The shoo fly quilt block is a variation of the nine patch. Instead of using only squares, half square triangles are added to the mix to create a unique pattern.

This block is a great one for beginners to stretch their new quilting skills.

I've included a cutting chart for multiple sizes of blocks, so you can make the right size for your quilting project.

This year, I'm making a patchwork quilt. And I'm sharing all the details. My first block was Jacob's Ladder, this month it is the Shoo Fly block.

SHOO FLY QUILT BLOCK

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SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR SHOO FLY BLOCKS

4) half square triangles*
4) fabric squares in a light color*
1) fabric squares in a dark color*
thread
rotary cutter / cutting mat / straight edge
sewing machine
sewing scissors
pencil
iron and ironing board
square quilting rulers

*size of each half square triangle will be the same size as the squares. See cutting chart below for measurements of specific sized blocks.

Note - HST stands for half square triangle. I will often refer to them this way throughout this post.

CUTTING MEASUREMENTS FOR DIFFERENT SIZED BLOCKS

Cutting measurements for a 3 inch Shoo Fly block:

2 - 2" light squares (for HST's)
2 - 2" dark squares (for HST's)
4 - 1 1/2" light squares
1 - 1 1/2" dark square

Cutting measurements for a 6 inch Shoo Fly block:

2 - 3" light squares (for HST's)
2 - 3" dark squares (for HST's)
4 - 2 1/2" light squares

1 - 2 1/2" dark square

Cutting measurements for a 9 inch Shoo Fly block:

2 - 4" light squares (for HST's)

2 - 4" dark squares (for HST's)
4 - 3 1/2" light squares
1 - 3 1/2" dark square

Cutting measurements for a 12 inch Shoo Fly block:

2 - 5" light squares (for HST's)
2 - 5" dark squares (for HST's)
4 - 4 1/2" light squares
1 - 4 1/2" dark square I've created a FREE printable cutting chart. Simply scroll to the end of the post, enter your email and the cheat sheet will be delivered right to your inbox.

HOW TO MAKE A SHOO FLY BLOCK

Let's get started.

Note: I made several shoo fly blocks at once. If making multiple, cut all the pieces first and make your half square triangles. Then it will be easy to piece them together.

Skip ahead to the end to watch the video tutorial.

half square triangles and squares to form the shoo fly quilt block

Begin by making your half square triangles. You can use this half square triangle tutorial. Since I made several of these blocks at once, I opted to make 8 HST's at once.

Cut your light and dark squares.

For this block, we are essentially making a nine patch block. Instead of using 9 squares of fabric the four corner pieces will be half square triangles.

Lay out the pieces as shown above. The four half square triangles are in the corners of the block with the darker half pointing inward. Place a dark square in the center and fill in the remaining spots with light squares.

Sew each row together.

Press the seams flat. For the top and bottom rows press the seams toward the triangles. The middle row press toward the center.

Next sew each row together and press the seams away from the center row.

Repeat this pattern for an additional shoo fly blocks you would like to make.

COMBINING SHOO FLY BLOCKS

I made four blocks. Two with mostly light fabric, and two with mostly dark fabric. Below, I'll share how I assembled them to create a larger block.

two nine patch blocks with half square triangles

For the darker shoo fly blocks the light half of the triangle will point inward, with a light center block. The remaining squares will be dark.

Besides the opposite color pattern, these blocks will also be pressed opposite. When sewing each row, press the seams away from the half square triangles and away from the center row. When you sew the block together press those final seams toward the center.

You will now have four small blocks. It's time to sew them together.

Lay them out opposite of each other. My top row is the light block then the dark block. The bottom row is the dark block and then the light block.

Sew together the top two blocks. Then sew the bottom two blocks. Press the seams toward the darker block.

Then sew each row together. Press seams in whichever direction you prefer.

Want to watch the video? ↓↓Click the link ↓↓

→Shoo Fly Quilt Block←