Square in a square, mine is wonky
 

Please share your secrets to making a perfect square in a square? Is there a magic ruler like Deb Tucker's Wing Clipper? Can you make your triangles a little big and trim the block? I'm not a perfectionist, I try but I keep failing, :) but my Square in a Square is just way too wonky. Thanks everyone!

Paper piecing works every time.

Cutting the pieces so that all the grainlines go the same direction has been helpful for me.

Also sewing the triangles on opposite sides first, instead of attaching the pieces 'around the square'

I agree with bearisgray and remember when pressing to not move the iron around just press up and down as not to stretch the block's.

PS: I want the grain lines on the outside edge of the unit to be on the straight of grain.

I haven't used it but my friend uses the Square In A Square ruler from Jodi Barrows. She made a lovely Storm at Sea quilt for my daughter using it, and said that it was easy to use. She also said that there was quite a bit of waste but that the scrap pieces were large and would be useful if you are a scrap quilter (she is not). But as I said, I haven't used it personally....

Alison

I do not prewash my fabric and use the Accuquilt Go! to cut the triangles. The triangles are perfectly cut with corners nipped off, so they are very easy to align with my squares. Not prewashing ensures the fabric has some stability. If I prewash a fabric, I starch it fairly heavily before cutting to add back some stability. Starch, when heavy enough, prevents even bias edges from stretching.

yes deb tucker males one I have it luv it only makes up to 61/2 don`t know if there is a larger one

This woman speaks my language, it worked well. Thank you so much!

I printed the directions out. Who knows I may even get around to making one soon.

First I Best Press my material before cutting. I do use Jodi Barrows Square in a Square ruler ... just not her technique. Whatever size SiS I make I figure out ahead of time what size triangles to use so that I do trim off just a tiny bit.

The Sis ruler helps with the seam allowances when I put them together.

I bought Deb Tucker square in a square ruler and have never regretted it!

Before I had the Go, I just made the square in a square using hsts.

I have the square in a square ruler also, it works very well

I agree, try the SNS ruler and technique by Jodi Barrows...really works!

bearisgray is correct - I always aim for the straight of the grain along the outside edge. Also, YES I always make mine larger and trim to size each time.

In a pinch, I fold the triangle point to point and gently finger press. Same thing with the square. Be sure to press them in the same direction and don't stretch. When you put them right sides together, they nestle. Its not perfect, but its gotten me out of a jam a couple times!

Never tried one, but mine would probly be wonky too!

It is absolutely necessary to square up your block before adding the next round of triangles.