Economy Block Tutorial: A Quilting Masterpiece

Quilting is an art form that has captured the hearts of many with its timeless charm and versatility.

One classic quilting block pattern that has stood the test of time is the Economy Block.

Its simple yet elegant design makes it a favorite among both novice and experienced quilters. In this tutorial, we’ll guide you through the steps to create your very own Economy Block masterpiece.

Materials You’ll Need

Before we dive into the step-by-step process, gather the following materials:

1. Fabric: Choose three contrasting fabrics for your block – one for the center square, one for the corners, and one for the background. Pre-wash and press your fabric to ensure accuracy.
2. Cutting Tools: You’ll need a rotary cutter, acrylic ruler, and self-healing cutting mat for precise fabric cutting.
3. Sewing Machine: A sewing machine with a 1/4-inch piecing foot is ideal for accurate seam allowances.
4. Iron and Ironing Board: To press your seams for a polished finish.
5. Thread: High-quality cotton thread in a color that complements your fabric.
6. Pins: Straight pins for securing your fabric while sewing.
7. Seam Ripper: Just in case you need to correct any mistakes.

Step 1: Cutting Your Fabric

1. Center Square: Cut a square from your chosen fabric for the center of your block. The size of this square will determine the finished size of your block. For a standard 6-inch finished block, cut a 2.5-inch square.
2. Corner Triangles: Cut four squares from your contrasting fabric. These should be the same size as your center square (2.5 inches in our example). Then, cut each square diagonally from corner to corner to create eight triangles.
3. Background Fabric: Cut four larger squares from your background fabric, each 2 inches larger than your center square (4.5 inches in our example).

Step 2: Assembling the Block

1. Pair Triangles: Pair each corner triangle with a background square, right sides together.
2. Sewing Triangles: Place each triangle-square pair on opposite corners of your center square, aligning the edges. Sew along the diagonal edge of the triangle, 1/4 inch from the edge.
3. Trim and Press: Trim the excess fabric, leaving a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Press the triangles open, away from the center square.
4. Repeat: Repeat the process for all four corners, ensuring that the triangles point outward from the center.

Step 3: Completing the Block

1. Sewing Rows: Sew the top and bottom rows of your block by joining the remaining background squares with a 1/4-inch seam allowance.
2. Press Open: Press the seams open.
3. Final Assembly: Join the top and bottom rows to complete your Economy Block. Ensure that the seams nest together for accuracy.
4. Final Press: Give your finished block a final press to make it flat and crisp.

And there you have it – your very own Economy Block! You can repeat these steps to create multiple blocks and arrange them in various patterns to design a beautiful quilt top. The Economy Block’s simplicity makes it a versatile choice for both traditional and modern quilts.

Experiment with different fabric combinations, sizes, and layouts to make your quilting project uniquely yours. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced quilter, the Economy Block is a classic pattern that never goes out of style.

Now that you’ve mastered this timeless quilting pattern, let your creativity shine and create stunning quilts that will be cherished for generations to come. Happy quilting!