What Quilters Say
“I love that I can get those Bear Paw points without piecing all those triangles.”
“A much easier way to make Bear Paw.”
“The Quiltsmart method makes a traditional design feel much more manageable.”
“Great for a scrappy quilt.”
“I had a collection of 5" squares and this gave me a fun way to put them to work.”
“The points are so much easier.”
“The printed interfacing gives me confidence that everything is going to line up.”
What You'll Learn
- How to make a Bear Paw block using Quiltsmart printed interfacing
- How the Quiltsmart method simplifies traditional Bear Paw construction
- How to create accurate points without fussing with triangles
- How to use 2.5" strips and 5" charm squares for a scrappy design
- How to combine four 6" blocks into a larger 20" unit
- Ways to use Bear Paw blocks beyond a traditional quilt
Quick Start
New to Quiltsmart? Start with the PACK. It includes the instructions and 8 panels of printed interfacing, enough to make up to a Queen-size quilt.
1. Choose your fabrics.
2. Cut your fabric according to the instructions.
3. Follow the printed interfacing to assemble your Bear Paw units.
4. Sew, press and build your blocks.
5. Combine your blocks into a quilt, wallhanging, border or other project.
The Bear Paw pattern uses a simple square-based construction, so you can create those classic points without cutting and piecing individual triangles.
Who This Is For
The Bear Paw Printed Interfacing Pattern is a great choice for:
- Quilters who love traditional quilt designs but want a simpler construction method.
- Quilters who don't enjoy working with triangles or want to avoid complicated triangle piecing.
- Scrap quilters who want to mix fabrics and create a wonderfully scrappy Bear Paw quilt.
- Beginning quilters ready to try a traditional block with a little extra guidance.
- Experienced quilters looking for a faster way to make a classic design.
- Quilters making a gift for someone who loves traditional quilt patterns.
What's Included
Choose the option that works best for your project:
PACK
Includes instructions plus 8 panels of printed interfacing, enough to make up to a Queen-size quilt. This is the recommended option for first-time Quiltsmart users.
PANEL
Includes 1 panel of printed Bear Paw interfacing.
INSTRUCTIONS ONLY
Includes the Bear Paw instructions without the printed interfacing panels.
BOLT
Includes 25 panels of printed interfacing for larger projects, classes, or multiple quilts.
This is a printed interfacing pattern, not a traditional paper quilt pattern and not a finished quilt. You supply the fabric, thread and other basic quilting supplies.
The Bear Paw is a classic design with plenty of room for your own creativity. Use traditional fabrics for a timeless quilt, or mix scraps and 5" charm squares for a more playful look.
Each small Bear Paw block finishes at 6". Sew four blocks together and add lattice and background fabric to create a 20" finished unit. The blocks can be used together for a quilt or separated into borders, wall hangings, and other quilted projects.
The Bear Paw design can also be combined with other Quiltsmart techniques and patterns. The wallhanging shown on the page uses the Bear Paw design as a border and incorporates the ZigZapps Up North appliqué pattern for the bear and trees.
Great for:
- Bed quilts
- Lap quilts
- Wallhangings
- Quilt borders
- Scrappy quilts
- Cabin and lodge-inspired décor
- Gifts for quilters and outdoor lovers
- Using up favorite fabric scraps
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Quiltsmart printed interfacing pattern?
A Quiltsmart printed interfacing pattern is a sewing aid that is printed directly on lightweight interfacing. Instead of working from a traditional paper pattern alone, you use the printed interfacing to help guide the construction of your quilt design.
Is the Bear Paw pattern difficult to make?
The Quiltsmart method simplifies traditional Bear Paw construction by using squares instead of individual triangles. This makes the design more approachable for both newer and experienced quilters.
Do I have to sew triangles to make the Bear Paw?
No. One of the biggest advantages of the Quiltsmart Bear Paw method is that the design is constructed with squares, so you don't have to piece individual triangles to create the points.
What size are the Bear Paw blocks?
The small Bear Paw blocks finish at 6". Four blocks can be sewn together with lattice and background fabric to create a 20" finished unit.
What fabrics can I use?
Use your favorite quilting cottons. For a scrappy look, Quiltsmart recommends mixing 2.5" strips and 5" charm squares.
How much interfacing do I need?
For first-time users, the PACK includes instructions and 8 panels of printed interfacing, enough to make up to a Queen-size quilt.
What is the difference between the PANEL and PACK?
The PANEL gives you one printed interfacing panel. The PACK includes the instructions plus 8 panels of interfacing and is the recommended choice for first-time Quiltsmart users.
What is the BOLT?
The BOLT contains 25 panels of printed interfacing and is a good option for larger projects, classes or quilters planning to make multiple quilts.
Do I need the Lop-n-Fuse Acrylic Template?
No, it is not required. The Lop-n-Fuse Acrylic Template is an optional tool that can make the Bear Paw construction even faster.
Can I use Bear Paw as a quilt border?
Yes. The Bear Paw design can be used as a border as well as incorporated into larger quilt designs. The sample on the Quiltsmart page demonstrates the design used as a border.
Is this a finished quilt?
No. This is a printed interfacing pattern. You will need to provide your own fabric and quilting supplies to make the finished project.
Is this a digital download?
No. The Bear Paw Printed Interfacing Pattern is a physical product. If you choose INSTRUCTIONS ONLY, you receive the printed instructions without the interfacing panels.