Quilting

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Economy Quilt Block Tutorial

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Whether you are a beginner quilter or just need a refresher on something, sometimes it’s nice to get back to the basics.  That is exactly what this tutorial is, a nice, easy, and tremendously versatile quilt block called the Economy (or square in a square) block.  This pattern is for an 8″ block and is brought to us from Leila Gardunia.

I mentioned this block’s versatility earlier, and it definitely is.  It can be used as a joiner block for other ones, or it can stand along.  It is often used in “I Spy” quilts for children.  It has a larger center that is perfect for a fussy cut.  A fussy cut is a piece of fabric that is cut so you can see a particular design, like the scarecrow in the photo.

But don’t think that this is a block just for kid’s quilts.  Just look at the beautiful quilt that the designer made.

I love these traditional blocks.  They have been around for a very long time and yet, depending on the fabrics and settings used, can take on a modern look to them.

You can learn how to make this block here: 8″ Economy Quilt Block Tutorial

[photo from Leila Gardunia]

Looking for more I Spy quilt patterns? Check these patterns out on Etsy.

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Have you read?

Book Review: 200 Sanity-Saving Tips, Tricks, and Hacks for Quilters

Every quilter has been there.

You’re halfway through a quilt top when the rotary cutter suddenly feels dull, your seam allowance starts wandering, the iron is too hot for that fabric, and somehow your thread has knotted itself into a tiny ball of frustration.

That’s exactly the kind of moment where a book like 200 Sanity-Saving Tips, Tricks, and Hacks for Quilters by Ellen Perez earns its place beside your sewing machine.

This Kindle guide is essentially a problem-solver for quilters, packed with clever little techniques, shortcuts, and “why didn’t I think of that?” tricks that make the entire quilting process smoother.

What This Book Is About

Unlike a traditional pattern book, this one focuses on practical quilting knowledge. Think of it as the experienced quilting friend who quietly shares all the tricks she’s learned over years of sewing.

Inside the book you’ll find tips covering:

  • Cutting fabric more accurately 
  • Fixing common piecing mistakes 
  • Organizing your sewing space 
  • Saving time during quilt assembly 
  • Simple hacks that make quilting easier and more enjoyable 

Many of the ideas are surprisingly simple, but that’s exactly the point. These are the small adjustments that can dramatically improve your workflow.

A Helpful Reference for Every Quilter

One of the things that makes this book especially useful is that you don’t have to read it cover to cover. It’s the kind of guide you can:

  • Flip through when you hit a frustrating moment in a project 
  • Read a few tips at a time while planning your next quilt 
  • Keep handy as a quick troubleshooting reference 

Whether you’re a beginner learning the basics or an experienced quilter looking to refine your process, there’s something valuable tucked inside these pages.

Perfect for Kindle Readers

Since this book is available as a Kindle edition, it’s incredibly convenient. You can keep it on your phone, tablet, or Kindle device and quickly search for a solution when something isn’t working quite right at your sewing machine.

It’s essentially a portable quilting mentor you can reference anytime.

If quilting is your creative escape, the last thing you want is unnecessary frustration slowing you down. 200 Sanity-Saving Tips, Tricks, and Hacks for Quilters delivers exactly what the title promises: practical advice that helps you quilt smarter, not harder.

It’s the kind of book that reminds you quilting doesn’t have to be complicated to be enjoyable.

And honestly, who couldn’t use a few extra sanity-saving tricks in the sewing room?