Economy Quilt Block Pattern

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How to Sew an Economy Quilt Block

To sew an Economy Quilt Block, you'll need fabric, a sewing machine, and basic sewing supplies such as scissors, pins, and a rotary cutter. Follow these steps:

1. Choose your fabrics: You will need two contrasting fabrics. Choose colors with high contrast so the block design shows up well.
2. Cut your fabric: Using a rotary cutter, cut two 5-inch squares from each fabric. Then cut each square diagonally to create four triangles from each fabric.
3. Arrange your triangles: Arrange the triangles so that each of the four resulting squares has two triangles of each fabric. Keep the fabric placement consistent across all four squares.
4. Sew the squares: Using a ¼-inch seam allowance, sew the triangles together to create four squares. Press the seams open.
5. Sew the squares together: Arrange the four squares in a larger square shape, with colors alternating in a diagonal pattern. Sew together using a ¼-inch seam allowance, pressing seams open as you go.
6. Finish the block: Trim the edges so they are straight and even. Your finished block should measure 9 inches square.

Repeat these steps to create as many Economy Quilt Blocks as you need, then sew them together to create your quilt top.

How to Resize Quilt Blocks

The first step in modifying any quilt block is to decide on the finished size. You can base this on doubling a pattern, cutting it in half, or working with your available fabric.

Important: When working from a pattern's cutting instructions, always remove the seam allowance before doubling or tripling the size. For example, if your pattern calls for 3½" squares, subtract the seam allowances (½"), double the finished block size (3" → 6"), then add the seam allowance back (½"). You'll end up cutting a 6½" piece of fabric.

Resizing Square Blocks

Square blocks are the easiest to resize. Simply add ½" to your desired finished block measurement. For a 4" finished square, cut a 4½" square of fabric.

Resizing Rectangular Blocks

Add ½" to both the length and width of your finished block. To double a block that measures 3" × 4", cut a 6½" × 8½" rectangle of fabric.

Resizing Half-Square Triangle Blocks

Add ⅞" to the desired finished block size. For a 4" finished block, cut 4⅞" squares.

Resizing Quarter-Square Triangle Blocks

Since there are two cut lines and two seam lines, add 1¼" to the desired finished block size. For a 4" finished block, cut your squares 5¼".