A few weeks ago, at the quilt shop, I overheard a conversation about a pattern someone loved, until she learned it involved paper piecing. “Paper piecing? No thanks,” she said. “That’s too complicated for me. I’ll just stick to what I know.” I smiled because I completely understood; I had avoided that technique myself for years.

Then I received this month’s Sew Sampler box from Fat Quarter Shop, which included a table runner pattern that required paper piecing. My instincts told me to tuck it away in a dark corner and forget about it, but the fabric was too beautiful to ignore. So, I decided it was finally time to face my fears and try this technique that quilters either rave about or run away from.

To my surprise, that first block came together easier than I ever expected, and now I’m hooked.

If you’ve ever been nervous to try paper piecing, this is the perfect project to start with. Here’s how I made my 5-inch Square-in-a-Square block, step by step.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Here’s what you’ll need to make one 5-inch square-in-a-square block:

• Pre-printed 5-inch square-in-a-square foundation paper

• Fabric for the center and corners

• Rotary cutter, ruler, and cutting mat

• Sewing machine

• Iron

Step 2: Cut the Fabric

For a single 5-inch block, you will need:

• One 4 1/2-inch square in Color A (for the center)
• Two 4 1/4-inch squares in Color B (for the corners), then cut each once diagonally to make four triangles.

Step 3: Prepare the Paper for Piecing

Fold all the edges of your foundation paper along the seam lines. (This step is optional, but it makes it easier to trim your block down to an exact 1/4-inch seam allowance after sewing). You can use a ruler as a straightedge to make your folds crisp and accurate.

Once all four sides are folded, flip the paper upside down.

Step 4: Arrange Color A (Center Square)

Place the center square (Color A) on the back side of the paper, covering the area for the center. Make sure the right side of the fabric is facing up.

Step 5: Position the First Two Triangles

On your foundation paper, locate the numbers 2 and 3 printed on the template. These are across from each other and mark where the first two corner triangles will go.

Place the triangles face down onto the center square, with the right sides of the fabrics facing each other. When placing the triangles onto the center square, try to align the edges of the triangle with the center square so your seams will match up nicely.

Secure each piece using your preferred method. (A single pin through all three pieces worked great).

Step 6: Sew the First Two Triangles

Set your machine to a shorter stitch length (about 1.5–2 mm). This makes it easier to pierce the paper and remove it later.

Flip your foundation paper face up so you can clearly see the printed seam line.

When sewing, start and stop just outside the shaded area on the template. This ensures your stitches fully cover the seam and you have room to trim the excess fabric.

Step 7: Trim the Sides

After sewing the first two triangles, it’s time to trim around all four edges.

• Keep the foundation paper face up so you can see the seam lines clearly.

• Fold the paper along the seam lines to see exactly where you need to cut (This is where pre-folding the paper really pays off).

• Using a ruler as a straightedge and a rotary cutter, trim the block along the folded edges of the paper.
• Trim just outside the seam line to maintain a precise 1/4-inch seam allowance around all four sides.

Once trimmed, flip the triangles open and press gently with your iron using no steam.

Step 8: Add the Remaining Triangles

• Locate the numbers 4 and 5 on your template (these mark where the remaining triangles go).

• Place each triangle face down onto the block, with right sides of the fabric facing each other and secure in place.

• Flip so the paper is on top and sew along the seam lines, starting and stopping just outside the shaded areas on the template.

(Back)

(Front)

Press gently using no steam.

Step 9: Trim the Block Down

• Keep the foundation paper face up so you can see the lines.
• The template reads trim on this line (use this line as your guide to trim all four sides).

Step 10: Remove the Paper

• Start at a corner and gently pull the paper away from the stitches.
• Take your time so you don’t distort the block or pull on the seams.
• After removing all the paper, give the block a final gentle press if needed (still no steam) to set the seams.

Your 5-inch Square-in-a-Square block is now complete and ready to use in your project!

Here is a block I just finished for a table runner. It’s simple, versatile, and looks much cleaner than traditional snowball corners.

Paper-piecing turned out to be much easier than I expected. I’m so glad I faced my fears and gave this technique a try. I can’t wait to explore another pattern and continue building my skills. I hope this tutorial inspires you to try it too!

Happy stitching,

Marian