you make nine-patch blocks..cut them diagonally..do not square up the blocks..lay them out to form the diamond shape and sew together..when I designed my quilt I wanted something besides just sewing them together and came up with this idea..I didn't trim up the blocks for 2 reasons, 1 being I didn't want to lose too much on the size of the block and 2 being, I just wasn't motivated that day to do so lol. I think you done a wonderful job on your quilt Elaine..your grandson is going to have many years of enjoyment out of it.