The classic Economy Quilt Block (also sometimes known as Square in Square) is one of my favorite traditional quilt blocks for a controlled scrappy quilt. Here's a simple tutorial for making an 8" x 8" (8 ½" x 8 ½" unfinished) size Economy Quilt Block including a free printable version you can download.
This version is a sweet little Easter mini quilt that I made a few years ago using Melissa Mortenson's fabric collection for Riley Blake, Wonderland. (Now out of print but some Wonderland prints are still available to find on Etsy.)
Economy Quilt Block Tutorial
These blocks whip up so quickly. I made 9 blocks for this mini quilt, but make 25 and you'll have a quick baby quilt!
Free printable version of this Economy Quilt Block Tutorial HERE.
For each 8" x 8" finished (8 ½" x 8 ½" unfinished) quilt block you'll need:
- a center square of 4 ½" x 4 ½ (I choose to fussy cut some of those rabbits for a few of my blocks)
- 2 squares 4" x 4" - cut once on the diagonal to make 4 triangles (if you like more room for squaring up, cut 4 ¼" squares)
- 2 squares 5" x 5" - cut once on the diagonal to make 4 triangles (if you like more room for squaring up, cut 5 ½" squares)
Center the long sides of two of the triangles from the 4" x 4" squares and sew them to opposite sides of the center 4 ½" x 4 ½" square. Press seams toward triangles and trim overhanging tabs. Repeat with 2 triangles on remaining sides of the center square. Press seams toward the triangles.
Square up pieced section to 6 ¼" x 6 ¼". Be careful to square evenly on all four sides.
Repeat the process with the four triangles from the 5" x 5" squares. Add to two opposite sides, press seams away from center. Trim tabs and add final triangles to remaining sides. Square up block to 8 ½" x 8 ½"
You can download a free printable 1 page version of this Economy Quilt Block Tutorial HERE.
For this little mini quilt I make nine blocks. I cut three strips 2 ½" x width of fabric to use for my borders and 3 strips 2 ½" x width of fabric for the binding. Backing required just under a yard. My mini quilt finished at 28" x 28".
If you'd like to find cutting and piecing instructions for more sizes of Economy Blocks, you can find them available in 6" x 6" and 12" x 12" sizes here.
More Economy Block Quilts
See more quilts I've made using this tutorial: Pemberley Economy Block quilt
and Dorothy's Journey quilt using fussy-cut prints.
Looking at these scrappy, colorful quilts again puts me in the mood to start a new Economy Block quilt!
Foundation Pieced Economy Block Options
If you prefer the precision that comes with the foundation paper piecing technique, the Fat Quarter Shop has foundation papers for Economy Blocks in multiple sizes.
Little Quiltsong
Love this Mini!!
Patricia Cash
So cute! Thank you.
Phoebe Ingraham
Thanks for this tutorial! The measurements are so helpful! I l this fabric and your mini is perfect for it! Happy St. Patrick's Day too!
Terry
Such a sweet quilt. Thanks for the tutorial.
cindy-liveacolorfullife
This fabric line has such cute prints in it.
Doris
So sweet 🙂
Tracy
Adorable! Thank you for the tutorial, those blocks look fun and easy 🙂
Karen Seitz
Sew very sweet!
Lora
A very nice mini for the Easter holiday, Thank you for sharing.
Mary
Such a sweet mini quilt!
Lara B.
That little quilt is darling Amy! What a pretty sight it makes with the tulips too. Thank you for the great tutorial!
Edith Gorzo
Your mini quilt and the fabrics are so adorable.
Amy Smart
Thank you. 🙂
Janne
Thanks so much for the tut for this adorable quilt, I'm fairly new to quilting but your tut makes it sound easy to understand. I'll be making this for a new grand child due in August & can't wait to choose some fabrics & get started.
Kind regards, Janne
Karen Sowards
I am definietely a 4.5" square girl, then square it up...! Thank you for the tip, it changed my frown upside down!! 🙂
Amy
Me too. You're welcome!
Wendy Benton
Very cute, it would be nice be able to print it off without the ads showing.
Amy
We are on the same wavelength! I just created a printable version and linked to it in the post. You can also find it here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-e2riVUhP7MTwtViTRgHr_sHGMdRLL4l/view?usp=sharing
Carmen Montmarquet
Thank you for sharing this totally cute mini! Love the colors in this happy quilt!!
Rebecca Hurst
I have what may seam like the silliest question ever. I cannot find reference to it in this post... but as my Oma allways says, the only dumb question is the one not asked. What is the seam measurement/ how deep do you sew all the joins.
Thank you in advance from a long time dress sewer, first time quilter.
Amy
That is a great question, especially coming from a dressmaking background. All seam allowances are 1/4" in quilting. You start at one end and sew to the other and you don't need to backstitch at either end.
Here is more about beginning piecing: https://www.diaryofaquilter.com/2010/10/how-to-make-a-quilt.html
Angeleigh
This is just so sweet! You've completely inspired me to have another go at patchworking with triangles!
I have a piece of fabric I'd like to fussy cut for the centres, but the print would work best with 3" squares, cut at 3.5". I've been tangled up in Pythagorus trying to work out what size the other two squares of fabric would be, but I can't do the maths with the seam allowances too. Are you able to give me the measurements or provide a formulae to help? Thank you so very much!
Dana
Hello! I just LOVE your style and fabric selections on your baby lattice and economy block quilts!! I would love to make the economy baby blanket in the same size you did, however as a new quilter,I’m having difficulty knowing how much fabric to purchase for this? Could you tell me how much total yardage is needed to complete such a quilt? Thanks in advance for your time!! 🙂
Jacqueline Harper
Jacquie
Kay
Thank you for a simple tutorial. Some tutorials really confuse me but this is easy to understand and follow.
Amy
You're welcome. I'm so glad!
mlpenoyer
Thank you! This was just what I was looking for to help me with my first attempt at making this block. The tutorial was easy to understand and I love the tip for trimming down! Not enough others provide that extra little step that can make such a huge difference in the finished product. Definitely going to look around your site and see what other helpful tips you can provide. 😀
Amy
I'm so glad!
weddingdressblue
I made a 2021 Christmas quilt using this tutorial. It is a winner for any occasion. You can see it here: https://weddingdressblue.wordpress.com/2022/12/26/merry-christmas-to-me/
Glada M St Clair
I love this idea for leftover scraps. Thank you.
Florence
Thank you for always providing such inspiring blog posts!
Love the block and the quilt! Do you press the seams open where you join the blocks together?
Amy
You're welcome! That is the one tricky thing about these blocks - the bulk when sewing the blocks side by side. Yes, you can press open to help reduce the bulk, if you prefer.
Angela M. Peters
This tutorial is fantastic, Amy! The Economy Quilt Block is such a timeless design, and your step-by-step instructions make it so approachable. I love that you included a free printable—it’s such a helpful touch. Can’t wait to try this out for my next quilting project!