Economy blocks frustration...
 

I wanted something simple to "just sew" and not have to think too much and I watched a video the other day that she was doing the economy block, so I thought that would be a good one to do. HUH!

I'm doing the exact same thing she was doing as far as using a 3" square for the center; (2) 2 1/2" squares cut on the diagonal for the first round; and (2) 3 1/2" squares cut diagonally for the second round. The block should measure 5 1/2" unfinished.

I always check my 1/4" before I sew anything and use a guide on my bed. I can make perfect star points all day long, but for the life of me, I can't do these simple blocks without the points being chopped off. What am I doing wrong??

Can you post a picture?

These blocks are not so easy to get right. Even just doing one square in a square block usually ends up wonky for me, which is why I use Deb Tucker's trim-down tool (for which she has an economy block instruction sheet available). If the points are the problem, how are you pinning the blocks as you sew them?

One block is with a 3" center, the other 2 blocks are with 5" centers. I got the measurements from Youtube videos.

I think I have that tool! I need to go look. Thanks. I don't pin because these are so small. Maybe I should use a scant 1/4"????

a scant 1/4" will help but if that's the block method i think it is, the "economy" is in less fuss during construction.
easier to make, but the method does not result in pointy points.

they look fine. just not what you expected. ;-)

My goal is to have no points with this block. They all look the same and I'm stress free.

If you want exact you could try the paper piecing method for a 7” block.
https://www.quilterscache.com/E/EconomyBlock.html

In my experience, you want closer to 3/8ths of an inch between the point and the edge of the block for this kind of square. A skinnier seam might do it, but I'd also try slightly bigger triangles.

It looks like you are making a block called an Economy Block but want the "set in Square in a Square". For the set-in you need the triangles to be larger than the squares. There is a good YouTube Video by Penny Haren's Basic Block Videos,
'Setting a Square on Point'. It's only 7 minutes but very good.

You may need to cut the triangles larger, but if you sew with the back side up you can see how close to the points stitching you need to be to not cut them off.

So much for just sewing and not have to think to much. 🤣🤣🤣

Bonnie Hunter has good instructions for this: https://quiltville.blogspot.com/2005...-tutorial.html
and a cutting chart: https://quiltville.blogspot.com/2014...ing-chart.html

I make these all the time successfully but I use the cheat sheet from this site for my measurements: https://catbirdquilts.wordpress.com/...h-cheat-sheet/

It never fails me. I printed it out and keep it in my folder of quilting hints and I also saved on my computer too. I have made Economy Blocks from 2.5 inches finished to 9 inches finished. My hint is to trim to square after each round being sure to leave the 1/4 inch seam allowance at each point. Give this another try. The economy block is so versatile

I just finished a baby quilt using the Economy Block last weekend.

I love Quilter Cache but the link is telling me I'm "forbidden"...haha. I'll look it up on my bookmark. Thanks.

Thank you so much for the link!!! This makes sense to me because I couldn't figure out why all the tutorials I watched said to cut the first round triangles at a smaller size then the center square. As quilters, we learned a long time ago to cut larger and trim down, right? I printed the cheat sheet off for reference and I'm going to give it a try. :) I was so frustrated yesterday that I was ready to quit sewing and sell everything...haha.

Hahaha! Seems like that's what happens when I want something simple to "just sew"

OK. My curiosity has been peaked. Got a link for what tutorial you were using?

Are you meaning the link in post #16?

The link in #14 and referred to in #16 has worked for me perfectly. (Its an Economy Block cheat sheet.) I believe that is what was being referenced by Polkweed.

No, I was curious what youtube video retired2pa got their original instructions from that they were struggling with.

Quick update: I ended up buying FPP sheets and my points are now perfect :)

If you want an easy " no think" block...this is NOT IT, lol. I finally perfected mine by oversizing the triangles ( make thos 2.5" ones 2.75 before slicing diagonally. Then trim to size.

I have said it before and once more I will mutter it. We each have our gifts, talents and skills. Some blocks fall into place and are perfect every time while others are a major frustration. For nearly every block there are multiple ways to make it. Lesson is, don't give up until you find the way that works for you. Three cheers for finding PP to make your blocks. They will be prefect every time!

To make these blocks out of all pre-cut pieces you need to have the correct dimensions...and I have found internet sources notoriously sloppy or outright wrong on cutting directions! Your points should come out nicely if the cutting directions are accurate:

https://catbirdquilts.wordpress.com/...h-cheat-sheet/

Whatever video Colleen was watching, if the centre square is 3", then the size of squares needed for the triangles to surround it should be 3.25" square, sub cut on the diagonal. Her directions called for 2 1/2" squares, which would be too small to preserve the points of the centre square.

If your points are getting cut off in economy blocks, it means your centre square is too large for the triangles you cut to surround it. Always consult a cutting chart to check!

Here is a nice tutorial, though it only gives cutting instructions for one size:
https://www.stitchedincolor.com/blog...block-tutorial

And here is the quilt math for making up economy blocks, from the blog Catbird Quilt Studio:
https://catbirdquilts.wordpress.com/...h-cheat-sheet/


How does this work? Math. But nothing scary. Bookmark my blog and you’ll be able to find this any time under the Tutorials tab.

"Start with the size of the finished block you want.

finished block size/2 = finished center
example: 7″/2 = 3.5″

finished center + 0.5″ = cut size of center
ex: 3.5″ + 0.5″ = 4″
CUT one center 4″
See note below about fussy-cutting the center.

(finished center/1.414) + 0.875 = size of square to make TWO corners
This assumes PERFECTION. I do NOT assume perfection! Round up at least a half inch.
ex: 3.5/1.414 + 0.875 = 2.475 + 0.875 = 3.350, or about 3 3/8″.
Now round up to 4″.
CUT two squares 4″. [Note: this is a coincidence! You won’t always cut them the same size as the center patch.] Cut two because you need four corners.
CUT each square in half on the diagonal."