A New Twist on Shoofly
The Shoofly Block is a very old traditional block that's easy for beginners. I just like messing around with it to create new secondary patterns or twist it into different shapes.
On the left is a traditional square Shoofly quilt. In the middle is a stretched, elongated Shoofly quilt, and on the right is a stretched and squeezed modern Shoofly piece.
The standard Shoofly block is made of 9 sub-blocks that are all the same size unfinished - 5 squares and 4 half-square triangles.
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OK. Now, here are the steps for making a Shoofly block.
Standard block with contrasting fabrics. Standard block finished measurements for a 12" finished block.
1. Pick two contrasting fabrics.
The more contrast, the more interesting the final look. Be careful with stripes or large prints, because you'll have to take extra care to get them aligned correctly; you don't want them pointing in all different directions. Also, if you like fussy-cutting, you've got 5 little squares in every block, including one right in the center.
2. Decide on the final finished size of the block, so you can calculate the size of each of the 9 subblocks. For instance, for a block that finishes at 12", each subblock must be 4.5" square (12" / 3 = 4.0", and add .5' for seam allowances).
3. Calculate the size of the starting squares for the half-square triangles.
If the squares in step 2 will be cut 4.5", the original squares for the half-square triangles should be 5.5", 1" bigger in length and width. I like to add 1" and trim them back later. Give yourself a little slack.
5 regular square subblocks, (4) of fabric 1 and (1) of Fabric 2. Four larger square subblocks, (2) of Fabric 1 and (2) of Fabric 2.
4. Cut the subblock pieces.
Fabric 1: Cut 4 standard square subblocks. Cut 2 larger subblocks.
Fabric 2: Cut 1 standard square subblock. Cut 2 larger subbocks.
Create the half square triangles from the larger subblocks.
5. Make 4 half-square triangles (HSTs) from the larger squares. For each pair of HSTs, Place a Fabric 1 and a Fabric 2 square right sides together and pin. Draw a line along the diagonal and sew 1/4' to the left and right of the diagonal. Cut along the diagonal line and open up the two HSTs. Press the seam. I like to press open. Line up your ruler's 45 degree line along the diagonal line and trim to the subblock size.
Subblock assembly diagram.
6. Arrange the squares and the HSTs as shown.
Sew the subblocks together to make the full block. Press and trim to the unfinished full block size.
Alternate colors for interest.
7. Now make another one, reversing Fabric 1 and Fabric 2. Arrange the assembled blocks so the colors alternate to create movement.
Stretched and resized Shoofly blocks.
For a different look, turn the middle row of subblocks into rectangles. It elongates the block and gives the quilt a more elegant look.
Or, take the Shoofly blocks and squeeze them, taller, shorter, longer, wider. Play around with the fabrics and shapes and make it your own.
Completed Shoofly top with sashings and borders.
Pieced Shoofly quilt back.
Here's the traditional Shoofly quilt I made front and back. On the back you can see the crosshatch quilt motif and the black-and-white check fabric I inherited from my Mom. Thanks Mom!
