American Quilting Traditions: 11 Free Quilt Designs, Quilt Blocks, and More Americana

Honor the U.S.A. with American quilting traditions from this FREE eBook! Celebrate the rich history of American quilting with some free quilt designs that are sure to challenge and inspire you.

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Jumbo Bear Claw Block

By: Debbie von GrablerCrozier from sallyandcraftyvamp.blogspot.co.uk

1 Comments

Updated February 22, 2019

Jumbo Bear Claw Block

This image courtesy of primecp.com

Skip the intricate and petite blocks and learn how to make a beautiful and big bear paw block pattern for quilting with this scrapbusting wonder. The Jumbo Bear Claw Block shows you how to make a block that is both simple and lovely. Big enough to display your favorite prints with smaller pieces to help out your stash-busting needs, this free bear claw quilt tutorial requires simple cutting and piecework. Using half-square triangles and full square cut-outs, this block is a beginner pattern.

Click Here for Quilt Project

Project TypeLearn a Technique

Quilt Size10 inches wide x 10 inches long

Time to CompleteIn an evening

Primary TechniquePieced

Easy

Most quilt blocks go by a number of names, both depending on geographical region time period. The bear paw quilt block is no exception! Named for its resemblance to the bottom of a bear's foot, the bear paw (or bear claw) quilt block pattern has also been referred to as "duck's foot in the mud" in the Long Island area, as well as the "hand of friendship" in the Philadelphia area. Whatever name it goes by though, there's no arguing that the bear claw block is about as easy to spot as, well, a bear!

This type of quilt has a long history, and has become a classic design in the American quilt canon. With its simplicity and deep roots beginning before the 19th century, this design is a true gem. The ease with which one can incorporate the half square triangle quilting method and pattern is one of the factors that makes this type of quilt popular among quilters who span a variety of demographics.