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| Whirlwind Quilt Block |
The Whirlwind Quilt Block, designed by Elaine Huff of Fabric 406, is a dynamic and visually engaging pattern that adds movement and flair to any quilting project. Also known by names such as Modern Envelope, Twin Sisters, and Water Wheel, this block offers versatility in design and construction.
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Materials and Fabric Selection:
To create the Whirlwind Quilt Block, you'll need four fabrics:
Light Fabric: 1 strip measuring 4" x width of fabric (WOF)
Green Fabric: 1 strip measuring 1.5" x WOF
Brown Fabric: 1 strip measuring 1.5" x WOF
Red Fabric: 1 strip measuring 1.5" x WOF
These fabrics are sewn together to create a strip set, which is then cut and assembled into the Whirlwind pattern.
Construction Methods:
Elaine Huff introduces two approaches for constructing the Whirlwind Quilt Block, offering flexibility in technique.
Strip Piecing Method: Start by sewing together four fabric strips—Light, Green, Brown, and Red—along their long edges. Press the seam allowances away from the Light strip, ensuring a smooth transition between colors. Cut the sewn strip set into squares of equal width, then slice each square diagonally from corner to corner in the same direction to form triangles. Arrange four of these triangles to create the Whirlwind pattern and stitch them together. For a refined finish, press the seams using the tweak/twirl/furl method to maintain a flat, crisp appearance.
Individual Pieced Triangles Method: Begin by cutting a 6" Light fabric square diagonally twice, yielding four triangles. Then, prepare the Green, Brown, and Red fabrics by cutting them into progressively longer strips. Sew these colored strips together and attach them to a Light fabric triangle to form pieced units. Repeat the process to create four identical units, then arrange and join them to complete the Whirlwind pattern.
Both methods provide distinct ways to construct this dynamic block, allowing quilters to choose the technique that best suits their style and precision preferences.
Design Versatility:
The Whirlwind Quilt Block's design allows for creative flexibility:
Color Variations: Experiment with different color combinations to achieve various visual effects.
Scrap Utilization: Use fabric scraps for a more eclectic and vibrant look.
Layout Options: Combine multiple blocks in different orientations to create unique quilt layouts.
This block's dynamic appearance makes it suitable for various projects, from full-sized quilts to decorative wall hangings.
Elaine Huff's comprehensive tutorial for the Whirlwind Quilt Block, including detailed instructions and step-by-step photos, is available for free on the Fabric 406 blog.
