Hi and welcome to my month on the Old School Block Of The Month, organised by Kim Lapacek of Persimon Dreams null. I’m block 11, but I’ll post a list at the bottom so you can catch up with any you may have missed :o)
Walk In My Footsteps
Although this is fundamentally a bear paw block, I haven’t seen it arranged quite like this before. That’s why I’m calling my design “Walk In My Footsteps”—a fresh twist on a classic!
Cutting Requirements
| Qty | Size | Part | Colour |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4½″ × 4½″ | Baby bear paw pad | Grey |
| 2 | 3″ × 3″ | Baby bear claws | Black |
| 2 | 3″ × 3″ | Mummy bear paw pad | Pink |
| 1 | 2½″ × 2½″ | Mummy bear paw pad | Pink |
| 1 | 2½″ × 6½″ | Mummy bear paw pad | Pink |
| 1 | 2½″ × 8½″ | Mummy bear paw pad | Pink |
| 2 | 5″ × 5″ | Mummy bear claws | Fuchsia |
| 2 | 5″ × 5″ | Background | White |
| 1 | 4½″ × 4½″ | Background | White |
Step 1 – Make the Half-Square Triangles (HSTs)
- Pair each 3″ black square with a 3″ pink square, right sides together.
- Pair each 5″ white square with a 5″ fuchsia square, right sides together.
- Use a Clearly Perfect Angles tool or draw a diagonal on the back of one square in each pair. Sew a scant ¼″ from both sides of that line.
- Cut along the diagonal between the seams, press open.
- Trim your 3″ HSTs down to 2½″ and your 5″ HSTs down to 4½″.
Step 2 – Assemble the Block
Arrange your cut pieces and HSTs according to the diagram below, stitching with a scant ¼″ seam allowance. Press seams toward the darker fabrics for a crisp finish.
Your Finished Block
Mixing Ruby Star Society’s Darlings with Cotton + Steel’s Black & White line made for a fun, modern look. Here’s my completed “Walk In My Footsteps” block:
If you make this block, please share on Instagram! Tag me @the_littlest_thistle and Kim @PersimonDreams, and use the hashtag #OSBOM21.
Catch Up with the Old School BOM Series
- Patched Friendship Star – Kim Lapacek (Persimon Dreams)
- Variable Star with Album/Autograph Variation – Nancy Scott (Masterpiece Quilting)
- Fussy Cut Mirrors Block – Quilt Jane
- Hexagon Block – Missie Carpenter (Traditional Primitives)
- Stripey Cartwheel Block – Natalie Santini (Sew Hungry Hippie)
- Pocket Economy Block – Kerry Goulder (Kid Giddy)
- Summer Lovin’ Block – GoGo Kim
- Butter Churn Block – Lee Chappell Monroe (May Chappell)
- Cathedral Star Block – Yvonne Fuchs (Quilting Jetgirl)
- Courthouse Steps Block – Pat Sloan
- Walk In My Footsteps – Katy Cameron (The Littlest Thistle)
- December Block – Sherri Falls (This and That Patterns)
Before assembling your block, prewash fabrics to prevent shrinkage after quilting: Turn Prewash Into the Essential Laundry Step You Never Skip.
Ensure precise seams by setting up your machine correctly: Set Up Sewing Machine.
Learn advanced piecing techniques with our guide to Half Square Triangles: Quilt Making Basics: Half Square Triangles.
For beginners, try Foundation Paper Piecing as a way to build confidence: Foundation Paper Piecing for the Terrified.
Wondering how much fabric you’ll need? This guide explains: How Big Is a Yard of Fabric?.
Completely revised in October 2025, the article integrates new developments in materials and modern techniques.
