Squares Squared Quilt Block Pattern

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How to Sew a Squares Squared Quilt Block

The Squares Squared quilt block is a beautiful and symmetrical design built from half-square triangles sewn together and cut again to create two identical mirrored blocks at once. A clever and efficient technique that gives you great results!

Materials Needed

• Fabric in two contrasting colors
• Rotary cutter, cutting mat, and ruler
• Sewing machine and iron with ironing board

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cut your squares. Cut one square from each fabric color. The size should be the finished block size plus 1¼". For a 6" finished block, cut two 7¼" squares.
2. Layer the squares right sides together, aligning the edges.
3. Draw the diagonal line. Using a ruler, draw a diagonal line from one corner to the opposite corner on the wrong side of one square.
4. Sew both sides of the line with a ¼" seam allowance.
5. Cut along the drawn line to create two half-square triangles.
6. Press the seams open on both HSTs.
7. Trim the first HST. Place it right side up on the cutting mat. Align the diagonal line on your ruler with the diagonal seam and trim the excess fabric on two sides.
8. Rotate 180° and trim the remaining two sides, aligning the ruler with the trimmed edges.
9. Repeat steps 7–8 with the second HST.
10. Join the two trimmed HSTs right sides together, aligning the seams. Pin in place and sew a ¼" seam on both sides of the pinned seam.
11. Cut along the center seam to create two identical Squares Squared blocks.
12. Press the seams open.

You now have two beautiful Squares Squared quilt blocks! Repeat to create as many as needed, and experiment with different color placements for a variety of designs.

Four Patch Technique

The secret to the perfect four patch is pressing seams so they butt together when joined.

Cut two A squares and two B squares. Using chain piecing, join one A square to one B square, right sides together, with a scant ¼" seam allowance. Press toward the dark fabric.

Press all seams toward the dark fabric so they butt up. Place the two A/B units right sides together, butting seams. Pin if needed, join with a scant ¼" seam allowance, then press.

You can apply this technique to all kinds of four patch blocks. As long as a block has a 4×4 grid, the basic principles apply.

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.