I really like the block and the easiness but I dont like how large it is.
Has anyone pared it down and if so what were your measurements ??

I used this method with 5" cuts. Worked great.

you can make it any size you like from 4 inches up to whatever suits you. I think any smaller tha 4 inches would be to small, have a play with different sizes and see what you like best.

Yes I tried a test block using a few charms. You could use any size just as long as all 5 squares are same size.

I'm making one with 7 inch blocks, which gives you enormous blocks, but is great for a quick quilt. I cannot believe how fast it is. I'm making it in a bow tie pattern.

It is the same block as the 3-D Bow Tie. I've played with them hand sewing down the center for the curved look. There are several blogs out there with tutorials if you search 3D bow tie online.

http://bearcreekquilter.wordpress.co...rial-and-more/

I just made it with 6 inch blocks. So much fun! I want to make up a scrappy baby quilt with a specific print in the center and surround it with all colors. I'm not sure how to post a picture............

Here is the link to the tutorial I saw:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbTHl...ext=1&index=26

I used 22" squares for mine. Four blocks per row. Great to show off machine quilting and makes a big quilt very fast.

I played with this, started with the larger sizes, but didn't like how much fabric was all around the center. So I went smaller. Still didn't like the center so small and too much fabric aroud it. So using about a 4" square, I used 4 - 4" square and then the middle one I went with 5". Liked it better. I think that what ever size block you use, if you want a larger center, just don't go over 1/2 (minus your seam allowance) the measuement of the other 4 blocks. It can be made any size.

Here's a 3D Bow Tie using a smaller center.
http://www.quilt-lovers-guide.com/bo...ilt-block.html
It's a block to bring out our own creativity.

Great tutorial - thanks

That's exactly what I was thinking of doing. I don't see why it wouldn't work with smaller sizes.

I like the smaller center on the bow tie, but I like it a little larger on any other size block. Even on a 2 1/2 " block, which I also played with, I'd use a 3" block for the center. Just preference I guess. But it is an easy block, and fun to do. And with larger blocks would make up very quickly if you need to make a quilt for someone. I guess comparing it to a 3-D pinwheel, using all the same size blocks, this center block is to small for me.

WOW -almost magical

Here are some pics of what I made with 3 1/2 inch squares These blocks ended up being 6 1/2 inches unfinished and they went together quickly. Any size can be used for this block

Here's the beginning of mine with two different size blocks - the smaller are made with 5" squares, the larger are 9.5". I have really enjoyed making them, more so than any other quilt block (not that I have tried many). I usually get bored easily, but this has kept my attention.

I'm trying to add a picture, hope it works.

This is my trial of this block. It is not backed or quilted yet.

OK Thanks I think I will try the smaller version, I still think it will fairly quick ...

I'm getting a lot of great ideas here. Keem 'em coming!

Thanks for showing the different size blocks. I have the book, but have make a couple of sample blocks.

Very pretty.

beautiful quilts

I have the book -- "10-Minute Blocks" by Suzanne McNeill. It's 16.99 on Amazon and free shipping with a $25.00 order.

As a large block, it would work well with large prints.
People are always asking for ideas for their large prints!

Thank you ladies! I'm suffering from my embroidery machine being broken, still have my regular machine and my "plans" were up in the air as to what to do now.... This block will surely make my stash go away and my Christmas presents multiply! Thank you again.

If you use 5" squares it would make a good size for a pot holder!

how beautiful

I have been racking my brain for some quick projects and I think I just found my answer. Thanks to all of you for the pics and tuts

I did it with 2 1/2 in squares and it came out looking like a bow tie block. I liked it better small than I did with the 10 inch squares

I stopped in my LQS today, and they had one of these quilts on display. They did not topstitch the center square (or quilt through it), so it was very 3 dimensional. I can't imagine the quilt would wash well like this. I myself would definitely top stitch it.

There are a number of blocks like this - faux cathedral window being one, and Ricky Tims' video of one seam flying geese is another. The links are below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78Mu0C_QL8Y

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvXUvKIzYZY

Thanks to everyone for the great ideas and pictures!

I tried one with four 5" blocks and a 6" block for the middle one. Works great and the color play is more balanced.

:-)

These are great links. Thank you

table topper is gorgeous. I love the colors, but the quilting design is beautiful.

4 of your squares need to be the same size.
The 5th square can be:

the same size, which will make a "diamond" shape in the center that extends exactly halfway up each inner seam of the finished 4-patch block;

a bit smaller, which will make a smaller "diamond" shape in the center of the finished 4-patch block;

or a bit larger, which will make a larger "diamond" shape in the center of the finished 4-patch block.

Try all three and see which you like.

for those who may still be looking for the instruction book for 10 Minute Blocks go to Amazon.com then to books and in thr search box type in 10 Minute Blocks. Nancy from WI

The author is Suzanne McNeill.