X-Squared Block :: Tutorial

It finally happened!  I finished a tutorial!  This 16" (finished) 'X-Squared' block is fast fun and so easy.  Great for beginners, perfect for scraps and you'll love the results!

16" Blocks = 64" x 80" Quilt

The PDF pattern is available through my Craftsy Pattern Shop where I have also included a 10" (finished) block and a coloring page for the block.  While bigger can be better, it's always nice to have options!

16" x 16" (finished)

Let's begin, shall we?!

Choosing your fabric is arguably the biggest challenge for this block.  I had a color combination in mind when I made mine using corals, pinks and peach.  And I knew it was going to be as scrappy as I could get with the fabrics I had on hand. 

This block is made up of four (4) blocks assembled together to make one large block.  It's as easy as it gets!

CUTTING:

White:
(4) - 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" Squares
(4) - 5 1/4" x 5 1/4" Squares

Four (4) Assorted Prints:
From each print, cut the following:
(1) - 5 1/4" x 5 1/4" Squares
(1) - 4 1/2" x 8 1/2" Rectangle

Four (4) Assorted Solids:
From each print, cut the following:
(1) - 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" Square

Step 1:

With right sides together, pair one (1) 5 1/4" print squares with one (1) 5 1/4" white squares.  

Draw a line from corner to corner and stitch 1/4" on either side of the marked diagonal line. 

Cut along the marked line and press seams towards the print.

Repeat for the remaining three (3) HST's.

Trim each HST to 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" square.  

 ***For one (1) block you will need one (1) HST.  The 2-in-1 method makes two (2) HST's in the same print or color.  If you are making a large quilt, you will need to cut an additional 4 1/2" x 8 1/2" print rectangle and one (1) 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" white square.

Step 2:  
Following the diagram, pair each 4 1/2" HST with one (1) 4 1/2" solid square.  Orientation is important!  This unit along with the next unit need to match up.

Stitch the two (2) squares together using a 1/4" seam allowance.

Press seams open.

Repeat with the remaining three (3) HST's and solid squares.  You will have a total of four units. 

Step 3:

Place one (1) 4 1/2" white squares right sides together on top of one (1) 4 1/2" x 8 1/2" print rectangles.

Draw a diagonal line from the top left corner to the bottom right corner.  Stitch along the diagonal line.

Trim 1/4" from stitch line (red line in diagram) and press seams towards the print.

Repeat for the remaining three (3) rectangle prints.  You will have a total of four (4) units. 

BONUS HST's!!

Before you trim the corners off these units, draw a line 1/2" from the diagonal corner line.  Stitch along the diagonal line and the marked 1/2" line, trim between the stitched lines.  You will have a bonus HST to use in a future project. 

Step 4:

Matching prints, pair the each section together.  Following the diagram for orientation, stitch the two sections together and press seams open. 

 Assemble the remaining three (3) blocks.

Step 5:
Layout your pieces.  Match seams, pin and stitch.  Press seams open.

Finish the block by matching seams, pin and stitch the two sections together.  Press seams open.

And viola!  You have completed one big beautiful X-Squared blocks!

For a quilt using a 4 x 5 layout of a 16" block, your quilt will be 64" x 80".  Or a 3 x 4 layout will be 48" x 64"!  See...options!

I would love to see what you make with this block!  A quilt, a pillow, a mini quilt?!  Email me a photo to jaynebug(at)gmail(dot)com, or tag me on Instagram using @twiggyandopal and #xsquaredquiltblock!

And remember...the PDF pattern is available in my Craftsy Pattern Shop!

LINKING:

Oh Scrap

Main Crush Monday

Pieceful Sunday

Let's Bee Social

Needle & Thread

TGIFF

Can I Get A Whoop Whoop

Finished or Not