Beginner block
Shoofly quilt pattern
A queen-size shoofly quilt is 87″ × 105″: 99 9″ blocks and a 3″ border. It takes 10⅝ yd of fabric for the top and binding, plus 8 yd of 42″ fabric for the backing. A nine-patch with triangle corners, one of the oldest and plainest of the classic blocks. Split its side squares in two and you have a Churn Dash.
How much fabric for a shoofly quilt
The same quilt in three sizes, with a 3″ border and 2½″ binding. Yardage is for 42″ of usable width after trimming selvages, rounded up to the next ⅛ yard with a little extra.
| Throw | Queen | King | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finished size | 60″ × 69″ | 87″ × 105″ | 105″ × 105″ |
| Blocks | 6 × 7 = 42 | 9 × 11 = 99 | 11 × 11 = 121 |
| White (blocks, half-square triangles) | 2½ yd | 5¾ yd | 7⅛ yd |
| Green sprig (blocks, half-square triangles, border, binding) | 2⅝ yd | 4⅞ yd | 5⅞ yd |
| Top and binding | 5⅛ yd | 10⅝ yd | 13 yd |
| Backing (42″ fabric) | 3⅞ yd | 8 yd | 9½ yd |
| Binding | 7 strips 2½″ × WOF | 10 strips 2½″ × WOF | 11 strips 2½″ × WOF |
| Batting | 68″ × 77″ (twin) | 95″ × 113″ (king) | 113″ × 113″ (king) |
Cutting for one shoofly block
Four half-square triangle units, four side squares and a centre square. All sizes include ¼″ seam allowances. Half-square triangles are made two at a time: cut squares the finished size plus ⅞″, pair a light and a dark, sew ¼″ each side of the diagonal and cut apart.
| Fabric | 6″ block | 7½″ block | 9″ block | 10½″ block | 12″ block |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Background | 4 squares 2½″ | 4 squares 3″ | 4 squares 3½″ | 4 squares 4″ | 4 squares 4½″ |
| Dark | 1 square 2½″ | 1 square 3″ | 1 square 3½″ | 1 square 4″ | 1 square 4½″ |
| Background | 2 squares 2⅞″, cut once on the diagonal | 2 squares 3⅜″, cut once on the diagonal | 2 squares 3⅞″, cut once on the diagonal | 2 squares 4⅜″, cut once on the diagonal | 2 squares 4⅞″, cut once on the diagonal |
| Dark | 2 squares 2⅞″, cut once on the diagonal | 2 squares 3⅜″, cut once on the diagonal | 2 squares 3⅞″, cut once on the diagonal | 2 squares 4⅜″, cut once on the diagonal | 2 squares 4⅞″, cut once on the diagonal |
Block diagram
- A Background (White)
- B Dark (Green sprig)
Download the block diagram (SVG)
Prints sharp at any size. Use it to plan colours with pencils, or as a pressing guide.
Questions
How much fabric do I need for a queen shoofly quilt?
About 10⅝ yd for the top and binding (5¾ yd of white, 4⅞ yd of green sprig), plus 8 yd of backing. That is for 87″ × 105″ with 9″ blocks, planned on 42″ of usable fabric width with a little extra.
What size is a shoofly block?
It is drawn on a 3 × 3 grid, so it works best at 6", 7 1/2", 9", 10 1/2", 12" finished. 9" is the most common size.
Is shoofly good for beginners?
Yes. It uses simple triangle units, and the seams are straight.
Can I use this pattern for free?
Yes. Shoofly is a traditional block in the public domain. The diagram and yardage on this page are free; the designer lets you change colours, size and borders and see the new yardage.
Updated November 9, 2026