Inside: Perfect Square in a Square Quilt Block
This is the last block for the Midnight Star Table Topper. (Note: See bottom of post for more about this project.)
Unlike the first two blocks for this project, The Square in a Square is a very easy block to make. And the soon-to-be released Midnight Star Table Topper pattern only requires one block for the entire design.
Note: You may have already mastered this block if you have been following along and made the Economy Block.

Gather Your Materials

Materials:
- (1) 3-1/4″ White square
- (2) 3″ Dark Blue squares
A square block set on point can be designed in a lot of different ways to add visual interest to a quilt. In the case of the Midnight Star pattern, it’s used in the center of the quilt, with the star points pointing out from there.
Making the Perfect Square in a Square Quilt Block
Basic Sewing Supplies Needed
- Sewing Machine
- It’s nice to use a 1/4″ sewing foot to help maintain a perfect seam allowance
- Cotton Thread
- I prefer Aurifil 50 wt. thread
- Sewing Pins
- Rotary Cutter with sharp blade
- Acrylic Ruler for cutting fabric
- Squaring Ruler
- Rotary Cutting Mat
- Iron & Ironing Board
How to Make a Perfect Square in a Square Block
Step 1:
Cut the (2) 3″ Dark Blue squares on the diagonal to make (4) triangles.

Step 2:
Sew a triangle to opposite sides of a 3-1/4″ White square. Match the center of the square with the center of the triangle. Repeat. Press the triangle out.

Step 3:
Sew triangles to the remaining two sides of the White square, again matching the center of the square with the center of the triangle. Press to the triangle.

Step 4:
Square up the block to 4-1/2″ x 4-1/2″. Take care not to cut off the points of the white fabric. You should have a 1/4″ seam allowance between each point and the trimmed edge. This is very important because this block is at the center of your quilt.
For squaring up single blocks, I have a 6-1/2″ Creative Grids Square Ruler which I use for squaring 3″, 4″, 5″ and 6″ blocks. In a perfect world, I’d have a template in each size, but I find that the 6-1/2″ ruler works great.

It really is that easy. And, now you have a perfect Square in a Square block for the center of your (coming soon) The Midnight Star Table Topper.
The Midnight Star Table Topper only requires one perfect square in a square block. Once it’s finished, set it aside until you’re ready to assemble your quilt.

This block is also a part of a fun project called the Midnight Star Table Topper. This post is Part 3 and below are links to Part 1 and Part 2.
Part 1: How to Make a Triangle in a Square Block
Part 2: How to Make Magic 8 Half Square Triangles
Part 4: The Midnight Start Table Topper Pattern
Kris Driessen is the creative genius behind the Phoebemoon Designs website and the Scrapdash tutorial blog. Known for her mystery quilts, Kris travels by RV and teaches on the road. Learn more about her classes at http://krisdriessen.com and sign up for her newsletter.
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