What is an Economy Block
What Does Economy Block Mean
This simple quilt block is primarily known today as a Square in a Square but historically it’s name is the Economy Block. Whichever name we choose to use, it is a quilter’s secret weapon.
This simple Economy Block actually looks quite modern. But its origin comes from a 100-year-old quilting hack born during America’s Great Depression. Designed to use every fabric scrap, this block combines a center square with outer triangles that form a larger square. In this tutorial, I’ll show you how this “economy” block turns your guilty scrap pile into beautiful, budget-friendly quilts. It’s a simple technique that will change how you quilt.
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‘Super Sized Economy Block Hot Pad’
Back in the 1930s, thrifting wasn’t a choice; it was survival. For quilters, this meant every tiny piece of fabric was precious. Quilting provided essential warmth but also joy and creativity. Women used scraps from old clothes and even printed flour sacks to make beauty from necessity. This is where the Economy Block became a star. Its name says it all: it was designed to ‘waste not, want not,’ turning the tiniest leftovers into treasured heirlooms.
What’s the Difference between the Economy Block and the Square in a Square
The economy block is the larger quilt block as it has two rows of outer triangle squares. Whereas the square in a square has just a single row of triangles. This was the original block that dates back to pre-Civil War days. Check out my post, How to Make a Square in a Square Quilt Block for step-by-step instructions to make your own block. Plus there is a free printable tutorial download to keep as a reference.
Economy Block-Square in a Square SUPER-SIZED HOT PAD
Your Scrap Pile is a Secret Goldmine!
You may see a bin full of useless fabric leftovers and scraps, but you have a treasure chest waiting to be unlocked. This single quilting technique will transform your fabric scraps into fabulous quilt designs. Start now by making every inch of fabric count. You’ll be amazed at what you can do with a few pieces of scrappy fabric!
How to Make a Charm Square Economy Block
How to Assemble a Scrappy Economy Block
Sewing the half square triangles (HST)s onto the middle square begins from the center and moves outward as more layers are added. With precuts being so common today, here’s how to make a Charm Square Economy Block.
First, mark the center of your square’s edge and one small triangle’s long edge by folding and either creasing or pinning. Match the centers up and sew each triangle to the square. There will be small triangle corners (‘dog-ears’) that extend beyond the edge of the square. These allow for the necessary seam allowance on your finished block. In the same manner add a second triangle to the opposite side. Press the seams away from the center square and add the next two triangles to the remaining sides. Press seams away from the center. Trim your block and add the next round of triangles.
Next, repeat the entire process—sew, press, and trim—with the larger HSTs, sewing them to the center square.
The economy block is a scrappy quilt block, so color and fabric choice depends on what you have on hand. Each block will need five squares cut to the sizes listed below.
Round 1 of the Charm Square Economy Block
press seams to edges.
Press seams to edges.
Be sure to leave ¼-inch seam allowance for sewing HST points.
Round 2 of the Charm Square Economy Block
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FREE Charm Square Economy Block Tutorial
Press seams to edges.
Press seams to edges.
Be sure to leave ¼-inch seam allowance for sewing HST points.
Completed Scrappy Economy Block
Finally, the trimming step will reveal your perfect economy block aka square-in-a-square. Note that I intentionally oversize my triangles to ensure all the triangle points remain intact. So trimming is highly recommended after both rounds 1 and 2.
The finished block will measure 8.75-inches
Finished Economy Block
this Super Sized Economy Block Hot Pad is ready to be quilted and bound!
From a Single Block to a Finished Quilt
Now that you’ve made one beautiful Economy Block, the possibilities are endless. Make each block a different color or size for a “sampler” quilt that tells a story. Or use color with bold fabrics for all centers against scrappy borders to create a stunning secondary pattern. Definitely make more Super Sized Economy Block Hot Pads for every season, special occasions, and especially as gifts for your favorite friends.
You will appreciate how this block turns your scrap pile from a problem into an amazing palette of creativity, giving you permission to use every piece you’ve ever saved! The economy block is more than just a simple quilt block pattern. It connects us to a history of resilience and helps us make beautiful, quilted art without waste. This Depression-era quilting hack is proof that the best ideas are often the simplest.
What will you make with the Economy Block? Let me know in the comments. Now, go turn those scraps into something amazing.
Happy Quilting, Lea Louise
