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The Bear Tracks quilt block is a pieced design made from half-square triangles (HSTs), squares and four paw-like units. The name covers several related layouts, so pick one pattern before cutting: the American Patchwork & Quilting and Fabric406 versions both make a 12-inch finished block, but their fabric counts and cutting sizes differ.
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Choose a Bear Tracks pattern before cutting
Bear Tracks is not one universally standardized cutting plan. Generations Quilt Patterns lists Duck’s Foot in the Mud, Maple Leaf Quilt, Tea Leaf and Tea Leaves as alternate names; it also describes Bear Tracks as similar to the traditional Bear’s Paw when blocks are set with sashing. Fabric406 calls its design a Bear Paw variation. Follow one tutorial’s measurements and diagrams from start to finish rather than combining charts.
- American Patchwork & Quilting: a 12-inch finished block using cream and four colored prints.
- Fabric406: a different 12-inch finished version using a light background and four prints.
- Generations Quilt Patterns: a traditional-piecing chart for four finished block sizes.
Make the American Patchwork & Quilting 12-inch block
This tutorial, published June 14, 2017, uses cream plus red, blue, green and brown prints. Its block finishes at 12 inches square. The measurements below belong to this version only.
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- Pattern only, fabrics not included
Cut the pieces
- Cream: eight 2⅞-inch squares, each cut diagonally once to yield 16 triangles; and four 2½-inch squares.
- Each of four colored prints: one 4½-inch square and two 2⅞-inch squares. Cut each 2⅞-inch square diagonally once to yield four triangles per print.
Piece and assemble
- Pair cream and colored triangles to make HSTs, following the tutorial’s layout for the four colors.
- Assemble the HSTs and larger squares into four paw units, one per print. Each unit measures 6½ inches square unfinished, including seam allowances.
- Join the four paw units in pairs, then join the pairs to complete the block.
Make the Fabric406 12-inch variation
Fabric406’s Elaine Huff tutorial also makes a 12-inch finished block, but it uses different starting squares. Do not substitute these dimensions into the American Patchwork & Quilting layout.
Cut the pieces
- Light background: eight 3-inch squares and four 2½-inch squares.
- Each of four prints: one 4½-inch square and two 3-inch squares.
Piece and assemble
- Pair the 3-inch light squares with the 3-inch print squares to make 16 HSTs, four for each print.
- Arrange the HSTs with the print squares and light squares to form four paw units, following Fabric406’s diagrams.
- Join the four units in two rows, checking their inward- and outward-facing directions before sewing the rows together.
Use the Generations size chart for smaller blocks
Generations Quilt Patterns gives finished and unfinished sizes for four versions. The unfinished measurement includes seam allowances; it is the size to expect before the block is sewn into a quilt.
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- Elizabeth Hartman Bjorn Bear Pattern
- Elizabeth Hartman Bjorn Bear Pattern- Use your favorite fat quarters to make adorable bear blocks using conventional patchwork techniques
- No paper piecing
- Package dimensions : 9.5 inches (H) x 0.125 inches (L) x 5.88 inches (W)
| Finished block | Unfinished block | HST guidance stated for that size |
|---|---|---|
| 3 inches | 3½ inches | Not stated in the cited size guidance. |
| 4½ inches | 4½ inches | Not stated in the cited size guidance. |
| 6 inches | 6½ inches | Trim HSTs to 2½ inches square. |
| 12 inches | 12½ inches | Not stated in the cited size guidance. |
For its HST method, Generations recommends starting with patches ¼ inch larger in both dimensions than the required finished unit, sewing them, then trimming to size. Its tutorial describes the block as beginner-level and says paper piecing and special tools are not required. Choose fabrics with enough contrast for the points to read clearly.
Keep HST placement and seams consistent
Accurate HST placement matters because the colored points create the paw shapes. Lay out each unit and the full block before sewing; a reversed or rotated unit can change the design. Pressing instructions also differ between tutorials: one uses selected seams pressed in opposite directions to help seams nest, while another emphasizes orienting paw units toward or away from the center. Use the pressing notes and diagrams for the pattern you chose rather than treating one direction as universal.
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Plan the quilt layout
Block orientation and the space between blocks affect the overall design. Generations Quilt Patterns illustrates blocks placed edge-to-edge in groups of four and rotated a quarter turn to form wreaths, a layout with sashing and cornerstones, and a floating arrangement with strips on two adjacent sides. Fabric406 suggests varying the center square by replacing it with a four-patch or an HST, or changing the direction of the paw units. Test rotations and spacing in a small layout before joining a full quilt top.
Quick Recap
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- Camp Sugar Bear - Patterns 1 through 6 - to complete top
- Accessory pack and fabric sold separately
- Designed by Arlene Stamper and Melissa Harris of The Quilt Company
- Project finishes at 58 1/2" x 70 1/2"
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