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 says
Love this Mini!!
Patricia Cash says
So cute! Thank you.
Phoebe Ingraham says
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 says
Such a sweet quilt. Thanks for the tutorial.
Annie LaFarge says
Hi Amy!
I love your blog and patterns! I am trying this Economy Block pattern and even though I feel like I’m accurately cutting out and piecing- I can’t get all my points to match! While I haven’t cut any off - I seem to have two sides that are perfect - while 2 sides are about 1/4” off? I am trying to square up as you write to do in the pattern - but I’m still off. Also trying to gently press and not stretch the bias edges. Help! Any suggestions?
Cheryl says
I tend to like a more "floating" looking block, so I cut my outside blocks a half inch larger than stated. Then your points are a little more inside with no worries of cutting them off. Just my personal preference.
Amy Smart says
That is a great suggestion!
Annie LaFarge says
Thank you!
cindy-liveacolorfullife says
This fabric line has such cute prints in it.
Doris says
So sweet 🙂
Tracy says
Adorable! Thank you for the tutorial, those blocks look fun and easy 🙂
Karen Seitz says
Sew very sweet!
Lora says
A very nice mini for the Easter holiday, Thank you for sharing.
Mary says
Such a sweet mini quilt!
Lara B. says
That little quilt is darling Amy! What a pretty sight it makes with the tulips too. Thank you for the great tutorial!
Edith Gorzo says
Your mini quilt and the fabrics are so adorable.
Amy Smart says
Thank you. 🙂
Janne says
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 says
I am definietely a 4.5" square girl, then square it up...! Thank you for the tip, it changed my frown upside down!! 🙂
Amy says
Me too. You're welcome!
Wendy Benton says
Very cute, it would be nice be able to print it off without the ads showing.
Amy says
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 says
Thank you for sharing this totally cute mini! Love the colors in this happy quilt!!
Rebecca Hurst says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
Jacquie
Kay says
Thank you for a simple tutorial. Some tutorials really confuse me but this is easy to understand and follow.
Amy says
You're welcome. I'm so glad!
mlpenoyer says
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 says
I'm so glad!
weddingdressblue says
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 says
I love this idea for leftover scraps. Thank you.
Florence says
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 says
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 says
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!
Quilting GiGi says
Hi!
I’m thinking of making this pattern with my husbands old dress shirt fabric for new granddaughter. I want to have her name somewhere. Any suggestions? Could embroider her name on the boarder fabric or should I make 2 of the blocks a larger piece with her name embroidered? Would love any thoughts you or your readers might have! Thank you!
Liz
Amy says
I think those options sound like great ideas. Another thought is to make a quilt label to sew on the back - that way you can add more details if you want.
Cecilia Thex says
I like how you describe your how to’s. Very clear and precise. Thank you for that.
Melissa says
Thanks so much for sharing the economy quilt block pattern. It will be a fun one to play with!
Patricia Quinn says
Happy Easter, Amy. Can’t wait until April 10th! Thank you again for your kindness.
Gale W says
Thank you Amy for the Economy Quilt Block Tutorial. Just what I need as a new retetired Grandma!
Jean Speake says
Thanks for posting the economy block tutorial again-I needed a reminder of how easy and versatile this block is.
My daughter-in-law loves the Pioneer Woman, and a few years ago I bought 2 fat quarter bundles of Pioneer Woman fabrics with the intention of making her a quilt but no pattern I had seemed right. Then I read your economy block post and it was perfect! I wish I had a picture of it to share with you. These blocks come together so much more quickly than you think they will.
Amy Smart says
Oh, I'm so glad you enjoyed it!