February has arrived and, while lots of us (including me) start to think about Valentine’s Day and warmer weather, there are plenty of other fun things going on too. Things like my 2021 mystery quilt called “Stars of the Prairie”. It is the second month for this event, and this time we learn how to make a square in a square quilt block.

This block is a traditional one that is often used in “I Spy” quilts or other designs that feature fussy cutting. If you want to show off a specific design from a piece of fabric, then this is a good block for you.

The finished block measures 12 1/2″ square and comes together easily.

Start raiding your scrap bins and get ready to show off all of those pretty fabrics with the popular square in a square block.

If you are here for the quilt block tutorial, but not for the mystery quilt, then scroll down a little bit for the instructions.

February Mystery Quilt Info

*Download the Square in a Square Quilt Block Pattern Here*

Please read all instructions carefully before beginning.

We will be making four blocks this month. Use a scant 1/4″ seam allowance throughout.

Supplies Needed

Along with the fabric, you will need some general quilting supplies.

• Cutting Mat
• 12 1/2″ square Quilter’s Ruler
• Rotary Cutter

For the Stars of the Prairie mystery quilt we will be making 4 of the Square in a Square quilt blocks.

Fabric Needed (for all 4 blocks):

• Background Fabric: ½ yard
• Fabric A: Fat quarter
• Fabric B: Fat quarter

Cutting Instructions (for all 4 blocks):

• Background Fabric: 8 squares cut 6 7/8 inches by 6 7/8 inches
• Fabric A: 4 squares cut 7 ¼ inches by 7 ¼ inches
• Fabric B: 4 squares cut 6 ½ inches by 6 ½ inches

How to Make a Square in a Square Quilt Block (Instructions to Make 1 Block)

Video Tutorial

Block Layout

To make one block you will need the following:

• Background Fabric: 2 squares cut 6 7/8 inches by 6 7/8 inches
• Fabric A: 1 squares cut 7 ¼ inches by 7 ¼ inches
• Fabric B: 1 squares cut 6 ½ inches by 6 ½ inches

Cut the two background fabric squares in half on the diagonal. You will have 4 triangles. Set aside.

Take the 7 ¼ inch squares of fabric A and cut it diagonally twice.

With right (front) sides of fabric facing each other, sew the long side of one of the fabric A triangles to one side of the fabric B square. Use a scant 1/4″ seam allowance. Press. Repeat on the opposite side.

Tip: To make sure the triangle is centered with the square, it might help to finger press the square and the triangle in half and match the center fold lines.

Repeat on the other two sides of the square. The block will look like this.

Next, add the background fabric triangles to the outsides, making sure to center the long side of the triangles to the inner square. Add them in the same manner that you did with the first set of triangles. Trim off the small dog ears around the block.

Trim down as needed. The block should measure 12 ½ inches square.

My Tester Block

If You Are Participating in the 2021 Stars of the Prairie Mystery Quilt:

Repeat until you have 4 Square in a Square quilt blocks.

Feel free to join in the mystery quilt fun. You can find all of the details in this article.

In addition, I have this FB group for people who are participating. It’s a fun place to see what other people are doing for their blocks.

What we’ve done so far:

• January

Show off your progress on social media! Make sure to use the hashtag #createwithclaudiaqal if you post any pictures!

*This mystery quilt along is for entertainment purposes only. Therefore, there are no prizes or giveaways.* Best efforts have been made to ensure that the instructions are correct, however sometime errors occur. If you have any questions, please contact us at claudia{at}createwithclaudia{dot}com*