The square in a square quilt block can be a stand-alone quilt block or a unit in another quilt block. There are several different methods to make this basic building quilt block, but I prefer this method for its ease of cutting and sewing. With this method, there are some scraps, but you don’t need to handle bias edges on your finished square block, which can easily stretch your quilt block out of shape.

This quilt block is made from two fabrics. It has a center square that is surrounded by triangles to make a larger square. The center creates a focal point in the quilt block. You can use this center area to highlight a special fabric, even fussy cutting a design.

Popular with both beginners for how easy it is to put together, experienced quilters use this block as an element in intricate quilt designs. It is used in both traditional and modern quilt patterns.

Here is a layout of the quilt block:

Determining how to cut your fabric is pretty easy. For the center fabric, cut a square the finished block size plus 1/2″ for seam allowances. For the corners, cut four (4) squares the finished block size divided by two (2), plus 1/2″ for seam allowances. Here is a fabric calculator for the fabric requirements:

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Here is a step-by-step tutorial with photos to help you make this quilt block.

One (1) Quilt Block

How to Make Square in a Square Quilt Block

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Active Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Difficulty: Intermediate

The square in a square quilt block can be used as a stand-alone quilt block or as a unit in a more complex quilt block.

There are many different ways to make this quilt block. Some people prefer to paper piece it, but I like the ease of this mehod.

Materials

1/4" yard of two fabrics, or fat quarters
Thread

Tools

Sewing machine
Ironing board
Iron
Rotary cutter
Cutting mat
Quilter's Ruler
Removable marking pen or pencil; I used a Frixion pen

Instructions

Cut your fabric according to the fabric calculator above. I am making a 3" finished quilt block, so my off-white fabric is cut at 3-1/2" square for the center square and then four (4) squares at 2" for the corner squares.
Mark the diagonal line on the wrong side of the smaller squares with your marking pencil or pen. I used a Frixion pen. Always test your marker on your fabric.
Align two of the smaller squares in opposite corners of the center square, with the diagonal lines going from side to side, parallel to each other.
Sew on the drawn line on both of the smaller squares.
Using a ruler, trim to the outside edge of your sewing line 1/4". Here are both sides trimmed.
Press these seams to your preference. For more information on pressing seams, read our article How to Press Your Seams in Quilting.

Align the other two smaller squares, also referred to as corner patches, on the other two corners, right sides together, with the diagonal marked lines parallel to each other. These are placed on the opposite sides with the marked lines going the opposite direction.
Sew on the diagonal lines, just like before.
Using a quilter's ruler and rotary cutter, trim to a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Make sure to trim the outside of the seam line.
Press seams and your square in a square quilt block is finished! Your square in a square quilt block is ready to use in a quilt as is, or combined with other units to make a more complex quilt block.

Notes

If you have a square ruler, you can use it to make sure your finished block is all trimmed up to the right size and trim the dog ears off.

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This block is used as a center in many traditional quilt blocks and as a building block for more complex quilt designs. It is a timeless block combined with other elements to create unique quilt layouts and patterns.

You can start your center block with a charm pack or layer cake square. A charm pack will make a finished 5-inch block, and a layer cake square will make a finished 10-inch block.

Tips and ideas for square in a square quilt blocks

Sort through your scraps and small pieces and cut a variety of fabrics to make these blocks. Sew the seams as leaders or enders when you are quilting. The unfinished squares can be saved for future projects. This is a great way to use up your scraps.
These blocks can be combined with other units to make different quilt blocks for baby quilts, throw quilts, lap quilts, and larger quilts.
Use different fabrics for the center and corners. Make sure there is enough value difference in the colors that the center square pops. Have fun with different pieces of fabric and fun patterns.
You could use small-scale prints for the corners and a large-scale print for the center. Use a novelty fabric for the center and fussy cut some elements to feature in the quilt block.

Here are a few square quilt block patterns that use the square in a square as the center block.

Indiana Puzzle is a nine-patch format quilt block with this featured block at the center, surrounded by half square triangles that shift their angles.