Lesson # 5
The Square in a Square
Block
The Square in a square block is
another block used over and over again in quilting patterns.
You can make this square by
several methods. This lesson will just cover one of them.
(You will learn how to make
squares in squares, using half square triangles, in Challenge Block
"Squares
in Squares")
and uses the same technique as the
Snowball
Block (to the left). The difference is in the size of the
small squares. They must overlap each other, as opposed to the
snowball, where the squares are smaller and do not touch each other.
This is a very easy block to make,
You start by cutting a square for
the inside of the block. The size of this square determines the
size of the smaller squares you will put in the corners.
The smaller squares will be 1/2 the
width of the square plus 1/2 inch. So if you were placing a 4-inch
square in the middle, the 4 small squares would each measure 2 1/2
inches.
When you do this square, you do the
opposite corners first. After you sew diagonally through the small
squares, press them open, and you will have a unit like the picture.
It is only half complete, but this is also a unit that can be used on
its own.
Then you add smaller squares to the
other corners, and sew across them diagonally.
Press them open and you are done.
Again, you should have a 1/4 inch
seam allowance between the corner points of the square and the surrounding
fabric. You can trim up your square, but be sure and put your
ruler so that you have that distance.
On to Lesson
#6 -
The
Rail Fence Block
