What is your favorite method for a square in a square block?

I am making a quilt for my nephew and I purchased 12 embroidered blocks of the Boston Bruin's logo, which will be the center square set on point, in a sawtooth star block, and then I need the triangles which completes the square to measure at 5" finished, and then I will add the star points to make the block 10.5" unfinished.

In other words....I am making a 10" sawtooth star, with a center square in square.

Before I start cutting, I want to be sure I am doing this right.

Take the centered logo and cut it to 5.5 inches unfinished.

Cut four squares at 3" unfinished and draw a diagonal line edge to edge.

Align the squares to each corner of the logo patch, sew on the diagonal line, from center to opposite edge to make the triangle patch, cut away excess, press out.

This needs to result in a 5.5" unfinished square.

Are my measurements correct?

Thanks in advance!

Diane

I don't have any advice, but your avatar is sure a cutie!

Just to be sure, I would make a sample out of scrap fabric...

excellent idea!

I thought you had to add 7/8". I would use Anita's paper method first. I use the Square in a Square ruler so I don't have to do the math!

You are right about 7/8" - when you cut a square on the diagonal into two triangles. But I believe she is using the method of sewing squares to a square and lopping off the excess. It's a good way if you want to keep things extra stable.

Anita

This is one of my favorite blocks.
Your measurements are correct.

BUT....in your last sentence "cut away excess".....instead, allow yourself to cut out ONLY the middle layer rather than the back also. As you have already squared your logo block, leaving the corners of it after sewing the smaller squares to it will allow you to keep the block true to size.

Because you will sew the small squares on the diagonal, and will press them back, you will find they likely do not fit exactly -- either are slightly under or over meeting the exact corner -- but not to worry about it because the discrepancy will be caught in the seam allowance when the block sections are all sewn together.

AND, if you will cut those smaller squares slightly larger than 3"....say, 3 and 1/8", you will find you won't lose the points of the square in a square into the seam allowance. That center will slightly "float", which will give the block better visual contrast in the overall view.

Jan in VA

Jeepers, I should have written that I believe they are. I broke my rule to not post when I am overtired.

Anita

Anita, may I first say it is a priviledge to chat with you here on the board. I have seen this video in the past but could never find it on a search, so thank you so much for providing the link! I have always wanted to use my scraps to make the quilt you show on the video. I love that it snips off the dog ears.

You were using an 8" square. Does it finish at 7.5" using your method? If so, I am going to assume I should be using all 5.5" squares unfinished to make my 5" finished block.

Thanks so much for the great info!

Diane

[quote=Jan in VA

BUT....in your last sentence "cut away excess".....instead, allow yourself to cut out ONLY the middle layer rather than the back also. As you have already squared your logo block, leaving the corners of it after sewing the smaller squares to it will allow you to keep the block true to size.

Because you will sew the small squares on the diagonal, and will press them back, you will find they likely do not fit exactly -- either are slightly under or over meeting the exact corner -- but not to worry about it because the discrepancy will be caught in the seam allowance when the block sections are all sewn together.

AND, if you will cut those smaller squares slightly larger than 3"....say, 3 and 1/8", you will find you won't lose the points of the square in a square into the seam allowance. That center will slightly "float", which will give the block better visual contrast in the overall view.

Jan in VA[/quote]

What a great tip! I never would have thought to add the 1/8".

I can't wait to try this method along with the way Anita does her cutting. The logo is embroidered so it raises the fabric up a bit and I'm concerned about the square being exact, so one of these methods will certanly work for me.

Thanks so much Jan!

Diane