Valley Square Quilt Block

Skill Level: Beginner

The Valley Square quilt block puts the 'connector corners' technique to good use. It's used to make the half square triangles patches in this beginner friendly design.

The only shapes you'll need to cut are squares and rectangles.

Not a bias edge in sight!

On this page, you'll find instructions to make this block in three different sizes.

At the end of this tutorial, there are links to ideas on how to set YOUR own blocks, as well as to some of my favorite design tools and books.

Let's get started!

You'll be amazed at how such a simple thing can so greatly improve the quality of your blocks!

Finally, I use two different presser feet in the construction of this sample—my favorite quarter inch foot, the one with the guide on the side.

For stitching the connector corners, I prefer an open toe applique foot.

There's nothing to block my view of the stitching line.

Press with the SA to the dark.

Use the chart below the check that your strip set is the correct width.

Finished Block Size	Stripset Width	Subcut Width
9"	2½"	1½"
13½"	3½"	2"
18"	4½"	2½"

Make any necessary adjustments now. Units that are the correct size make putting the block together much easier. The final result more accurate, too.

Straighten one short end of your strip set with your rotary cutter and ruler.

Then find the corresponding Subcut Width. Cut this strata into eight equal units.

After subcutting your strip set, arrange the patches into pairs, alternating lights and darks.

With RST, stitch them together into four-patches.

To finish off these units, twirl the seam allowance in the center. This helps to reduce bulk.

It also makes setting blocks edge-to-edge in a quilt easier—the seams will nest automatically!

Stitch on the drawn line. (This is where I use my open toe applique foot.)

Repeat for both ends of the #3 rectangle. Your stitching lines must bisect the corners of the same side of the rectangle.

Press.

Trim away the excess #4 (turquoise) squares, leaving behind a quarter inch SA (below, top patch)

Press #4 patches out toward the corners (above, bottom patch).

Repeat for a total of four units.

Stitch the patches into rows, pressing in the direction of the arrows.

If you've left the #3 rectangle intact, the rows may be a bit lumpy. This is the perfect time to try my favorite (wickedly simple) pressing technique for the flattest blocks you'll ever see. It works wonders!

Stitch the rows together. Pin if needed. (I never met a block I didn't want to pin!)

Give the block one final press.

This is your finished Valley Square quilt block.

And now from the back.

If you look closely, you can see that all the seams will nest when the blocks are set edge-to-edge. If they don't nest on the first placement, give one a quarter turn. Voila!