We're continuing with our patchwork piecing tricks series, and looking at the square in a square block. It's a great way to show off your favorite prints and cute motifs! When you know how, it's also super easy.

Our patchwork piecing tricks series continues as we give you a taster of all the great information that can be found in the reference section of the Quilter’s Planner.

Today we’re looking at the square in a square block. (SiaS). It’s such a great block, ideal for fussy cutting and framing your favorite motifs and prints! You may have heard it referred to as an economy block as well. This tutorial makes a 5 1/2” finished unit.

You will need:

Center square – 4 1/2” x 4 1/2″

2 squares 3 1/2” x 3 1/2” and cut in half on the diagonal to create 4 triangles

1. Centre a corner triangle along the first side of the center square and sew along the edge with a 1/4” seam. Don’t open out and press at this stage. Repeat on the opposite size of the center square. Now open out and press both corner triangles.  Trim off the excess in line with the center square.

2. Sew the remaining 2 corner triangles onto the center square, open out and press.

3. Cut off the tabs (also known as dog ears) and trim to size, making sure there is a 1/4” seam allowance between the corner of the center square and the outer sides of the SiaS unit.

Isn’t it such a fun block! We hope you’ve enjoyed this tutorial and that you feel inspired to include some square in a square units in your next project!

Do also check back to our previous blog posts with tutorials on half-square triangles and flying geese blocks, which include how to make multiple units at a time. All of this information and so much more is in the reference section of the Quilter’s Planner, so be sure to keep it near by when you’re sewing and quilting!