Variable sampling interval(VSI) and variable sample size(VSS) control charts vary the sampling rate for the next sample depending on the current chart statistic. This paper develops EWMA charts with the VSI and VSS features, and investigates the effectiveness of these charts in context of an economic model. The economic properties of these charts are evaluated by using Markov chain methods. The model contains cost parameters which allow the specification of the costs associated with sampling, false alarms, and operating off target. This economic model can be used to quantify the cost saving that can be obtained by using control charts with the VSI and VSS features instead of with the fixed sampling rate(FSR) feature, and can also be used to gain insight into the way that control charts with the VSI and VSS features should be designed to achieve optimal economic performance. The economic performance of X charts with the VSI and VSS features is also considered