Perfect Square in a Square Quilt Block

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.