Shoofly Quilt Block Pattern

From our Free Quilt Block Patterns Library

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

• Fifty Four Forty or Fight

• Hole in the Barn Door

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

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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

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All it takes are two fabrics. Just be sure there's enough contract between the two.

			Cutting Chart for a Shoofly Quilt Block ~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.

These are the cut patches.

Step 2: Assemble the units

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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

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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

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The unifying element in each is a HST in each corner.

Click here to learn how to make 'Big O'.

Other blocks are called 'Shoofly',  too...

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...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.

Click here to learn to make an 'Ohio Star'.

Click here to learn to make 'Path and Stiles'.

Learn to make 'Duck and Ducklings'.

So many blocks. So little time!

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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...

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Maggie Malone's 5500 Quilt Block Designs is my all-time favorite!

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