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The Bear’s Paw is a patchwork quilt block built around a recognizable paw motif, with paw units arranged around a center. There is no single universal cutting chart or finished size: for example, Riley Blake Designs’ 2021 instructions make a 12-inch finished block, while other patterns use different sizing and construction details. Choose one pattern and follow its measurements throughout rather than combining charts.
How the Bear’s Paw block is constructed
In Riley Blake Designs’ 2021 Bear Paw instructions, the block is assembled from four paw units, four rectangles, and a small center square. The paw units are made with half-square triangles (HSTs)—square units divided diagonally into two triangles.
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- Cut the fabrics according to the Riley Blake pattern’s color-by-color chart. Its measurements belong to that pattern; do not substitute measurements from another Bear’s Paw pattern.
- Make HSTs by sewing on the marked diagonal guides, then cutting the units apart as shown in the instructions.
- Trim the HSTs to 2¼-inch squares, and join pairs to form four paw units.
- Arrange the four paw units around the center square, using the four rectangles in the positions shown in the assembly diagram.
- Join the pieces into the complete block, keeping the paw units oriented consistently with the pattern diagram.
The Riley Blake sheet describes this method as beginner-friendly. A quilting ruler can help with the precise HST trimming; fabric amounts and colors depend on the selected pattern and design.
Finished size versus unfinished size
Riley Blake identifies its block as 12 by 12 inches finished. Its final assembly diagram shows a 12½-inch unfinished block. The extra half inch accounts for seam allowances: after the block is joined to other blocks or a border, it finishes at 12 inches. These figures describe that pattern, not every Bear’s Paw block.
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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)
How to choose a size and pattern
A separate 2019 Herbert Hoover Presidential Museum quilting-bee invitation requested 12-inch Bear Paw blocks and included a project-specific cutting chart with size columns for 3, 6, 9, and 12 inches. That chart is another method, not a universal standard.
Before cutting, check the chosen pattern for the finished size, cutting chart, number and dimensions of HSTs, assembly sequence, and placement of the paw units around the center. Keep all measurements within that one pattern; mixing charts can produce pieces that do not fit together.
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- Create quilt-inspired crochet décor
What museum records show about the block’s history
Museum collections document quilts identified as Bear’s Paw from the 19th century through the early 20th century. Their records establish historical examples, but they do not establish when the pattern originated, when it was first published, or where alternate names began.
| Collection record | Date and place information | Construction and setting | Recorded dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Quilt Museum, object 2010.017.0001 | 1840–1860; probable Pennsylvania origin | Hand pieced cotton calico | 92 × 92 inches |
| International Quilt Museum, object 2000.007.0008 | 1900–1920; probably Holmes County, Ohio | Machine pieced cotton broadcloth and muslin | 45 × 36 inches |
| Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, Pratt Bear Paw/Duck’s Foot Quilt | Made around 1876; maker unnamed | 25 pieced blocks set diagonally, alternating with plain blocks | 76 × 72 inches |
| Birmingham Museum of Art, Quilt, “Bear’s Paw” pattern | Handwritten tag by Robert Cargo reads “Anon / Bear’s Paw / ca. 1879-80 / Found in Tusc.” | Not stated in the collection details cited here | 69⅛ × 70¼ inches |
The Northwest Museum record says the maker was a widow originally from Pennsylvania who lived with relatives in Indiana and made quilts in exchange for her keep. That context describes this quilt’s maker; it does not date the pattern’s invention.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why Bear’s Paw quilts can look different
The name identifies a recognizable motif, not one fixed block size or complete quilt layout. Construction methods and materials differ across patterns and surviving quilts: the museum examples include hand-pieced calico and machine-pieced broadcloth and muslin. Overall settings vary too; the Northwest Museum’s example places diagonal Bear Paw/Duck’s Foot blocks among plain blocks. When comparing versions, distinguish the individual block design from the way blocks are arranged in the finished quilt.
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- Package contains six 18x 18White quilt blocks
- Includes DMC floss chart and simple to follow stitching instructions
- Ink washes out
- Made in the U.S.A
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- Premium unfinished wood panel – 12x12x0.25 inch smooth laser-scored maple plywood ready to paint, stain, or wood-burn with clean, crisp lines.
- Classic bear paw quilt pattern – Traditional patchwork design inspired by folk art quilting, perfect for rustic farmhouse decor.
- Beginner-friendly diy project – Great for first-time painters, craft nights, homeschool art, or relaxing creative weekends.
- Perfect gift idea – Thoughtful handmade project for quilters, crafters, birthdays, holidays, or housewarming gifts.
- Versatile display size – Ideal for porch decor, small wall accents, gallery walls, tiered trays, or seasonal farmhouse styling.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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