Economy Quilt Block Tutorial
The Economy Quilt Block is a traditional design sometimes called Square in a Square.
This block is a great way to use a feature fabric or to showcase embroidery or applique.
This tutorial is for a 12″ block.
Fabric Requirements
Everything you need to make this project.
Inside square
- 6-1/2″ square
Round two
- 7-1/2″ square, cut twice on the diagonal to make quarter-square triangles
Round three
- two 7″ squares, cut on the diagonal to make half-square triangles.
Video
Subscribe to Epida Studio on YouTube
Tutorial
Follow these steps to make your own Economy quilt block.
Add first row of triangles
Use the 6-1/2″ middle square and the round 2 quarter-square triangles.
Take one of the quarter-square triangles and fold in half. Crease the middle to mark the centre.
Fold the square in half and crease to mark the centre.
Align the centre points and pin. Add more pins as necessary.
Repeat to add another triangle to the opposite side of the square.
Stitch with a 1/4″ seam and press the seams toward the triangles.
Repeat the process to add triangles to the other two sides of the square.
Trim
The centre square has to be trimmed down.
Measure 1/4″ away from the point of the centre square.
Trim all four sides to make a square. Remember to keep 1/4″ for seam allowance.
Be gentle with this section. The edges are biases, so it is easily stretched.
Using starch can be helpful.
Second row of triangles
Add the outer row of triangles using the same technique to align at the centre point.
Add triangles to opposite sides of the squares, then press and add triangles to the other sides.
Final block
Once all the triangles have been joined, press well being careful not to stretch it.
If necessary, trim to 12-1/2″ square.
This block can be used in sampler quilts, or alone with other economy quilt blocks.
Fussy cutting the 6-1/2″ square is a great option.
Want more quilt block tutorials?
I have a whole collection of quilt block tutorials.