Simple, Scrappy, Stunning: X’s from Little Corners Block

X’s from Little Corners is a scrap-friendly quilt block idea that starts with leftover half square triangles and transforms them by adding small corner pieces to just two ends. By sewing and trimming these corners, each half square triangle becomes a new square that, when arranged together, creates repeating X shapes across the design. The block works beautifully with a variety of fabric combinations and is an easy, creative way to use up extra half square triangles while adding visual interest to a quilt.

I’m calling this one X’s from Little Corners. I know it sounds a bit like a country song title, but in this case it’s a quilt block idea that came together while experimenting with scraps. I recently made a Kansas Star block where a half square triangle gets small corner pieces added to all four corners. That got me thinking about what would happen if you took a half square triangle and added small corners to only two ends instead.

For this project, I used leftover half square triangles from previous videos and projects. I don’t even know the names of these fabrics anymore since they’ve been sitting around for a while, but they were still perfectly usable. The half square triangles I used measure four inches square. To go with them, I cut two inch squares from plain white fabric.

To start, place the small white squares on the corners of the half square triangle where the diagonal line meets the edges. On each of those small squares, draw a diagonal line and stitch directly on that line. Once both corners are sewn, the next step is trimming. Using a ruler, trim a quarter inch away from the stitched line to remove the excess fabric, often called the ear. Repeat this on the opposite side. When you open and press the fabric, you are left with a brand new square.

These new squares can be used in lots of ways, but when you make several of them and start laying them out, something really fun happens. Arranged correctly, they form a strong X shape in the center. Even when you rotate or reverse the blocks, the X shape still appears, just highlighted by the opposite fabric. I tried this with several different fabric combinations, including some blue and yellow half square triangles, and each one created the same repeating X effect.

When you put multiple blocks together, the design really starts to shine. The X shapes repeat across the layout, appearing in both the background fabric and the printed fabric, creating a dynamic and eye-catching pattern. It is a great way to add interest while also using up leftover half square triangles that might otherwise sit unused.

That’s why I named this block X’s from Little Corners. It’s simple, creative, and perfect for scrap sewing. If you have extra half square triangles tucked away, this is a fun way to give them new life. I hope you’ll give it a try. Be sure to like us on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel. And as always, happy sewing.