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How to Sew an Art Square Quilt Block
The Art Square quilt block is a modern geometric design using squares and corner triangles to create a bold framed square effect. It's a versatile block that works beautifully in both modern and traditional quilts, and is a great project for quilters of all skill levels!
How to Make the Block
The Art Square block is built using the corner square technique. Sew your base squares together first, then use the corner square method below to add precise triangles to the corners, creating the framed square design shown in the block photo above.
Corner Square Technique
Use this technique to add precise corner triangles to any block unit without dealing with stretchy bias edges.
Step 1: Sew the Squares Together
Sew the base squares together into the unit.
Step 2: Mark the Diagonal Line
Mark the wrong side of the unit with a pencil line, aligning the corners of the squares and the intersection of the seams.
Step 3: Align the Corner Piece
Line up the corner of the square or triangle you will add to the corner of the unit.
Step 4: Sew, Fold, and Press
Sew a seam one thread's width from the marked line — this tiny allowance makes room for the fold of the fabric so the triangle point isn't cut off. Fold the triangle into position using the squares to assist alignment, then press.
Step 5: Trim
Trim away excess fabric to reduce bulk, leaving a ¼" seam allowance and trimming the ears.
How to Resize Quilt Blocks
The first step in modifying any quilt block is to decide on your finished block size. You can base this on doubling a pattern, cutting it in half, or working with your available fabric.
Note: When working from a pattern's cutting instructions, remove the seam allowance before scaling. For example, if your pattern calls for 3½″ squares, subtract the seam allowance (½″), double the finished size (3″ → 6″), then add the seam allowance back (½″) — giving you a 6½″ cut piece.
Resizing Square Blocks
Add ½″ to your finished block measurement. For a 4″ finished square, cut a 4½″ square of fabric.
Resizing Rectangular Blocks
Add ½″ to both the length and width. To double a 3″ × 4″ block, cut a 6½″ × 8½″ rectangle.
Resizing Half-Square Triangle Blocks
Add 7/8″ to the desired finished block size. For a 4″ finished HST block, cut 4⅞″ squares.
Resizing Quarter Square Triangle Blocks
Add 1¼″ to the desired finished block size. For a 4″ finished block, cut 5¼″ squares.
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