The economy quilt block is simple, yet striking. It's layered look adds dimension to your quilt.
Also known as the floating squares block, this is one of those classic quilt blocks that has been around for ages.
The economy block is one of those blocks that brings geometry to life.
The squares, the triangles, the diamonds... they all work together to create the most visually interesting block.
I'll tell you a little secret. The pieces of this block all start out with just 5 squares.
ECONOMY QUILT BLOCK (aka FLOATING SQUARES QUILT BLOCK
Last week I shared how to make a square in a square quilt block.Today, we are building on it to create the economy block. It's basically a square in a square in a square.
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SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR QUILTING
You won't need any special tools beyond the basic quilting supplies for this block.- fabric
- thread
- rotary cutter / cutting mat / straight edge
- sewing machine (This is my new machine that I absolutely love!)
- sewing scissors
- pencil
- iron and wool ironing mat
FABRIC REQUIREMENTS FOR A 6" ECONOMY BLOCK
To make an economy quilt block, you will need 5 squares of fabric in three sizes. The size needed depends on the size of the finished block.For this tutorial, we are making a 6-inch block.
If you'd like to make larger sizes, check out my printable pattern.
It includes the cut measurements for 3 common sizes. PLUS there are instructions with diagrams.
Go ahead and grab it. Print it out and keep it handy for future reference.
To get your copy click the ↑image above↑ or the ↓link below↓
PRINTABLE CUTTING CHART WITH INSTRUCTIONS
FABRIC CUT LIST
- 1) 3 1/2" squares (center)
- 2) 3 1/2" squares (inner squares)
- 2) 4 1/2" square (outer squares)
Note: For a 6-inch block, the center square and the inner square pieces are the same size. This is not the case for other sizes.
The ideal is to use contrasting colors for your block. For example, the center square and the outer squares could be dark and the inner squares would contrast that with a light color.
For this example, my outer squares are too light. They don't contrast enough with the inner squares.
Just something to keep in mind as you select your fabric.
The center square is a great one for fussy cutting and showcasing your favorite prints.
Note #2: I got a few new backdrops, so I'm trying out a darker background for this tutorial.
I'd love feedback. Do you like it? Or go back to the lighter background?
HOW TO MAKE AN ECONOMY QUILT BLOCK
To begin, cut all squares in half diagonally EXCEPT the center square.
MAKING THE CENTER SQUARE IN A SQUARE
Select the center square and two of the inner triangles cut from the smaller squares.
Place the long side of the triangle on one side of the square.
Make sure right sides are together.
Center the triangle on the square. It will overhang.
Sew the pieces together 1/4 inch from the edge.
Repeat this process with the other triangle on the opposite side of the square.
Line up a ruler along the edge of the square and trim the tails off each side.
Next, place the remaining two small triangles on the two remaining sides of the square.
Center them and sew 1/4 inch from the edge.
Trim the square to 4 3/4 inches.
ADDING THE OUTER SQUARE
To add the outer square, repeat the whole process.
Place two of the outer triangles on either side of the square we just made.
Center them and sew 1/4 inch from the edge.
I didn't realize I did this until looking at the pictures.
It didn't make a difference in the outcome.
So press and trim, or trim and press.
Add the last two triangles to the remaining sides of the square.
Center the triangles and sew 1/4 inch from the edge.
Press the block open.
Trim the block to 6 1/2 inches.
Want to continue to build on the block? Use this 6 inch block as the center for making a 12 inch block.
Be sure to grab my printable pattern for cut list measurements!
Want to watch the video? ↓↓Click the link ↓↓
MORE QUILT BLOCK TUTORIALS
MORE QUILT PATTERNS
Don't forget to pin it!!
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