Bear Paw Quilt Block
The first quilt block pattern that comes to mind with this name is one that features four “paws” each headed to a different quadrant. This is the traditional setting of the Bear Paw. Between each paw is a strip of contrast colored fabric, and in the center of the block there is a small dark colored square.
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 Bear Paw Quilt Block Mousepad US $7.99 |
 Burgundy Floral Bear Paw Quilt Top Block Precut Kit US $39.99 |
 Bear Paw Patchwork Quilt Top Blocks US $175.00 |
Each paw consists of a square, edged with saw tooth little triangles with a smaller square at the corner. The darker colored triangles in the saw tooth section represent the claws of the bear. Sometimes the paws are set in different directions to give a fresh look to the main block. The Bear Paw blocks can also be set on point. Another quilt innovation is to alternate Bear Paw Block with an appliqué block of some rustic design, such as a profile of a bear, or a fish. These designs make wonderful wall hangings as well as bed coverings and lap robes.
The Bear Paw quilt block has other names, such a Duck’s Foot in the Mud or Hand of Friendship, or Illinois Turkey Track. It can have its central small square pieced of two equal triangles. This pattern block can be made using a rotary cutter and strip pieced as well as by being hand cut and assembled.
However you set the Bear Paw block, and whatever colors you choose, it is a quilt block that gives the feeling of history to the room where it is displayed.