½” squares
Background Cuts – Low Volume Fabrics
4 – 2 ¾” squares
8 – 3 ½” squares
Sashing Cuts – Solid Colourful Fabrics
2 – 7/8″ x 7 ¼“
1 – 7/8″ x 14 3/8″
Making the Bear Paw Block
- Take 2 of the 3 ½” background squares and 2 of the 3 ½” bear paw squares. Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of 2 bear paw squares.
- Place 1 bear paw square and 1 background square right sides together.
- Sew a ¼” seam along each side of the line.
- Cut on the drawn line.
- You now have 2 half square triangles (HST). Iron seam gently to the darker side. Trim these to 2 ¾” making sure to not cut off the points. Repeat with the rest of the squares.
6. Layout the bear paws, squares and sashing cuts beside your sewing machine. Make sure the half square triangles are facing the correct way. The low volume should be facing to the outside.
7. Take the 2 HSTs on the side of the big square and sew together. Then sew to the square and press seam towards the square.
8. Take the 2 HSTs on the top or bottom of the big square and sew together and then add corner piece. Press seams toward the corner piece. Then sew to the square to make 1 bear paw and press towards the big square. Check that it’s 7 ¼” square and carefully trim if needed.
9. Repeat #7 & #8 three more times so you have 4 bear claws done. Keep making sure the low volume fabric is facing to the outside.
10. Sew the skinny sashing cuts to join the 4 bear claws into one block. Press seams away to the middle of the sashing (even though it’s tight). Sashing should finish at 3/8″. Block should measure 14 3/8″.
Thanks to Arita and Kristen for putting these block instructions together!!
Photos below by THEN CAME JANE
