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Free Pattern for a 6 inch and 12 inch Shoo Fly Quilt Block

Learn how to make a quilt block in two different sizes with this free tutorial for a 6″ and 12″ finished size Shoo Fly Quilt Block for you.

What is a Shoo Fly Quilt Block?

Itโ€™s a nine-patch block, meaning it’s composed of three rows by three columns, making a square layout easy to construct and versatile in design.

A Shoo Fly block typically contains:

  • 4 corner squares (usually all the same fabric)
  • 4 half-square triangles (forming the X shape in the block)
  • 1 central square (often in a contrasting fabric)

The arrangement creates a pattern that draws the eye inward, making the center square stand out. It gives the impression of a tilted, pinwheel-like structure.

blue and gray quilt block on white cutting mat

The name โ€œShoo Flyโ€ is thought to refer to an old type of molasses cake or even early attempts to ward off insects on farmsโ€”though the precise origin is debated. Itโ€™s a traditional block pattern that dates back to the early 19th century, making it a favorite in historical quilting circles.

If you’re new here, welcome! Right now I’m working on a scrappy quilt which consists of 12″ quilt monochromatic quilt blocks.

My quilts are going to be scrappy as I’m taking a “use what you have” approach to most things right now.

colorful quilt blocks on white cutting mat

Since this block was so easy to translate into 6″ quilt block as well, I’m sharing the directions and measurements for a 6″ finished Shoo Fly Quilt block in the printable directions below as well.

Shoo Fly Quilt Block Tutorial

Melissa Mortenson
How to create a Shoo Fly Quilt Block in 6" or 12" finished size. The finished size of a quilt block refers to the size the block is after it is sewn into a quilt. These blocks will measure 12 1/2" & 6 1/2" square after you are done constructing them.
4.84 from 6 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Active Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes

supplies

12" Finsihed Quilt Block

  • 2 pieces Fabric 5" x 5" for Half Square Triangle
  • 2 pieces Background Fabric 5" x 5" for Half Square Triangle
  • 4 pieces Background Fabric 4 1/2" x 4 1/2"
  • 1 piece Fabric 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" For Center of Block

6" Finished Quilt Block

  • 2 pieces Fabric 3" x 3" for Half Square Triangle
  • 2 pieces Background Fabric 3" x 3" for Half Square Triangle
  • 4 pieces Background Fabric 2 1/2" x 2 1/2"
  • 1 piece Fabric 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" for Center of Block

Instructions
 

Create the 12" Finished Block

  • Create 4 Half Square Triangles from your 5" fabric pieces.
  • To create the Half Square Triangles, layer one 5" fabric piece with one 5" background fabric piece, right sides facing.
  • Draw a diagonal line down the center of the block on the wrong side of the fabric
  • On your sewing machine, sew 1/4" on the outside of the line you just drew on both sides of the line.
  • Cut the piece apart along the line you drew.
  • Press the seams towards the darker fabric.
  • Trim and square up the block to 4 1/2" x 4 1/2"
    Repeat with the other two 5" fabric squares.
    You should now have 4 sewn Half Square Triangles
  • Arrange your sewn half square triangles and squares of fabric as shown in the diagram. You will have 3 rows with 3 blocks in each row.
  • Sew the blocks of row 1 together, press the seams toward the center of the block.
  • Sew the blocks of row 2 together, press the seams towards the outside of the block.
  • Sew the blocks of row 3 together, press the seams towards the center of the block.
    The February Block of the Month on polkadotchair.com - A free pattern for a Shoo Fly Quilt Block
  • Sew the rows togther.

To Create a 6" Finished Block

  • Repeat the steps above. You will use the 3" pieces to create your half square triangles. After they are sewn, square them up to 2 1/2" x 2 1/2".
  • Complete the rest of the block using the cut 2 1/2" square pieces of fabric.
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Love this tutorial? Get the behind the scenes on Instagram

About the Six Inch Quilt Blocks

green and blue small quilt blocks made from christmas fabric on table

I created a fun Christmas pillow with all of these small blocks. In the coming days, I’ll share the tutorials for other 6″ blocks.

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green and blue small quilt blocks made from christmas fabric on table

More Free, Traditional Quilt Block Patterns

(Previous block tutorials are linked)

  1. Churn Dash Quilt Block
  2. Log Cabin Quilt Block
  3. Friendship Star Quilt Block
  4. Economy Block
  5. Shoo-Fly Quilt Block
  6. Bear Paw Quilt Block
  7. Maple Leaf Quilt Block
  8. Maple Star Quilt Block

If you love to quilt, then you might also like:

How to Make a Quilted Pillow from Half Square Triangles

Choose Happiness 2020 Quilt Block of the Month Pattern

Beginner Quilt Resources

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