Large Economy Block (or square in a square) Quilt in Le Vintage Chic

While technically not a quilt - this fun "coverlet" is perfect for hot summers and lightweight warmth. 

The top is made like any other quilt, the backing is white flannel and everything is quilted with a walking foot. The twist here is that there is no batting or middle layer. Voila ... a coverlet.

The pattern: A large 'square in a square'  or economy block.

Cut (25) 9.25" x 9.25" pieces for the center squares. 

Cut (50) squares 7.25" x 7.25".   Make one cut on the diagonal from corner to corner to yield two triangles. Total triangles needed is 100.  Pair up four of these triangles with one large square. Sew two triangles on opposite sides.  Click HERE for more details and pictures of a previous square in a square quilt.

I like to trim off the dog ears - it's up to you. I press my seams open and then attach the other two triangles on the opposite sides.

I love my rulers from Deb Tucker and her instructional videos. I use her measurements listed on the rulers so all my blocks are over sized and then trimmed down.  For a really good alternative method on how to make an economy block without these rulers is this post from Catbird Quilt Studio. Also, Rita from Red Pepper Quilts has good pictures and instructions for a smaller more complex economy block here.

The biggest block you can make using the Large Square Squared ruler is a finished 12" x 12".

Lining up the 12 marking on the inner square allows me to trim to a consistent size and quarter inch away from the edge. 

There are now 25 big economy block squares ready for layout.  After finishing the layout but not yet sewing anything - cut 20 squares 6.5" x 6.5".  

Join two at a time and trim those two squares to 12.5" wide.  
Why measure these border blocks now and maybe trim?  If you are sewing with a scant 1/4" these two block may be  a little larger than 12.5" wide.  It looks nice to match up the seams in the border with the seams in the economy block - this is a simple way to ensure this.

Now you can sew all the smaller border squares together - 10 blocks for the top and 10 blocks for the bottom. 

However you like to sew your quilt together is up to you.  I do three top rows in one 'chunk' and then do the four bottom rows in their 'chunk'.  Attaching two 'halves' is not as bulky as dragging an ever growing quilt top and attaching one row at a time. I like working on smaller bits which is why I don't make medallion quilts.  (Those are quilts that start with a center square and continue to add around it.  I like blocks and rows).

If you are into decorative quilting then this type of thin quilt won't show your skills.  But this scrunchy wrinkled lightweight  'coverlet' is so versatile.  It's easy to layer on your bed with other blankets, washes and dries quickly ... and is a great cover up wrap to prevent sunburn during the day and mosquitoes at night when used outside.

Quilting is still done with a walking foot.   A broken wavy line follows the seams and through the points of all the squares.  A very pretty pink 50wt. Aurifil thread on top and bright white on the bottom.  

Lastly, this 'quilt' comes together very quickly - fast to sew and fast to enjoy!

Materials:
Le Vintage Chic / Art Gallery Fabrics
White Flannel
Aurifil 50 wt. #2024 (white) #2415 (pink)
Large Square Squared ruler / Deb Tucker / Studio 180
Size: 60.75" x 72.5"
July 2019