Square and Points quilt block tutorial
This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share a commission.The other day someone asked me how to make this quilt block in a certain size. If you like making half-square triangles (HST), you’ll enjoy making this block. I drew it in Electric Quilt and thought I would share it with you. I searched for the correct name for this block and the Square and Points is the closest I could come. Do you know it by another name?
Can you guess what size my block is? I thought it would be fun to share a photo of it next to my Aurifil thread and a small pair of scissors. You are looking at a 4½” unfinished quilt block. I wouldn’t want to make an entire quilt from blocks that size!
Square & Points quilt block tutorial
Directions are for the 4-inch quilt block, I also have cutting directions for the 6-inch, 8-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch blocks that can be downloaded from my resource library.
Cutting Instructions:
- Teal – cut (1) 2½” x 2½” square
- Dark Teal – cut (4) 1-7/8″x1-7/8″ squares for HSTs
- Cream – cut (4) 1-7/8″x1-7/8″ squares for HSTs
- Cream – cut (4) 1½” x 1½” squares
Sew with a ¼-inch seam allowance.
Use the 4-inch Qube set
I like making small quilt blocks using my AccuQuilt GO! cutter and the 4-inch Mix & Match Qube set.
The Qube set includes all the dies needed to make this quilt block and also the Sawtooth Star quilt block. You can place both the cream and the teal print on your half square triangle die and in one cut have all the half square triangles you’ll need for the block.
You can also piece your half square triangles using the directions below.
Normally I would press the seams to one side but this is a very small quilt block so I decided to press all of the seams open. I have a tailor’s clapper that works very well to flatten and press the seams. It is made out of hardwood. You just press the seam open and then place the tailor clapper on it for a minute until it cools. I also love using my old vintage irons that are heavy. I usually find them at Goodwill stores.
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Here is how to layout the pieces for the quilt block.
Sew your rows together as shown. Add 2 half square triangles (HSTs) on each side of the large center square for the middle row.
Here is the finished Square & Points quilt block.
Get the FREE pattern:
To receive the free PDF for five different sizes of the Square & Points quilt block, fill out form below and an email with the pdf will come to your inbox. Note: Current Subscribers can re-enter their names but won’t be double subscribed.
Be sure to check out the Sawtooth Star quilt block tutorial also!
4-inch quilt blocks using teal prints
8-inch quilt blocks using dark red prints
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About Connie
Hi, I’m Connie Kresin Campbell, the quilter, writer, and photographer behind Freemotion By the River. I enjoy inspiring others with my quilt tutorials and patterns. You’ll also see my sweet adopted dogs from time to time.
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Please send free PDF of Square and Points. Thanks!
Hi Connie. Your quilting skills are amazing dear. You know I do not quilt however I love what you create. I am following my watercolor journey…for now. Summer Sunshine Smiles. We are seriously in the triple digit heat. Love You.
Nice pattern. Will add it to my list of projects. Thank you!
My first big quilt (king-size) was with 4″ finished blocks. I said not again, but right now I’m sewing 2.5″ & 1.5″ finished blocks–paper pieced (of course). My next project is to do the same blocks at 3/4″ finished–to make a lanyard with them. It’s a definitely challenge.
You saw point is just the right size for a lot of things–if a full quilt isn’t in the cards. There’s pillows, table toppers, mug rugs, and even quilt labels.
Thanks, Connie, for sharing this lovely quilt block in so many sizes.
I have similar fabric to that used for the HSTs.
There are numerous ways to use these blocks, so the adaptability offers plenty of project options.
That is small! But so cute! My boys call this the Ninja Star! Go figure, but my boys 8 and 10 love to sew small blocks using “fancy” stitches (it’s a machine, and it makes noise and Gramma says it’s dangerous – hence the perfect bad weather “toy”) They don’t know that the blocks they’re “testing” are slowly becoming a quilt. Thanks for another great tutorial.
HI Connie,
The block is called: Windblown Star
Really love the little block! And so many great comments, good suggestions, love that everyone can help each other. Connie you have created quite a community of friends here. Thanks for both the quilting and the friendship.
Hope you are resting in between unpacking!
Melissa, my quilt group & I have fun piecing our backs! We will even put a row of blocks like the front of our quilt on the back! Be creative & have fun! 👍🏻😜💕 Terry
I really like this sweet, little cutie. I’m so happy for the larger sizes. I probably will make the smaller size because it seems so fun and easy. For sure, I will make, perhaps, one or more of all the larger sizes. So good of you to share, Connie. Thanks.
This is a very nice block with great potential. I would make enough blocks to construct a table runner or topper with a contrasting colour for sashing between the blocks.
With so many projects on the go, I’ll put it on the “to do list”.
Thanks Connie for sharing this lovely design.
My comment has nothing to do with the quilt block illustrated. I am making a King Size Bed quilt. I am totally frustrated because I can no longer get down on the floor to spread it out so I have put it on my bed for viewing. The lady who will be quilting it for me says she only has enough room on her machine for 117 inches and she needs three inches of backing exposed around the sides. Then there is my husband who wants it to hang over far enough to not let the mattress show. The widest backing fabric I could find to go with my quilt was 108″ wide. I know it comes in 120″ wide but the colors and patterns I have been able to locate on line are minimal. I live in the middle of nowhere and have an hour and 15 minute drive to a large city. My husband does not like for me to drive that distance by myself any more…very frustrating but I am 75. Any suggestions … would the backing look strange if I add to the 108″ backing fabric by cutting a center strip out of the backing and then adding a strip of coordinating fabric on either side of the center backing piece and then put the rest of the backing fabric on the coordinating fabric sort of like “racing stripes”?
I just read your problem with backing fabric. I have successfully added 1 strip, either down the middle or on the side. The strip was composed of several quilt blocks. I suggest since you already have a 108 inch wide fabric put the strip on the side. ( or just buy a little more backing and sew to the existing backing). If your backing is going to be used as the binding ( the wrap around binding method) make sure any side that will be bound has a little of your backing fabric for uniformity.
If I need to make my fabric wider, I usually cut the piece in the center and add the new fabric to the middle. Adding to the sides is another option.
That sounds like a great solution . You could also have the centre of your quilt quilted then add more borders around it using a quilt as you go method
Keepsake Quilting has 118″ wide backing. But I agree with Barbara, I put down the middle or on the side instead buying more. I use something that goes with the front. I’ve done this many times. A group of us make them for different organizations. We use what our guild leader gives us and also our own stash. They are all donated and the people love them
Such a cute block. I love using my Qubes!! I have all plus companions except for the 6-inch. When they have their big sale again later in the year, I will have to get those!
I’ve seen this block for many years referred to as Buzz Saw – thank you for the tutorial!
Before I read the comments my first thought was a power saw blade, so buzz saw would certainly fit. Thanks for the pattern and chart. I think I will start with the larger size 🙂
Buzz Saw is a good name. A few years ago I got fabric with all kinds of hand tools on it which would be great for a border and backing. I gave the quilt to my brother-in-law who has since passed. But he was so happy with it. I used a pattern that was all tools appliqued on the front.
My husband had helped me with the tools as far as colors went.
I wouldn’t want to make that small size either. It’s too hard on the old eyes and fingers. Does the cube dies work as good as they claim? I bought the Go Big early in the year, I don’t have a lot of dies yet. But I found with the strip dies you can also cut squares, that saves a lot of money. When it cools down, I’m going to see if I can cut HST with them.
I’m planning on making the River Scraps Quilt with the left over patriotic fabrics. I think I already bought that, I have to check to make sure. I think it will be a neat way to use up all those scraps too. I have been cleaning out and organizing scraps. They get so messy, don’t they?
Thank you for the tutorial and pattern.
A nice block and a good way to use up smaller pieces of fabric.
Hope everyone has a good day quilting.
Thank You for all you do. I Love your fire pit it will be so nice when the weather gets cooler. Again Thank You Barb
Thanks for the tutorial, pattern and chart. Like Ruth, a circular saw blade is what came to my mind too.
I think I’d call today’s block(sq&point) Buzz Saw. They almost look round like a circular saw blade so would be a good pattern for boys & men ( always hard to find!)
Thanks for the pattern & chart
Ruth