This floral and white-on-white quilt block is the traditional version of the popular Shoo Fly block, and a design that was used during a past event in the Quilting Forum. The event is over, but you can still read the thread and see photos of blocks made by members. Alter colors and fabrics to suit your own tastes.
Instructions are for one 6-inch Shoo Fly block, because the forum activity focuses on scrap blocks, with no duplications. Increase the number of patches if you make identical blocks for yourself.
Fabrics & Cutting Chart for One Shoo Fly Quilt Block
White on White Fabric
- Cut four 2-1/2" x 2-1/2" squares
- Cut two 2-7/8" x 2-7/8" squares
Floral Fabric
- Cut one 2-1/2" x 2-1/2" square
- Cut two 2-7/8" x 2-7/8" squares
The cutting chart assumes you will use the sandwich method to make half-square triangle units for the Shoo Fly block's corners, the best method for scrappy quilts. If you are making many identical blocks for yourself, feel free to use a 2-7/8" gridded arrangement -- units should measure 2-1/2" square when complete. Or begin with a slightly larger grid (or square) and trim the units back to 2-1/2" x 2-1/2" after assembly. Example: triangle squares on a long grid.
