Shoo Fly Quilt Block Tutorial
Shoo Fly is an easy traditional quilt block. If you have never made quilt with triangles before, it is a great introduction. Once you learn this, you will be able to make many other more complex blocks.
See it All
Below you will find:
- fabric requirements
- video tutorial
- step-by-step written tutorial with pictures
- instructions for different sizes
- inspiration for using the block in a quilt
- fun block variation
Fabric Requirements
These fabric sizes make a 12″ finished block. For other size options, scroll down or get the Shoo Fly Inspiration Workbook.
This block uses light and dark fabrics. You can use only two fabrics or a variety for a scrappy look. Of course, you can also switch light and dark so that the block has a dark background.
– four 4-1/2″ half-square triangle units
You can make these HST pieces using your favourite method.
If you have never made pieces with triangles before, try the Easiest Ever Method or the Most Popular Method.
– one dark fabric 4-1/2″ square
– four light fabric 4-1/2″ squares
Tutorial
See each step in the process with images to help guide you.
Layout the pieces
Layout the pieces with the dark square in the middle.
The light squares go at north, south, east and west and the triangle units go at the corners pointing in to the centre.
You might notice that this follows the nine patch layout. There are three pieces across and three down.
Join into rows
Join the pieces together into three rows using a 1/4″ seam allowance.
Normally in quilting, you press seams towards the darker fabrics, but in this case it is easier to press towards the background fabric, even if it is lighter. This will eliminate the bulk of the triangle seams.
If the seams shadow through to the right side, then press them to the dark side or press open to avoid this.
Join the rows together
Once the rows are made, they just have to be joined together.
Because the rows of the seams were pressed in opposite directions, the seams should nest together. This will make them easer to join.
Make the block any size
Because this block is made with nine squares the same size, it is easy to resize the block.
See the chart below for sizes of common blocks:
Shoo fly block in quilts
The shoo fly block alone can be used in many different quilt layouts.
It is also part of the Nine Patch Sampler Quilt. You can follow along and make your own sampler quilt.
Shoo Fly is also one of the blocks used in the “No Flies in my Garden” Quilt. In fact, that is where the name of the quilt came from.
Six inch shoo fly blocks were used in my Row by Row sampler quilt.
Fun variation
The donut block is a fun variation of the shoo fly block and opens up a whole range of possibilities.
Find out more and see how to make the donut block HERE.
I hope this has inspired you to try the Shoo Fly quilt block and use it in a quilt.
Be sure to #epidastudio when you share your projects on social media!