BLOCK OF THE MONTH

AUGUST: THE WHIRLWIND BLOCK

The Whirlwind is an alternative to the Windmill block, made by creating unusual triangles from two different fabrics, and rearranging to form an interesting bold design.

The pieces needed to make one block also provide enough to create a second in the reverse colourway. Put side by side, as seen above, the blocks create a striking larger pattern which draws the eye across a quilt-top. Each finished block will measure 12½ inches square.

Note: When your pieces are ready to be sewn together, make sure to trim them all to the same size to ensure they fit together correctly.

1. ORGANISE AND CUT THE FABRIC YOU'LL NEED

Choose two contrasting or complementary fabrics, one will form the background and one will form the pattern.

Cut 4 rectangles of each fabric, each measuring 9½ ” x 5”

2. JOIN STRIPS TOGETHER

Group the rectangles into pairs containing one of each fabric. Join each pair together on the long sides to form a square, and press the seams. You will have 4 squares.

3. CUT TO FORM TRIANGLES

With the sewn line running horizontally, cut each square in half diagonally.

You will have 8 triangles.

4. REARRANGE TO FORM THE PATTERN

Using the diagram, rearrange your triangles to form the Whirlwind design.

You should have enough pieces to form 2 blocks, one with the pattern in one colour, and one in the other colour.

5. SEW THE BLOCKS

Stitch 2 triangles of the block together, followed by the other 2, pressing as you go.

Finally, match your seams and centre points, and then join the two pieces together to create the finished block.

Repeat the process for your second block.

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