Proper name for this block and help with math
 

I want to make the following block:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]556735[/ATTACH]

I tried Google but came up with so many different names i.e. square in a square, diamond in a square, etc; and I also struggled to find instructions to make one that is not paper pieced. The block should finish at 8.5" x 8.5" so I'm guessing the centre block (1) is cut at 4.5" x 4.5".......... and that's as far as I got before brain freeze set in :shock: Am I right? And how big do I cut the first set of triangles (2, 3, 4 & 5) and the second set (6, 7, 8 & 9)?

Also, if you've made this block, is it quite easy to be accurate or would you recommend cutting the triangles slightly bigger and trimming down at each stage as with HST's?

Many thanks!

Square in a square. Visit Quilters Cache for instructions to make many blocks in various sizes, including this one.

Should add -- as far as ( proper name) almost every block has a variety of names. Different areas, regions have their own names for the blocks that have been ( passed down) through the generations. There really isn't just one ( proper) name. :)

I've made this sized monkey wrench block without paper piecing.

Piece 1: cut one 4 1/4" square.
Pieces 2-5: cut two 4" squares. Cut each square diagonally once. Sew on pieces (will be oversized). Trim block to 6 1/8". (or just a thread over, but that is difficult to measure)
Pieces 6-9: cut two 5" squares. Cut each square diagonally once. Sew on pieces (they will be oversized). Trim to 8 1/2".

I don't know if there is a proper name or this block. I have always called in a square within a square within a square! It is a block that you have to carefully piece so you don't loose any corners or points. If you oversize the triangles, make sure you do the center fold technique so the triangle is sewn in the correct position. I probably would PP them for accuracy.

Quilter's cache is a great source... they even have blocks by finished size. Your block is called the economy block. Here's a link to the 7" finished size and is paper pieced http://www.quilterscache.com/E/EconomyBlock.html
They do not have it as an 8" finished.

Thank you Rebecca for posting the 8" size which will be perfect for the I Spy quilt that I am planning for my grandson. I have not been able to "grasp" paper piecing so this is perfect for me.

Love Quilter's Cache. I have it in favorites as "Blocks Galore"

OK, I just had to test my new EQ7... so here is a pdf of rotary cutting for the 8" Economy Block

Wow! Such an awesome response! Thank you everyone for your help with this block. I am learning more about quilting every day and members on this board have such a wealth of knowledge to share. :) Thank you!

OOPS, I made a typo!

Piece 1: cut one 4 1/2" square, not 4 1/4".

From the numbers on it I wonder if it is not paper-pieced?

I've made a few quilts with this pattern by paper piecing and fussy cutting the center block...

I would just paper piece it!

deb tucker has a ruler that makes it very easy

Thanks for the pdf instructions. This is just what I wanted to make some new valances for my sewing room.

She has 2. The 1st does 1" - 6" & the new 1 goes up to 12". Saw it demo'ed at Grand Rapids show & had to get it. Math & I are not great friends so this will be an asset like the Hunter's Star tool.

you're welcome
glad it was helpful

You know how pi is 3.14....?

For quilters, it is "cake is 1.414"

It works both directions. Just Divide or multiply

8" finished divided by 1.414 divided again, the center sq is 4.0 finished and some eensy change, so would need to be cut 4-1/2".

The middle square is 5.65, slightly larger than 5-5/8. You could cut two 6-1/4 sq in half for the middle corners.

The outer corners are half of 8, so are 4" plus SA. Cut 4-1/2" HST or cut two 5" sq in half.

My "theoretical" cut size measurements for that unit were:

Center A - 4-1/2 x 4-1/2 (4.5 x 4.5 inches)

Square to cut into into fourths to make B pieces - 5-1/4 x 5-1/4 (5.25 x 5.25 inches)

Square to cut diagonally to make C pieces - 4-7/8 x 4-7/8 (4.875 x 4.875 inches)


What I would actually cut for that block/unit (in inches):

A: 4-1/2 x 4-1/2

B: 5-1/2 x 5-1/2

C: 5 x 5

And then trim/square the unit/block after adding all the B pieces, and then trim/square after adding the C pieces.


I strongly recommend making at least one test block before cutting up a lot of your pieces - measure it - and then make adjustments for the next block.


For me, it has been much more economical - and less frustrating - to cut a bit large and trim a smidgen than to end up with s skimpy unit.

Someone may have already said this but here is my explanation of how to get the right measurement. If you were to take the center square (on paper) and mark it corner to corner diagonally you will have 4 triangles. If you measure each of these triangles, they are the size needed to put around your square. Don't know if this makes sense but it works for me.

it does have many names - another one is Economy block

Creative Grids has three rulers that make the 5", 6" and 8" square in a square block.

Maybe these drawings may help explain why the squares for the HSTs and QSTs are cut the sizes they are?

(or maybe they will just confuse the issue) - - -

Vicki, I saw this on Missouri Quilt Co. site. They have a tutorial on making and expanding this block. I want to try it.