Inspiration

When I saw this quilt on Flickr I had one of those 'I have to make' moments and I 'favourited' it immediately. I believe some people call it a 'square in square block' and others an 'economy block.'

Incidentally, (contentious comment coming up, look away now if you are easily offended). I have never understood how you can 'favourite' someone's work on Flickr without leaving a comment. Surely if you are that moved to 'favourite' it, you can spare a moment to say something? I know people do it all the time but I find it a wee bit odd - it's almost like you are taking without giving anything back. (Contentious comment over with, you can come back now).

So, making a few changes along the way this is what I came up with.

For your feature block you'll need:

A - I chose to make the centre square 5"
B -  I then cut 4 x 2 3/4" squares
C -  And finally, cut 2 squares that are 4 1/4" and then cut them across on the diagonal to get 4 triangles.

Assembly:

Take your 2 3/4" squares and sew them to each corner of your large square. You'll be sewing from the middle out...if that makes sense.

Snip off the excess fabric to the right of your sewing line, press your triangles out and you'll end up with a new square with triangle corners.

Then take your larger triangles and place as here - right sides together.

As you sew your 1/4" seam allowance, you must make sure you go through where the cross-section of the two previous sewing lines meet (arrowed) , EXACTLY, to get your perfect point.

With all four large triangles sewn on, that will get you one of these.

You'll note I have chosen to make my blocks on point.

For the white alternating blocks you'll need 8" squares. Put two different ones together, right sides. Pencil draw a diagonal line across the block and sew a scant 1/4" line either side of the pencil line. Cut open along the pencil line. You'll need to do this in pairs, each one orientated differently, so that you take a newly made triangle from each set and sew them back together so there are no fabrics next to each other.

For the four corners I just took spare half triangles and sewed them across the corner and then cut them down to size.

If you align the two seams lines (highlighted by the arrow below) everything will match up nicely. So match those seams up first and then trim the edges to fit.

I'e seen this block done lots of different ways, including foundation piecing but this is the way I have done it. Be aware though that if you do it this way and don't want your blocks on point, then your fussy cut centre subject will be displayed at an angle.

I think it's a brilliant way to really show off quirky fabric.

I think you can even 'hide' feature fabric that perhaps you don't even really like that much anymore.

Because when it's all sewn together...

 ...no one will really notice.

Will they?

Linking up to Finish It Up Friday