Block Building Basics – How to Make a Square in a Square
Today’s post is part of a series called Quilt Block Building Basics. There are no measurements included in these posts, but those should be found in the pattern you are following.
Consider this a helpful visual and companion for any of my quilt patterns. Sometimes you just need to see it to understand it.
To view all previous posts in this series, click here.
There’s several ways to make a square in a square, but the method I’m showing you today is the quickest and easiest method in my opinion. It also involves not having to work with bias triangles.
Tips
- Starch your fabrics before cutting them and after you sew up the unit. Here’s my starch recipe.
- Placement of the square and stitch line on the diagonal are key to getting a square in a square that comes out the correct size.
- Oh, this is my favorite tip here, skip the drawing lines and use this tape instead. It will speed up the process for you.
- A square in a square and an economy block are not the same thing. A square in a square is a single square inside a square. An economy block is a square in a square in a square. Lol. This is a distinction that I haven’t known long, but felt the need to share. 🙂
Tools Used in Video
- My rotary cutter and mat is from Havel’s Sewing. Use my ambassador coupon SOUTHERNCHARM7 and receive $7 off any purchase of $25. You can shop here.
- My wool pressing mat is from Nido Goods. Find it here.
- My iron is a Chi. You can find it here.
- Fabrics used in video are Speckled in Purple Velvet and Porcelain in Rose.
Product Spotlight
Diagonal Seam Tape
Diagonal Seam Tape is a perfect solution for sewing straight diagonal seams without having to mark any lines!
Get yours here.
I think this is one of my favorite looking blocks. I plan to make a whole quilt using a fussy cut center, maybe 10” blocks. Also, I am out of starch so I plan to use your recipe today and try it.
I love the diagonal tape! It saves so much time and i feel like I get better accuracy. Thanks for introducing it!
It’s such a game changer. ?