Shoofly Quilt Block Pattern
From our Free Quilt Block Patterns Library
by Julie Baird
Skill Level: Beginner
Grid: 3x3
The Shoofly quilt block is a terrific block for the beginner quilter because it contains only half square triangles and cut squares.
A cameleon quilt block because several are based on this very simple structure.
You may know this block by one of several other names:
- Simplicity
- Fence Row Quilt
- Eight Cornered Box
Click the underlined names above for more traditional versions of the block.
On this page you'll find the instructions to make this block in 5 different sizes, along with several variations on the design itself.
General Instructions
Sample Block Size: 4-1/2"
Several abbreviations are used in this tutorial:
- SA - seam allowance
- RST - right sides together
- HST - half square triangle
All seam allowances (SA) are 1/4".
When you are instructed to press, first press the pieced unit flat to set the seam. Then open the patch, pressing from the front. Seam allowances are pressed to the dark fabric unless otherwise noted.
Step 1: Cut the Shoofly patches
Shoofly designAll it takes are two fabrics. Just be sure there's enough contract between the two.
 | Cutting Chart for a~Traditional Piecing ~ | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patch | Fabric | Qty | Finished Block Size | ||||
| 3" | 4½" | 6" | 7 1/2" | 9" | |||
| 1** | L | 2 | 1⅞" x 1⅞" | 2⅜" x 2⅜" | 2⅞" x 2⅞" | 3⅜" x 3⅜" | 3⅞" x 3⅞" |
| 2** | D | 2 | 1⅞" x 1⅞" | 2⅜" x 2⅜" | 2⅞" x 2⅞" | 3⅜" x 3⅜" | 3⅞" x 3⅞" |
| 3 | L | 4 | 1½" x 1½" | 2" x 2" | 2½" x 2½" | 3 " x 3 " | 3½" x 3½" |
| 4 | D | 1 | 1½" x 1½" | 2" x 2" | 2½" x 2½" | 3" x 3" | 3½" x 3½" |
| Unfinished Block Size | 3½" | 5" | 6½" | 8" | 9½" | ||
| Grid Size | 1" | 1½" | 2" | 2½" | 3" | ||
| **I prefer to cut my patches extra large for HST, stitch, and then trim them to size. If you prefer to do the same, add a bit extra to the measurements for Patches #1 and #2 above. There is a chart further down in these instructions where you need it for trimming them to size. | |||||||
Learn more about my favorite, new quilting tool, the Magic Pressing Mat. A valuable addition to your quilting tools—regardless of the piecing technique you use.
These are the cut patches.
Step 2: Assemble the units
Half Square Triangles
Make 4
Use the Quick Pieced technique to make these units. (Click here for more detailed instructions for this technique.)
Draw a diagonal line on the backs of the two light #1s with a pencil just dark enough to see.
With RST, layer a #1 and #2 together and stitch 1/4" away from both sides of the drawn line. Repeat for the second pair.
Cut the patches apart on the drawn line to create 4 HSTs.
Press.
Find your finished block size in the chart below and the corresponding HST dimensions. Trim as needed.
HST Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Finished Block Size | Trim HST to… |
| 3" | 1½" |
| 4½" | 2" |
| 6" | 2½" |
| 7 1/2" | 3" |
| 9" | 3½" |
Your half square triangles look like this.
Step 3: Assemble your Shoo Fly block
Lay out your patches in rows to create the Shoofly design.
Stitch the units in each row together.
Press flat to set the seam and then SAs toward the solid square. (See the arrows in the diagram below.)
Stitch the rows together. The SAs nest to help make matching them pretty easy. Do use pins if you need them.
Your finished Shoofly quilt block looks like this...
...all ready for piecing into your next quilt project.
Common Variations on a Shoofly Quilt Block
The unifying element in each is a HST in each corner.
 |
Snowball |
|
Snowball Variation This time with just two fabrics with dark corners and center. |
 |
 |
Grandmother's Choice |
|
Big O We used this piecing technique in the Double Star Quilt Block. |
 |
Click here to learn how to make 'Big O'.
Other blocks are called 'Shoofly', too...
...and quite a few others, in fact!
We've listed them here with the other block that carries the same name. Underlined names are links to instructions for that alternate version of the block.
 |
Ohio Star or...
|
Click here to learn to make an 'Ohio Star'.
 |
Churn Dash |
|
Path and Stiles |
 |
Click here to learn to make 'Path and Stiles'.
 |
Duck and Ducklings Or... |
Learn to make 'Duck and Ducklings'.
|
Alamanizer |
 |
So many blocks. So little time!
The clock's ticking!
And there's more where this block came from. Just visit our Free Quilt Block Patterns library for more!
For layout and design inspiration, visit Quilt Design 101.
For even more blocks to make...
These are my go-to resources for quilt block ideas.
Maggie Malone's 5500 Quilt Block Designs is my all-time favorite quilt block resource!
Can you tell?
It's in color.
It's got a ton of blocks.
What's not to love?
Next on my 'must-have' list is Barbara Brackman's Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns.
Unlike the Maggie Malone book, the blocks in this volume are hand-drawn and in black and white—no color—personally, I prefer colored drawings to work with.
This book is no longer in print. If you can come by a copy expect it to be wickedly expensive.
However...
BlockBase is the computerized version of the Encyclopedia.
It can be used with Electric Quilt and is a Windows based program.
Finally there's The Quilter's Album of Patchwork Patterns by Jinny Beyer.
Lots of detail and in color, it is a beautiful volume. That said, I check it out of my local library on a regular basis instead of purchasing it—can you see the library sticker on it's spine. Yep, it's from the Plainfield Public Library.
Why?
Simply because I own the previous three references and find this the least user-friendly of the group.
It does make a fabulous coffee table book though.
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