Make it Simpler Rotary Cutting

Square on Point

Materials:

8" fabric squares
graph paper
fine line chalk marker
rotary cutter
mat
ruler

Steps:

1. Make an 8-inch cutting pattern or download the pattern from www.makeitsimpler.com.

2. Draw an 8-inch square on graph paper. Draw perpendicular lines to divide the square into quarters. Draw parallel lines 1/4 inch inside each side of the square (figure A). Draw a square on point by connecting the points where the perpendicular lines meet at the middle of each side of the inside square (figure B). Cut out the pattern along the outermost square's edges.

3. Align the cutting pattern corners onto the grid lines of a rotary mat. Mark mat with tape or small sticky notes (figure C). With chalk or other erasable medium, extend the edges of the innermost square onto the mat creating registration lines (figure D).

4. Remove pattern and replace it with one or more fabric squares. Align ruler along a registration line and cut through fabric (figure E). Do not disturb the fabric on the mat. Repeat and cut along all registration lines to yield four triangles and one square for each previously cut fabric square (figure F). The finished block, as measured in your quilt, will be 6-3/4 inches square.

5. One square of fabric will yield one quilt block. The fabric squares must be cut to the same size. Whatever size you choose, you must create a cutting pattern specific to that size. For example, 6 inches of fabric squares require you to begin by drawing a 6-inch square on graph paper. A finished block will always measure 1-1/4 inches smaller than the fabric square (figure G).