wishfulthinking

Hi everyone! I have some little star blocks that are 3 1/2 inches, including seam allowance, that I want to turn into square in a square block. Can anyone tell me what size squares I need to cut for the triangles to sew to each side. I tried an online calculator but that gave me wrong info. I then just tried a 3" square and that seemed to work, but I'd like to do it the right way. Thanks for any help!

QuiltingNinaSue

Teresa Down under has a video on a square in a square on U-tube. She merely puts the square down on another piece of fabric that is laying right side up, and cuts out another one the same size, making a 'X' across the block, sews it all around the four sides, and carefully clipping on the 'X' mark to open up the square within a square. No math needed. I have shown it to others who wanted to try it. Seems simple enough on the few I made.

Gay

I would cut the square 3/4" larger than your star blocks, then cut twice diagonally.

NinaSue - would that method not cut off the 1/4" seam allowance at the corners? I haven't tried it yet, just asking.

wishfulthinking

Thanks for the info! I'll do a search for that video.

Monale

What I do for situations like that when I am not sure about the online calculator: I would take some scrap paper and pretend it's the fabric and just try different sizes of triangles.

Jan in VA

1. Measure the width of one side of your base square (the center block) and add 3/4" - 1" extra.
2. Cut Two squares this size.
3. Cut each of these squares in half on ONE diagonal. Tip**-Cutting 2 squares once in half on the diagonal gives you 4 triangles with their outside edges on the straight of grain -- they do not stretch as much this way when sewn to the base square-**Tip
4. Fold each triangle in half along the long side to get a center point and finger press a reference mark.
5. Fold the base square in half each direction and finger press a center reference mark on each side.
6. Sew a triangle to each side of the base square using the finger-pressed mark to help line up the triangles.
7. After all 4 triangles are sewn on, use your square-up ruler to trim off equal amounts of excess fabric on all sides to get the finished size you need.

Jan in VA

zennia

Thank You, Jan. I love how you explain things with pictures. I need them.

pocoellie

QuiltingNinaSue-Her method is the way I've made 3 pineapple quilts.

Onebyone

There is a tutorial on this board making this. I can't remember the whole name but it has Pineapple Shampoo in the name. Fun.

Onebyone

Found it: Spanish Butterflies in My Pineapple Shampoo