Trim-Free, Template-free Whirligig Block Tutorial

This tutorial makes a block that is 5 inches finished size.

You will need two contrasting fabrics. I used a black and white print and a solid white.

1. Cut 3 ½ inch strips from a fat quarter or scrap.

2. Cut the strip into 3 inch pieces. You will have a few 3 ½ by 3 rectangles now.

3. Rotate your rectangle so that the long side is horizontal and the short side is vertical.

Then place your ruler at a precise angle by placing it 1 1/2 inches from the top right of

the rectangle and 2 from the bottom left. See picture below.
4. Cut on this line, and you will now have two identical pieces (be sure your fabrics are all

right sides up when you cut, or your whirligig will whirl in different directions!)

5. Repeat this with another rectangle of the print fabric and twice with the white fabric, so

that you have four identical pieces in each fabric. Match a print with the solid.

6. Place the two pieces right sides together. Try to match them up where the ¼ inch seam

allowance will hit so that the edges will be even when you press it open. Sew.
7. Press with the seams toward the darker fabric.

8. When you have four units like this complete, lay them out like the photo below.

9. Join the top and bottom units on each side. Press the seams to one side. Then join the

two sides, nesting the seams.

10. Press the final seam open. Your block is done!