I am planning to make some blocks that call for square in a square units. There are a number of ways to tackle this notoriously tricky unit, and recently I have been using Fat Quarter Shop’s foundation papers, which are especially good for small sizes. Without foundation papers or special trim tools, the square in a square block invariably comes out wonky (for me).
My project requires square in a square blocks that are 6 1/2″ unfinished, and I don’t have papers that size on hand. So, I got my rusty brain to thinking. How did I use to make these units without going crazy? With special trim rulers, of course.
I had two of these special rulers on hand and decided to do a little experiment. The oldest one I had is the Fit to be Square ruler by Monique Dillard, of Open Gate Quilts. I did some stunt sewing for her years ago, and she gifted me some of her wonderful rulers. I do not believe they are still being manufactured or sold, but if you are like me, you could very well have one of these sitting in a drawer in your sewing room. It is worth looking around because it’s a great resource. So, following the separate instructions for cutting sizes, I quickly made one square in a square unit and trimmed it up to 6 1/2″. It was perfect.
Next, I pulled a more recent product that is available online and in quilt shops. This is the Square Squared ruler by Deb Tucker.
Following the cutting directions, which are so conveniently printed on the ruler itself, I quickly cut and assembled my second square in a square unit. What do you know, that one came out perfectly as well.
What is the advantage of using a trim ruler as opposed to the foundation papers? Both methods result in perfectly sized, non-wonky blocks. If you go the route of the foundation papers, you do need to purchase multiple sizes on multiple occasions, depending on how many units you need to make. With the rulers, there are numerous size options on just the one tool, which is a savings to you if you make a lot of this particular unit. Between the two trim tools, the Fit to be Square ruler seems to have more size options, but since you can’t seem to buy it any longer, the Deb Tucker Square Squared is your best bet.
Do any of you know of other trim tools to make this block in multiple sizes? There may be other options available that I am not aware of. Do share if you know of any.
18 Responses
Deb Tucker’s Square Squared ruler is now my go-to for making this unit. You could use EQ to print foundation papers for a 6-1/2″ square unit if you wanted that route….but a ruler is easier, IMO.
As for other versions — perhaps the most-marketed is the one by Jodi Barrows. Our guild had a workshop given by one of her representatives. I bought the ruler ($$).I made the class project. I sold the ruler. The reasons I didn’t like it: the method was really fiddly and, moreover, it resulted in a lot of units out of all-the-same fabrics. My style is a whole lot scrappier.
Oh, yes — once upon a time I had a S)S ruler–by EZ/Wright’s, I think–I got it at a closeout sale and I don’t think I ever used it.
I had forgotten about Jodi Barrows. I have never used any of her products, but have seen a few of her YouTube videos. For some reason, if I recall correctly, she is left-handed, and I was always confused by her hand and ruler placements.
I think I am remembering someone else who is left handed. I just took a look at some Jodi Barrows videos and she isn’t who I was thinking of.
I draw my own paper piecing patterns when it is a simple block. I then copy them on my copy machine. I hold up to the light, to be sure the copies are exactly the same size as the original. When I need oversized papers and take them to Office Depot or the library to copy, I also hold the first copy up to the original to make sure the machine is 100% accurate.
I have used Jody Barrows SnS ruler for years. I love it! You start with a square, sew rectangles on each side, trim. Perfect every time. No fiddling for me! If I”m not mistaken, this is the original SnS ruler.
I need to revisit her tutorials!
Well, thank you for this post, Nicole! I needed to make a square in a square block a bit ago and embarassingly abandoned the block because the block didn’t turn out for me in the past and it was easier to abandon than to tackle and conquer!! I have MDs ruler tucked away in a drawer, never once been used. I do want to make the S’mores quilt and would you know if this ruler would work for that pattern?? Beautiful work as usual, Nicole!
That is a great question Tracey. I am not sure if MDs ruler would work for the S’Mores block, because there is an additional round of fabrics around your square in a square unit. Isn’t that called the Economy Block? You may be able to fiddle with it and make it work. I think when I made S’Mores, I used the Creative Grids Square On Square trim tool. It comes in a 6″ and an 8″ size. That was a fabulous quilt. I need to get that out and use it. Primitive Gatherings Penny Pincher is another quilt with that block that is fabulous.
Nicole, I have never done videos but am left handed. That is why I am such a fan of Deb Tucker. I once bought a specialty ruler for cutting strips for binding. I could not wrap my mind around how to position
The ruler. I wrote the designer a note suggesting left hand directions
For future rulers.
Great idea June. Lefties unite!
As simple as this block looks, I find it difficult to sew accurately . The last time I needed several, I just drafted the pattern and paper pieced it. It worked out so well. Of course, you can just buy the foundation papers but it was interesting to draft it, photocopy , and sew.
I think there are Etsy sellers who will sell or draft square in a square foundation papers in unusual sizes.
I use Deb Tucker’s Square Squared and Diamond Rects rulers and love them both for ease of using and accurate results. Also you only need buy them once for making several size blocks with each.
Hugs!
The rulers are definitely the more economical option!
I just finished one for a SAL and as usual for me, it turned out wonky. I tried using my 4 1/2″ ruler- the size it should be, and I never get the thing centered right. Time to buy a ruler! Sometimes SIS is made in an awkward size (like 3 3/8″) so papers wouldn’t help there.
OOh, I hate it when the directions call for a totally weird size! You are kind of on your own then.
Good discussion today! I need to inventory my rulers because I’m thinking that I have that Monique Dillard Fit to be Square ruler. I have her flying geese rulers & like her method which makes me think that I have the SnS too.
Same for me – Deb Tucker’s tools. I used to do them with just cutting a square to size and ended up with wonky angles too – ugh!