10 blocks down…just 2 to go!  I just LOVE the juicy, fun, eclectic mix that is this year’s Sugar Block Club!  And this year I totally tried to put the kibosh on my tendency to want to go “matchy” and just went for a nice big variety of styles.  Loving it!  So playful!

This month’s inspiration is Bear Paw, so our block is Bear Tracks, and our quilt is Baby Bear (I told you I get matchy!)  Ahhh!  I love this block!  It’s so clean and simple.  And even though the half square triangles are kinda small, it’s super, super easy to piece.

Can’t you totally see a row of these as a super cute fall table runner?  If I can find the time, I’m going to try to stitch one up this week.

Here’s the new quilt pattern, available in my shop.  Ah- so perfect for kiddos!  I included two sizes- the crib that’s on the cover, and then also a larger throw.  Love them both!  I know this is going to become one of my go-to baby shower quilts.

Well, here’s the block pattern!  Hope you enjoy stitching it up, and don’t forget to post a pic on Instagram and tag #sugarblockclub and also me, @stitcherydickory.   I get so tickled when I see all of the different beautiful versions you all are making!

BEAR TRACKS BLOCK

Finished Size:  12” square

FABRIC REQUIREMENTS:

1/4 yard of white
1/4 yard each of 4 prints

• From White:
  • Cut (8) 2 ¾’’ squares
  • Cut (8) 2 ¼’’ squares
  • Cut (2) 2’’ x 5 ¾’’ rectangles
  • Cut (1) 2’’ x 12 ½’’ rectangle

• From each of Four Prints:
  • Cut (1) 4’’ square
  • Cut (2) 2 ¾’’ squares

CONSTRUCTION

1. Draw a diagonal pencil line from corner to opposite corner on the wrong side of all of the 2 ¾’’ white squares, and four of the 2 ¼’’ white squares.

2. Construct the center unit of each paw print by aligning a marked 2 ¼’’ white square on a corner of the 4’’ print square, right sides together, so that the drawn line crosses the corner.  Stitch on the drawn line. Trim to ¼’’ outside the seam to create a seam allowance.  Press corners open (Figure 1).  Make four of these units (one in each print).

3.    To make the half square triangle (HST) units, pair each 2 ¾’’ white square with a 2 ¾’’ print square, right sides together with the drawn line facing up.  Stitch a 1/4” seam on both sides of the line (Figure 2).  Cut in half on the drawn line, and press the units open.  Trim these HST to 2 ¼’’ square.  You should have sixteen units (four in each print).

4.  Stitch four same-print HST units, a cut corner unit, and a 2 ¼’’ white square into a block, following the layout in Figure 3.  Press seams toward unpieced patches.

Make four of these blocks (one in each print).  These blocks should measure 5 ¾’’ square.

5. Lay out the block following Figure 4 and stitch the units into two rows of two bear paw units each, with the shorter white sashing strips in between. Join rows with the long white sashing strip in between.

Press all seams toward sashing.  Square up to 12 ½’’ as needed.

And there it is!  Bear Tracks!  Or fallen leaves.  Or flowers.  Or whatever your heart desires.

Enjoy!!

XOXO