Suggestions for these blocks?
 

I posted the center of this top awhile ago, and I was planning on adding a few borders to increase the size-it's a lap quilt for one of my adult sons...OSU fan, thus the colors. I made lots of 6" square in a square blocks for a border, but decided they were too busy. I hope to make two more "Buckeye" quilts for the other 2 sons, but I can't find a pattern to use the square in a square blocks...hate to waste them! Any ideas?
The center of the quilt is Bonnie Hunter's design, Playing with Jacks.

I like the plain borders you have there.
But perhaps the reason you didn't like the square-in-a-square you made is because, lacking white, it seems to overwhelm the rest of the piecing. The rest of the quilt seems airy-er.

Jan in VA

If I understand, you want an idea to use up the sqNsq blocks you are not using on the quilt?

They would be a dynamic way to increase a carpenter's star quilt. Carpenter stars are square. I love them, but I prefer not-square quilts. I have several times researched how to make a carpenter's square longer.

Like the plain border too.

How about use the left over squares for coffe cup cozies, mug rug or cover for a cushion, when they watch he games at the stadium. Pillow covers, table runner, iPad cover.

O - H - I -O !!!!! Go Bucks!

I like your borders. Normally I prefer the largest border to be the darkest but I think what you have will work. I agree with Jan's comment. Try a bit of the white in the border block and see if that works out. I prefer the piecing of the quilt to be the star of the show. Very nicely done and I think they will be delighted with your gifts.

Love your quilt and the borders. I think the gray really lets the blocks stand out. Do't know the answer to your question, except, maybe some they would like some of the bowl holders for soup and all the other answers everyone said.

How about putting the red between the dark gray and the light gray and then binding it in the red? Very pretty quilt.

What about using them for cornerstones in the borders of the quilts.

Jan in VA has a very good point there & I agree with her too!!
:D :D :D :D

Jan and Sula...that's it! The square in square blocks are too "heavy"! Thank you! I saw a jewel box pattern and I think I can add white triangles to these blocks and set them as a jewel box-type layout. Thanks ladies! :)

Great quilt, perfect for a Buckeye fan! Those other boys will be jealous, you will have to get theirs in the works fast. Love the borders you chose.

If you only have a few, why not use them to wrap around offsetting corners in your quilt? It adds a bit of interest to a normally plain area.

Love the blocks! The gray with the red and black just set the right look. If you can't decide what to do with the blocks, send them to me I love 'em!

I like what you have laid out in the pic the way you have it. I think it's the fact that the quilt is full of prints and this border strip you tried is just solid, and without the white it just doesn't "feel" like the rest of the quilt. But those solid blocks will find a home some day if you keep them in the back of your mind for a future project. Great quilt!

I really like your quilt top exactly as it is for this son, as for other patterns that use the square in a square I am going to be making the storm at sea for my son. Pretty sure you can make it in your buckeye color scheme.

What about adding them to the backing? I hate wasting blocks too so will use them up on a pillow to go with the quilt, the backing or even a pillow case where they can store the quilt when not in use.

Great ideas-thank you all! I have 48 blocks, so I will use them in some way on a top...luckily only a few are sewn together, so not a lot of un-sewing to do. I finished attaching the borders as pictured and I am happy with it....need to venture out tomorrow and purchase backing fabric.

I love the first one. It let's the main body of the quilt have the attention.

I love your quilt and I think the plain borders are terrific.

How about piecing them into your back?