An Effective Square Block
DIFFICULTY LEVEL ‣ INTERMEDIATE
FINISHED BLOCK SIZE: 12″ X 12″
An Effective Square block combines three popular quilting elements, including half-square triangles, Flying Geese, and the Economy Block. Its corners resemble a Bear’s Paw block, but instead of sashing, the center square offers a great place to try out a favorite quilt motif.
Instructions:
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
Read through entire pattern before beginning project. Use ¼” seam allowances with fabric right sides together. Pressing arrows are included with illustrations. Fabric requirements include extra yardage for shrinkage and insurance. If working with directional prints, you may want to begin with more fabric than called for.
WOF = width of fabric
HST = half-square triangle
FABRIC:
Fabric A: (1) fat eighth (9″ x 20″) white fabric
Fabric B: (1) 6″ x WOF piece red fabric
CUTTING:
From Fabric A, cut:
• (1) 3¾” x 20″ strip. Cut strip into:
• (2) 3¾” squares. Cut squares once diagonally to make
4 small triangles
• (4) 3″ squares
• (2) 2½” x 20″ strips. Cut strips into:
• (4) 2½” squares
• (4) 2½” x 4½” rectangles
From Fabric B, cut:
• (2) 4⅞” squares cut once diagonally to make 4 large triangles
• (1) 4½” square
• (1) 2½” square
Block Assembly:
Referring to Diagram 1, draw a diagonal line on wrong side of (1) Fabric A 3″ square. Place over Fabric B 3″ square. Sew a ¼” seam allowance on each side of drawn line. Cut in half on drawn line and press to make (2) HST Units. Trim to 2½” each. Make 8.
Referring to Diagram 2, draw a diagonal line on wrong side of (2) Fabric B 2½” squares. Place 1 marked square on one end of Fabric A 2½” x 4½” rectangle as shown. Sew on drawn line and trim away excess fabric with a ¼” seam allowance. Repeat on opposite end of rectangle to make Flying Geese Unit. Make 4.
Fold in half long side of (1) Fabric A small triangle and gently finger-press center point. In the same manner, fold in half one side of (1) Fabric B 4½” square and finger-press center point. Match folded center points, pin, and sew together as shown in Diagram 3. In the same manner, sew a Fabric A triangle to opposite side. Sew triangles to remaining two sides to complete center. In the same manner, add Fabric B large triangles to make Economy Block Unit.
Lay out (2) HSTs and (1) Flying Geese Unit as shown in Diagram 4. Sew together to make Side Unit. Make 4.
Paying attention to orientation, lay out (4) Fabric A 2½” squares, (4) Side Units, and Economy Block Unit. Sew into rows. Sew rows together to make An Effective Square Block.
