Sister's Choice Quilts

My interests are quilting, reading, cooking, family, decorating, and matters of style. I post regular quilting tutorials and book reviews of current fiction.

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Square in a Square Block

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What is your name for this quilt block?  I call it "Square in a Square", but many quilters refer to it as "Economy Block".

Whatever you call it, it can be a tricky one.  You start with a center square and surround it with two rounds of corner triangles. The edges of the corner triangles are bias and can distort when sewn, creating a wonky block or cut off corners.  But don't despair, there are methods and tools available to help you get a perfect block every time.

There are several ways to make this block.  One is to do the "folded corner" method.  This is a great tutorial. Doug Leko makes a folded corner ruler which is great for this block as well.

The Square in a Square block is also a great one for simple paper piecing.  If you are a beginner to paper piecing, this block is a good one to start with.  Lori Holt has come out with "Economy Block" paper piecing tablets, which are sold on Fatquartershop.com in two sizes (6" and 12").

My favorite method is to use the Creative Grids Square in a Square trim tool, which I have in a 4", 6", and an 8" size.  You cut your pieces slightly oversized and trim up with the ruler.  Always my favorite method for accurate blocks.  My quilt in the photo has 4 inch blocks.  Lots of them.

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I never get tired of this block.  You can do a totally scrappy quilt, or a controlled scrappy quilt which I have done with my reds and browns.  It is a wonderful scrap buster and always has such a classic look.  I just got the binding sewn on this one and am enjoying it on my bed.

Hope you all had a lovely weekend!  Happy August!

27 responses to “Square in a Square Block”

  1. My favorite tool for this is actually the Square in a Square (SnS) ruler. No bias and easy peasy straight sewing.

  2. My favorite tool for this is actually the Square in a Square (SnS) ruler. No bias and easy peasy straight sewing.

  3. My favorite tool for this is actually the Square in a Square (SnS) ruler. No bias and easy peasy straight sewing.

  4. Beautiful, Nicole. When did you piece this quilt because I just don’t remember it at all!? It’s my kind of quilt, for sure.

  5. Beautiful, Nicole. When did you piece this quilt because I just don’t remember it at all!? It’s my kind of quilt, for sure.

  6. Beautiful, Nicole. When did you piece this quilt because I just don’t remember it at all!? It’s my kind of quilt, for sure.

  7. Your finished quilt looks so cozy & inviting on the bed! Nap, anyone? I have been using my Doug Leko folded corner rulers quite a bit lately. They’re very accurate. How did it become August so quickly?? Stay well!

  8. Your finished quilt looks so cozy & inviting on the bed! Nap, anyone? I have been using my Doug Leko folded corner rulers quite a bit lately. They’re very accurate. How did it become August so quickly?? Stay well!

  9. Your finished quilt looks so cozy & inviting on the bed! Nap, anyone? I have been using my Doug Leko folded corner rulers quite a bit lately. They’re very accurate. How did it become August so quickly?? Stay well!

  10. I like Studio 180 Square2 ruler. Same principle as Creative Grids but you can make several sizes with one ruler. Since rulers are so expensive you get more bang for your buck!

  11. I like Studio 180 Square2 ruler. Same principle as Creative Grids but you can make several sizes with one ruler. Since rulers are so expensive you get more bang for your buck!

  12. I like Studio 180 Square2 ruler. Same principle as Creative Grids but you can make several sizes with one ruler. Since rulers are so expensive you get more bang for your buck!

  13. I’d forgotten it was called the Economy Block, it’s an inelegant name for a smart looking block. Your quilt turned out beautifully! I’ve made a few quilts of these over the years! My favorite version starts with four patches in the center, I use 1.5” squares as leader-enders, and a pair of 2.5” squares cut in half for the first round. I should always add another round of triangles to bump them up a notch:)

  14. I’d forgotten it was called the Economy Block, it’s an inelegant name for a smart looking block. Your quilt turned out beautifully! I’ve made a few quilts of these over the years! My favorite version starts with four patches in the center, I use 1.5” squares as leader-enders, and a pair of 2.5” squares cut in half for the first round. I should always add another round of triangles to bump them up a notch:)

  15. I’d forgotten it was called the Economy Block, it’s an inelegant name for a smart looking block. Your quilt turned out beautifully! I’ve made a few quilts of these over the years! My favorite version starts with four patches in the center, I use 1.5” squares as leader-enders, and a pair of 2.5” squares cut in half for the first round. I should always add another round of triangles to bump them up a notch:)

  22. Beautiful quilt. Made from a very nice block, but one that, at least up to now, I always avoid because it never turns out properly. The right ruler and trimming sounds like the way to go. Thanks for the tip.

  23. Beautiful quilt. Made from a very nice block, but one that, at least up to now, I always avoid because it never turns out properly. The right ruler and trimming sounds like the way to go. Thanks for the tip.

  24. Beautiful quilt. Made from a very nice block, but one that, at least up to now, I always avoid because it never turns out properly. The right ruler and trimming sounds like the way to go. Thanks for the tip.