FREE QUILT BLOCK TUTORIAL: Economy Block

The Economy Block is another classic quilting block that is simple to create and versatile to use.

It’s also a great block to use with the Main Print in my Send Me to the Woods fabric line!  I fussy cut one of the large animals for each block and just love how they look in the middle! 

Click here to see the table runner created from 3 Economy blocks >

This tutorial creates a 12″ finished block. 

How to Make an Economy Block

Example shown creates a 12″ finished block – see the cutting chart for alternate size finished blocks.

Use 1/4″ scant Seam allowance throughout.

FABRIC REQUIREMENTS:

FABRIC 1: Send me To the Woods Main Tan

• (1) 6 1/2″ square – for center of the block
• fussy cut to showcase the animal of your choice

FABRIC 2: Send Me To The Woods Buffalo Plaid Light Brown

• (1) 7 1/2″ square – for center block triangles
• Cut across two diagonals to create 4 triangles 

FABRIC 3: Send me To the Woods Forest Green

• (2) 7″ squares – for outer block triangles
• Cut each at a diagonal to create 4 triangles from the 2 blocks. (see image below if using directional fabric)

If you want to create a different size Economy Star quilt block, simply change the size blocks you cut and sew based on the chart below.

STEP 1: Lay out your pieces before sewing

This step is vital if you are using directional fabric. You want to make sure that you sew the directional triangles in the right direction so you don’t have to pull it apart and start again! Working from the pieces laid out how they will be sewn together greatly decreases that risk. (Guess how I know this… 😉)

STEP 2: Add the Inner Triangles

The quickest and easiest way to line up the triangles in the Economy block accurately is by folding.

Fold the center block in half and fold the triangles on the top and bottom in half as well.

Using the fold lines as guides, match the fold on the triangle with the fold on the center square, as well as lining up the straight edge you will sew. (see image)

Repeat with the opposite triangle. Clip or pin and sew with a scant 1/4″ seam.

Press the seams (open or towards the darker fabric – whichever you prefer.)

Repeat for the second set of triangles.

Trim points to square.

STEP 3: Add the Outer Triangles to Complete the Economy Block

Layout the sewn center block inside the outer blocks you will add next. Again, this step is vital if you are using directional fabric like I am with the forest trees. I want them all going in the same direction!

Using the same technique of folding and sewing opposite corners as outlined in step 2, add the outer triangles to complete your block.

Materials Used in this Project:

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  It’s one of the ways I support my site.

Look for the Send Me to the Woods fabric in your local fabric store or online.  CLICK HERE to find a location near you >