- Background (muslin)
- Dark (indigo)
- Accent (madder red)
Block No. 26 · four-patch
Economy Quilt Block
Also known as Economy Block, Square in a Square in a Square
Part of: Four Patch Quilt BlocksHalf Square Triangle Quilt BlocksQuilt Blocks For Beginners
Economy is a square surrounded by two rounds of triangles, also described as Square in a Square in a Square. Its central patch can frame a small print while the outer triangles connect neighboring blocks.
- Level
- Confident Beginner
- Grid
- 4 × 4
- Pieces
- 9
Chart
Cutting for a 12" block
4 × 4 grid. All cuts fall on 1/8" ruler marks. Unfinished block: 12 1/2".
| Fabric | Shape | Cut | Size | Then | Pieces used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Background | Quarter-square triangle | 1 | 7 1/4" square | Cut twice diagonally (4 triangles each) | 4 |
| Dark | Half-square triangle | 2 | 6 7/8" square | Cut once diagonally (2 triangles each) | 4 |
| Accent | Square | 1 | 6 1/2" square | Use as cut | 1 |
Method
Piecing steps
Step 1: Cut the accent center square, background QST parents and dark HST parents from the chart. Subcut the triangle parents as directed.
Step 2: Center a background quarter-square triangle on each edge of the accent square. Add opposite sides first and press; then add the other pair.
Step 3: Do not trim the diagonal intermediate unit to a guessed ruler fraction. Keep 1/4 inch beyond the center-square corners and center the outer triangles on its edges.
Step 4: Add the four dark outer HST triangles in opposite pairs. Square up the completed unit, preserving 1/4 inch beyond each point.
Step 5: Join the sections with a consistent 1/4-inch seam, pressing between seams. Check that the unfinished block measures 12 1/2" square.