How to Measure for a Square in a Square Quilt Block

The square-within-a-square quilt is not a mystery to measure.

A square-within-a-square quilt is one of beauty that also displays the skill of the quilter. It is more complex than the standard square-by-square quilt. Instead of measuring one block before sewing, the square-within-a-square quilt requires measurements for one large square and four triangles. The result is one large block that magically meets the measurements needed to fit the larger quilt. However, completing such a block is not a work of magic; it just takes some strategic measuring.

Things You'll Need

• Quilter's angle ruler
• Square ruler
• Scissors or rotary cutter

Instructions

1. Find the measurement for the finished block. The square within a square creates a block that will be the same size as the other blocks in the quilt. If creating a quilt from instructions, follow the block measurements in the instructions you are using. This can be two, four or six inches, for example.

2. Use the square ruler to measure the center square, also known as the base of the block. Add 1/2 inch to the measurements used for the entire block. The added 1/2 inches are a seam allowance.

3. Lay the corner of the square ruler on the corner of the fabric. Mark and cut at the block measurement plus 1/2 inch. For example, a quilt made of four-inch blocks requires a square-within-a-square base of the block to be 4.5 inches. Cut the fabric using scissors or a rotary cutter. Set it aside.

4. Measure material for the first of the triangles by making a square. Make the squares half the size of the base of the block, but add 1/2 inch for a seam allowance. For example, a four-inch base of the block needs triangle (squares) that are 2.5 inches, seam allowance included.

5. Create the first of the outer triangles using the angle ruler. Lay the triangle ruler on the fabric with the vertical edge of the right as close to the edge as possible. Use the vertical lines for the triangle measurement, obtaining it in the same manner as in Step 4. Mark the measurement.

6. Cut the triangle. Create the other three triangles. Use either the angle-cutting method (Step 5) or the square-cutting method (Step 4). Do not mix methods. Doing so places the measurements for the entire square in jeopardy. Now, it is time to assemble and sew.

Tips & Warnings

• Further trimming is performed once the block is assembled.

References

• Quiltsville Custom Quilting; Square in a Square Tutorial
• e-Quilters; Two Ways to Make a "Square in a Square" Block