How to Create Perfect Fussy Cut Economy Blocks | Go-Go Kim

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Saturday, June 11, 2016

How to Create Perfect Fussy Cut Economy Blocks

Economy Quilt Blocks also known by many other names has been around forever.  My Heather Ross and Munki Munki stash has been around not quite as long but I decided the two should get acquainted an make some magic!


There are numerous patterns available on the internet in a variety of sizes for this block.  It is the perfect beginner paper piecing pattern.  If you think you cannot paper piece, try this block!




For these blocks, I chose the free paper pieced pattern from Generations Quilt Patterns.  They offer the pattern for this block in four different sizes.  I chose the 4 inch block for these special fussy cut centers!




To help with perfect fussy cuts,  instead of making a plastic template, I cut the center out of the pattern.



Some of the centers are very tight with no room to spare.  Being able to clearly see the fine lines ( I need all the help I can get) and placement is a must.



After figuring out the best placement, I used my 3 in ruler to trim the 1/4 inch seam around the outside each side of the frame. If you feel more comfortable with a little more seam allowance that is good too!  Better to have too much than too little.  You cannot put it back!



For the first few ( or if you are new to paper piecing) try numbering the pattern by step.  This way your blocks will all match.  I found I made two that did not match and so decided to number a couple until I got my groove on ;O)



I use Aurifil 50wt thread for all of my piecing and paper piecing.  It is a two ply thread that is both very thin and also strong.  Perfect for making your blocks flat!  I love 2600 but am out of stock here in the gogostudio.   I have been using many different shades of the med to light gray that I have on hand and am finding they work just as well.




Here are a few more of the blocks I completed yesterday and the day before!  I have more center fussy cuts ready to go and a huge mess of fabrics to create more today!













If you are making these and are on Instagram , I would LOVE to see yours!  Please find me at gogokim and tag me with your #economyblocks.  Blair from Wise Craft Handmade and Lucy from Charm About You will be making some too!  

I love this fun online quilting club!  Let's make some  Economy Quilt Blocks! 















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8 comments

l said...

I love these blocks! I haven't made any yet, but they are on my dream-to do list :)
I'm lifeonislandstudio on instagram. I love your IG !!

lisacrafty said...

I love the touches of Liberty! Thank you for the link to the paper piece pattern :)

Live a Colorful Life said...

Add me to the list. I'm definitely jumping on this bandwagon. :)

margaret said...

lots of lovely fussy cutting going on with you. I have 140 economy blocks made not fussy cut out of scraps need to sew them together don`t I ?Mine were not done the FPP way as still have not mastered that technique

Lesley Gilbert said...

I love your cute fussy cut blocks and great to see the mix of fabrics on your outer borders :)

Sherry said...

I love your blocks, thanks for sharing the tips and pattern. I have been collecting fabrics to make a similar quilt.

Marla said...

These are so sweet. Thanks for sharing!

artsycraftsyivy said...

Your blocks are adorable, Kim! I love 2600, too, but will also use other greys I have laying around, like you. Luckily, the boyfriend just supplied me with a cone of 2600--yay! :D Which I am going to use to quilt the largest quilt I have ever made--about 95 x 95. I think 50 wt works well when you don't want the quilting to stand out at all. Normally I would quilt with 40 or 28 or, if it's a small project that won't cost me a fortune, I love love love 12 wt. Which is nice for handwork, too :)

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