Skip to main content
Block Patterns

Bear's Paw

A traditional block with triangular 'claws' and a central square that resembles a bear's footprint.

Bear's Paw is a historic American block said to represent bear tracks on the Underground Railroad, though the historical evidence for this is contested. The block features four corner units each made from a large square with triangular 'claws' attached at two corners, plus a central Four Patch, creating the impression of a large animal print. It is a moderately challenging block because of the many small half square triangles that form the claws. Bear's Paw is especially striking in earthy, naturalistic color palettes.

Related Terms

Half Square Triangle (HST)A square unit made from two right triangles of different fabrics sewn together along the diagonal.Four PatchA 2×2 grid block made from four squares of two alternating fabrics.

Practice makes perfect.

NiftyFifty connects quilters from all 50 states through block swaps, bees, and quilt-alongs. Great place to put new techniques to work.

Try the Pattern MakerRead the Guides