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    Economy Quilt Block Tutorial

    Last Modified: April 1, 2025 by Amy · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · 33 Comments

    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. 

    Free Economy Quilt Block tutorial and printable pattern

    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 Economy Quilt Block tutorial and printable pattern

    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:

    Economy Quilt Block fabric requirements
    • 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)

    Square in a Square tutorial 3

    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.

    Free Economy Quilt Block tutorial and printable pattern

    Square up pieced section to 6 ¼" x 6 ¼". Be careful to square evenly on all four sides.

    Free Economy Quilt Block tutorial and printable pattern

    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.

    Free Economy Quilt Block tutorial and printable pattern

    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.

    Free Economy Quilt Block tutorial and printable pattern

    More Economy Block Quilts

    See more quilts I've made using this tutorial: Pemberley Economy Block quilt

    Economy Block Crib quilt using Pemberley Fabrics for Riley Blake

    and Dorothy's Journey quilt using fussy-cut prints.

    Wizard of Oz themed Economy Block quilt made by Amy Smart

    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.

    More Quilt Block Tutorials

    • How to Machine-Piece Hexagons using Y-seams
      Machine Piecing Hexagons - Introduction to "Y" Seams
    • Riley Blake Designs - free quilt block patterns from Quilt Block Challenge 2025
      What's on my Sewing Table March
    • How to make a Log Cabin Heart QUilt BLock free pattern
      Log Cabin Heart Quilt Block Tutorial
    • Free pattern for a 6" Dutchman's Puzzle quilt block by Amy Smart
      6" Dutchman's Puzzle Quilt Block

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Little Quiltsong

      March 17, 2016 at 5:58 am

      Love this Mini!!

      Reply
    2. Patricia Cash

      March 17, 2016 at 6:35 am

      So cute! Thank you.

      Reply
    3. Phoebe Ingraham

      March 17, 2016 at 7:34 am

      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!

      Reply
    4. Terry

      March 17, 2016 at 12:23 pm

      Such a sweet quilt. Thanks for the tutorial.

      Reply
    5. cindy-liveacolorfullife

      March 17, 2016 at 1:35 pm

      This fabric line has such cute prints in it.

      Reply
    6. Doris

      March 17, 2016 at 5:04 pm

      So sweet 🙂

      Reply
    7. Tracy

      March 17, 2016 at 5:32 pm

      Adorable! Thank you for the tutorial, those blocks look fun and easy 🙂

      Reply
    8. Karen Seitz

      March 17, 2016 at 6:18 pm

      Sew very sweet!

      Reply
    9. Lora

      March 17, 2016 at 11:15 pm

      A very nice mini for the Easter holiday, Thank you for sharing.

      Reply
    10. Mary

      March 18, 2016 at 7:44 am

      Such a sweet mini quilt!

      Reply
    11. Lara B.

      March 18, 2016 at 6:13 pm

      That little quilt is darling Amy! What a pretty sight it makes with the tulips too. Thank you for the great tutorial!

      Reply
    12. Edith Gorzo

      March 19, 2016 at 10:35 am

      Your mini quilt and the fabrics are so adorable.

      Reply
      • Amy Smart

        March 19, 2016 at 7:26 pm

        Thank you. 🙂

        Reply
    13. Janne

      March 25, 2016 at 12:01 am

      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

      Reply
    14. Karen Sowards

      January 17, 2020 at 7:43 am

      I am definietely a 4.5" square girl, then square it up...! Thank you for the tip, it changed my frown upside down!! 🙂

      Reply
      • Amy

        January 17, 2020 at 1:54 pm

        Me too. You're welcome!

        Reply
    15. Wendy Benton

      January 30, 2020 at 5:35 pm

      Very cute, it would be nice be able to print it off without the ads showing.

      Reply
      • Amy

        January 31, 2020 at 5:37 pm

        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

        Reply
    16. Carmen Montmarquet

      February 01, 2020 at 6:11 am

      Thank you for sharing this totally cute mini! Love the colors in this happy quilt!!

      Reply
      • Rebecca Hurst

        March 20, 2020 at 6:58 pm

        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.

        Reply
        • Amy

          March 21, 2020 at 8:05 pm

          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

          Reply
    17. Angeleigh

      June 02, 2020 at 3:55 pm

      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!

      Reply
    18. Dana

      December 30, 2020 at 4:16 pm

      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!! 🙂

      Reply
    19. Jacqueline Harper

      April 09, 2022 at 8:54 pm

      Jacquie

      Reply
    20. Kay

      April 15, 2022 at 3:27 am

      Thank you for a simple tutorial. Some tutorials really confuse me but this is easy to understand and follow.

      Reply
      • Amy

        April 15, 2022 at 11:57 am

        You're welcome. I'm so glad!

        Reply
    21. mlpenoyer

      December 04, 2022 at 8:34 am

      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. 😀

      Reply
      • Amy

        December 06, 2022 at 7:57 am

        I'm so glad!

        Reply
    22. weddingdressblue

      April 07, 2023 at 5:39 pm

      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/

      Reply
    23. Glada M St Clair

      April 11, 2023 at 7:54 am

      I love this idea for leftover scraps. Thank you.

      Reply
    24. Florence

      March 30, 2024 at 8:36 pm

      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?

      Reply
      • Amy

        March 30, 2024 at 10:11 pm

        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.

        Reply
    25. Angela M. Peters

      January 23, 2025 at 9:06 pm

      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!

      Reply

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