This week we are going to try the Bear's Paw keychain.
This isn't hard. You can use several differant sizes. The size of your keychain will depend on whether you make one Bear Paw or all 4 Bear's Paws into the quilt block.

We'll start with the one Bear Paw. This one I used the 1 1/2" template.

One of the problems I had when making these over the years is that my paws would not always be the same size. so when I discovered the cut down method I applied it to the Bear's Paw and it helps to keep them the same size.

So I cut swatches for the paws and cut down after I have the paw sewn together. It takes away some of the math and makes life easier. The size of the swatch depends on the size of blocks you choose to use. If you use a 1 1/2" then your corner swatch needs to be bigger than the 1 1/2". The swatch for the center needs to be bigger than the two blocks sewn together. So for the 1 1/2" you would get 2 1/2" when two blocks are sewn so you need a swatch about 3".

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Tack the seams together and pin the ends before you sew the two halves together.

Now trim the Bear's Paw to a square.

To finish this keychain you will find the directions for adding the loop and finishing this keychain in the first part of this class.

Here is the link: you will find the directions about half way down the page.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-43602-1.htm

Now lots of people wonder how I can do the tiny stuff I do. I am going to show you how I do the tiny Bear's Paws.

I start with a HST and I cut it down to the size I want to use.

This first one I used a 1 1/4" HST and I cut it to 3/4". I only cut one side so you end up with a piece that is 1 1/4" long by 3/4" wide. You can use a 1" HST with out any cutting or you can cut down a 1 1/2" HST to a 1" to make your BPS. It is up to you what size you want to aim for. Just remember you only cut the one side so it is not so small to handle. You will trim it down later.

OK I wanted to show a complete Bear's Paw block so I started with 1 1/4" HSTs. I think I should have used 1" instead as the end resulting block is bigger than I would like.

As I walked you through the steps to making one paw above I won't repeat that part.

Here you can see how I add the sashings with the cut down method.

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Ok now to finish up this Bear's Paw quilt block. I hope you have had fun watching this and I hope you try one for yourself. You can make them any size you like. So don't let it intimidate you. It is easy to make tiny Bear's Paws if you know the tricks!!

I didn't have time to finish the keychain tonight. As soon as I get it done tomarrow I will post a picture of my finished keychain.


Remember to follow the link above to find the directions for adding the loop and backing and finishing the keychain.

Next week I am going to continue this class with one more lesson on how to miniaturize the Trip Around the World pattern in a Keychain. It will only be the center and it will be 7 blocks by 7 blocks.

Hope you enjoy this lesson!!

Wishing you all lots of great sewing and quilting time!!

Rhonda...the tutorial looks Great....I can't wait to try it....but I will have to wait a couple days...this is one of those weekends....to many things to do......not enough time....
bopeep

Well you have done it again, your tutorials Are Great. I intend to follow and work all of them, my step to learning every thing you can teach me. I'll post pic as they get done. Theresse

thanks Bopeep and theresse. If you find any mistakes let me know. I did this one at the last minute and I haven't taken time to proofread it more than when I wrote it. I hope everyone tries it at whatever size is comfortable for you. You can use the same technique for an accurate Bear's Paw and use them for any project. Table runners if you make an 8 1/2" quilt block or hotpads or a quilt. The basic idea is to get an accurate Paw so they all fit together well.

And the mini size could be used for alot of things too. The cell phone case tute I did comes to mind or a mouse pad or a makeup bag. Lots of opportunities for this popular quilt block.

Thanks Rhonda. If I ever get caught up I'm going to try this. They are so cute

Hi Rhonda, I am still planning on doing these key chains, I have to finish my son birthday jean TV quilt first, and a baby quilt, I am sorry I am so slow going, but if I push my self to hard at the sewing machine, the pain the next day is so unbearable that I am down for a day. I promise I will get is done. God bless. Penny

there's no hurry Penny whenever you are ready is just fine!

I just added the pic of my BP block in the picture section...
You are so kind Rhonda for doing these classes ....I really enjoy doing them....you Are a Great teacher :) :)
bopeep

Thanks Bopeep! I enjoy sharing!

Thanks for the tutorial! I like the idea to cut down the paw part to size.

would love to see pics if and when you try it!