Bear Cubs Round the Campfire Quilt Block Pattern

Quilters are always drawn to designs that tell a story, and the Bear Cubs Round the Campfire Block does exactly that. Created by designer Robin Pickens for the Block Heads 3 series, this block was inspired by the traditional Bear Paw design. When the paws were scaled smaller and gathered around the center square, Robin imagined them as little bear cubs huddling together around a campfire. It’s a playful yet classic block that adds warmth and character to any quilt.

Whether you love traditional quilt history or enjoy adding whimsical elements to your quilting projects, this block is a versatile option. It can be made in four different sizes—4”, 6”, 8”, and 12”, giving you plenty of flexibility to use it in samplers, borders, or as the focal point of a quilt.

This block is also a wonderful project for quilters who enjoy a mix of tradition and creativity. The Bear Paw is a beloved classic, but by reimagining it in a playful, smaller scale, Robin Pickens has given us a fresh take that feels both nostalgic and new. It’s a block that reminds us of evenings spent outdoors, the glow of a fire, and the comfort of gathering together making it a perfect choice for quilts meant to be cherished and shared.

Cutting Instructions

The block is built from a combination of squares, triangles, and rectangles. Each size variation (4″, 6″, 8″, and 12″) has its own cutting guide. For example, you’ll cut small squares (fabric A, D, F), half-square triangle units (B and C), and larger feature squares (G and I) to form the campfire-inspired layout. Rectangles (H) help frame the design and bring all the units together.

The PDF includes a detailed table with cutting measurements for every size, making it easy to adapt the block to your project needs.

Assembly Instructions

Half-Square Triangles (HSTs): Start by pairing B and C triangles to create a total of 16 HST units. Press seams toward the darker fabric and trim to size.

Corner Units: Each corner is built from 4 HSTs, paired with squares from fabrics A, D, E, and F. Sew these into rows and then assemble them into a finished corner block. You’ll need four identical corner units.

Final Block Layout: Arrange the corner units around the center square (I), adding the large G squares and H rectangles in between. Pay close attention to orientation to keep the design balanced.

Finishing Touch: Stitch all sections together, press carefully, and trim to your block’s unfinished size (4 ½”, 6 ½”, 8 ½”, or 12 ½”).

Design Possibilities

The Bear Cubs Round the Campfire block lends itself beautifully to many design ideas. You could:

Use warm, fiery tones of orange, red, and yellow to mimic an actual campfire.
Opt for earthy browns and greens for a woodsy, nature-inspired look.
Try high-contrast fabrics (like navy and white) for a bold, modern feel.
Combine multiple blocks in different sizes to create a lively quilt full of movement.

Because the block is modular, it works perfectly for sampler quilts, table runners, or even as a single oversized block pillow.

👉 At the end of this article, you’ll find the free PDF pattern with all cutting measurements and assembly diagrams so you can start sewing your own Bear Cubs Round the Campfire block today.

ACCESS THE PDF HERE

The Bear Cubs Round the Campfire block is more than just a pattern it’s a story of nature, warmth, and playful creativity. Whether you’re adding it to your Block Heads sampler or featuring it in your own quilt design, this block will bring charm and personality to your work.