Learn how to make the Duck Tracks Quilt Block with our step-by-step instructions. Only two types of blocks are used – squares and half-square triangles. Even though it looks like a star block, triangle shapes were often used in original quilt blocks to depict birds in flight. The triangles in the corners kinda look like duck feet!

This quilt pattern is perfect for beginners. It is a basic 16-patch quilt block with four rows of four blocks. The key to a successful duck tracks quilt is using four distinct values of fabrics so that you can see the pattern clearly.

I used white as my background, and three shades from the pink/red family. Here is the fabric layout diagram.

You can make the block in a variety of sizes. Here is the cutting chart and fabric requirements for making the Ducks track quilt block in four sizes:

Here are our step-by-step instructions for making the Ducks Track quilt. I used a light background (white) for my sample blocks.

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One (1) quilt block

How to Make the Duck Tracks Quilt Block

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Active Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Difficulty: Beginner

The Duck Tracks quilt block is fun and easy - perfect for beginners. Using only squares and half-square triangles, it comes together quickly.

Materials

Four (4) fabrics. See the cutting chart above for cuts for each quilt block. Fat quarters are a good option.
Thread for sewing

Tools

Removable fabric marker, I used a Frixion pen
Iron
Pressing surface
Rotary cutter
Cutting mat
Quilters ruler
Tip: invest in a small square quilters ruler for trimming blocks

Instructions

Start by cutting your fabrics according to the cutting chart above. Here are my fabrics.
Next, prepare the larger squares to make half-square triangles. Take each pair for the triangles and draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of the lightest fabric with your removable fabric marker. I used a Frixion pen. See our article on marking on fabric for more information.
Layer the two fabrics for each of your half square triangles with right sides together. Go to your sewing machine and sew 1/4-inch from the marked line on the back side of the square.
Turn and sew 1/4-inch from the other side of the marked line.

TIP: Sew them in a chain method, which means sewing one after the other without cutting your threads. This makes it faster. When they are all sewn, clip your threads.

Here is my pile of half square triangles for the quilt block
Next, cut each of the sets of sewn squares along the drawn line, forming the half square triangles.
Press the seams to your preference. Read our article on pressing seams for more information. Here are all of the patches needed to make the Duck Tracks quilt block. I did trim off the 'dog ears' from the half-square triangle blocks.
Lay out all of the patches according to the quilt block layout. Double check the direction of your triangle points! (Ask me why! I sewed one wrong the first time!).
I like to sew each of the blocks for each row together first, and then sew the rows together. Sew all of the blocks together with a 1/4-inch seam allowance and right sides together. Here are the four rows sewn together. Press to your preference.
Then sew the four rows together to finish the block. Press to your preference.

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Here are four blocks sewn together and you start to see the pattern emerge.

And, a full quilt layout illustration:

Tips and ideas for making the Duck Tracks Quilt Block

Try different fabric combinations. Use a dark fabric for the background and a light fabric for the single triangle points. A dark background will make a more dramatic quilt top.
Play around with different prints. When using prints, try fabrics with different values and different scales of print – large and small prints.
This pattern is perfect for making table runners! Use the 12-inch square size outlined above. Make four (4) squares for a 12-inch x 48-inch table runner. This easy pattern comes together quickly – perfect for gifts!
The star design this quilt block makes is great to use for baby quilts, too. It’s a perfect project – make only 20 12-inch star quilt blocks for a quilt that is 48-inch x 60′ finished!

Browse through more free quilt patterns on Create Whimsy.