Winged Square is a variation of the traditional Nine Patch block. Consisting of squares and right triangles, this block is easy to piece and works wonderfully with multiple colors or prints. Winged Square is also a good choice for making use of scrap fabrics.

How big is it?

This is a 12-inch block, but may easily be adapted to other sizes.

Assembly instructions

Winged Square contains three rows made from forty-eight right triangles and three squares. Assembly involves first piecing square blocks from triangle pairs, forming rows and then stitching the entire block. It traditionally features two different prints and white fabric.

Since Winged Square is formed from basic shapes, either templates or a rotary cutter may be used.

You will need twenty-four right triangles of fabric A, twenty-four right triangles of fabric B, two squares of fabric A and one square of fabric C. To create pieces necessary for this block :

• From a 2 7/8-inch strip of fabric A, cut twenty-four right triangles.
  
• From a 2 7/8-inch strip of fabric B, cut twenty-four right triangles.
  
• From a 4 1/2-inch strip of fabric A, cut two squares.
  
• From a 4 1/2-inch strip of fabric C, cut one square.
  

With all the necessary pieces cut, it is time to assemble the rows. For all sewing, use a quarter-inch seam allowance.

Place one fabric A triangle over a fabric B triangle, right sides together and stitch. Repeat with all remaining triangles to form twenty-four triangle-pair squares. Place one triangle-pair square over another, right sides together, and stitch. Repeat until twelve oblongs are formed. Reproducing the placement shown in this pattern, place one oblong over another, right sides together, and stitch. Repeat until six squares are formed from these triangle-pair oblongs.

The most common snag in piecing this block is improperly orienting triangle-pair squares. Before assembling the rows, lay out all pieces to confirm the correct positioning.

• Form row one by placing two triangle-pair squares to the left of one fabric A square. Place one triangle-pair square over another and stitch. Place one fabric A square over the second triangle-pair square, right sides together, and stitch. Press seams.
• Repeat the previous step to form row three.
  
• Construct row two by surrounding the fabric C square with triangle-pair squares. Place one triangle-pair square over the fabric C square, right sides together and stitch. Repeat on the other side with the second triangle-pair square. Press all seams.
  

With the rows pieced, you are ready to assemble the block.

• Place row one over row two with the right sides together. Check the alignment of seams, and stitch the rows together.
• Place row three over row two, and repeat the above.
• Press all seams flat.
  

What can I do with it this block?

A full quilt can be created from blocks constructed of the same fabrics or same colors. In this example, springtime shades of green and purple are used throughout. The design is framed by a simple border; the best choice to set off intricate patterns formed by the quilt blocks.

Alternating Winged Square blocks with a solid is a good way to open up the design and provide a canvas for your favorite quilting motif. While white is most commonly used for solid blocks, in this layout, the blocks are solid blue instead to compliment fabric used in the Winged Square blocks. The generous use of color creates a bright, cheerful design.

More to take into account

The amount of visual activity in this block makes it an attractive border choice. In this layout, blocks in blue and orange provide a frame for graceful, looped quilting motifs placed on plain center blocks. This design is a great choice to showcase your stitching skills.

In addition to color and layout, playing with block orientation can create eye-catching patterns. In this medallion setting, four Wing Squares face opposite directions, creating a striking diamond effect. The center motif is surrounded by sashing and a basic Nine Patch in each corner to further compliment the layout.

Related : More Free Block Patterns