I have some OBW octagon shapes that I want to put into a block...I know I have seen pictures of quilts like this, but I can't find one right now!

Is there a pattern to do this or has someone done it and can share the how to part? I know I could applique it on, but really don't want to do that.

Add triangles to the 4 corners that are the same size as the ones in the hexagons. :D:D:D

These pieces will be a bit large, but you will be fine once you cut them down in the squaring up process :D

My shape is an octagon and when I look at it I can't figure out what sizes I will need. I guess I could make all triangles and sew them around then cut it square...some pieces would end up rectangles, but that is ok.

If you want to sew the octagons together you just sew 1/2 of the octagon in strips. Then sew the strips together.

I think I got it! I added triangles to the corners and then 2" border! Thanks Amma you got me started. It took a little trial and error getting the right size triangle. I have never tried making my own block before. The white was just some fabric scraps I had handy. I might cut it down to a smaller border too.

That looks good!

When I cut the pieces for my octagons from a 4" strip, I cut the pieces that will square it off from a 2 3/4" strip. (This is based on Maxine Rosenthal's book, "One Block Wonders.")

While I don't know for sure, I suspect that if you subtract 1/2" (1/4" + 1/4") off each measurement for seam allowances, you'd come up with a repeatable proportion.

If so, then the ratio 3 1/2: 2 1/4, which can be reduced to 14:9, should work. For example, if you cut your octagon pieces from a 6" strip, then you should cut the squaring pieces from a 3.86" strip. In mathematical terms, 14/9:6/x (in English, 14 is to 9 as 6 is to x (the unknown width of the strip from which you'll cut squaring pieces) Working the math, 14x=54, therefore x=3.86").

That said, there are plenty of smarter quilters on this board than me! Since I've only been quilting for about 18 months, I may be all wrong in this approach to answering your question. I hope others will continue to chime in!

Looks good