Shoo-Fly: A New Video Tutorial

Continuing my latest mood for simple, classic patterns that are fun to sew and offer quick gratification. We all love that, right?

I have always loved the simple traditional quilt blocks like churn dash, nine patch, and shoo-fly. These simple blocks make quilts that are so “feel good”: cute, graphic patterns across the entire quilt. They look great in a variety of fabrics, too, offering endless versatility.

And so.

<< click here to watch video >>

The blocks in my quilt are 10″ square, but it’s easy to adjust them up or down — how cute would little tiny ones be?! — with basic measurement changes.

For the 10″ blocks, you’ll cut a 4 1/2″ center square and two 3 7/8″ squares from your focus fabric. Then cut four rectangles 4 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ plus two 3 7/8″ squares from the background (I used solid colors, each block a different color). That’s it! super simple.

Of course the possible color and fabric choices are endless. I’ll talk about some ideas for switching up the fabrics in the video.

Here are few variation sizes and cutting measurements: (see video for the rest of the instructions for making the blocks)

7″ finished blocks:
focus fabric: cut one 3 1/2″ square plus two 2 7/8″ squares
background fabric: cut four rectangles 3 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ plus two 2 7/8″ squares

5″ finished blocks:
focus fabric: cut one 2 1/2″ square plus two 2 3/8″ squares
background fabric: cut four rectangles 2 1/2″ x 2″ plus two 2 3/8″ squares

12″ finished blocks:
focus fabric: cut one 5 1/2″ square plus two 4 3/8″ squares
background fabric: cut four rectangles 5 1/2″ x 4″ plus two 4 3/8″ squares

The prints are from the Aerial collection by Tamara Kate for Windham Fabrics. I quilted it in a simple grid following the seam lines. Each set of quilting lines is a different color of Aurifil thread that matches the fabrics. I don’t usually use contrasting thread for quilting (I like it to blend in), but I think the colorful threads add a touch of extra fun to this one. Batting is Hobbs 100% cotton, it’s quite a snuggly, huggable quilt.

Hope you enjoy this video! Be sure and subscribe to Color Girl YouTube and visit the other tutorials on the page. Share your shoo-fly quilts! I’d love to see what you make.

Happy sewing!

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