Sampler Quilt 2011 - Week 44 - Whirlwind

The Whirlwind block uses half square triangle and quarter square triangle pieces to make a sailboat unit or what I like to call a tri square triangle unit. You'll need 2 fabrics, a half square triangle ruler and a quarter square triangle ruler to make this block.

Fabric Instructions

Background Fabric: Cut a 2 inch wide strip. Sub cut into 4 quarter square triangles using a quarter square triangle ruler (see unit instructions).
Accent Fabric: Cut a 3½ inch wide strip. Sub cut into 4 half square triangles using a half square triangle ruler. Cut a 2 inch wide strip. Sub cut into 4 quarter square triangles using a quarter square triangle ruler. (See unit instructions.)

Tri Square Triangle Unit Instructions

1. Match up a Background fabric quarter square triangle with an Accent fabric quarter square triangle right sides together with long side toward the bottom and Accent fabric on top.
2. Sew a ¼ inch seam on right short side of triangle pair.
3. Press seam to one side.
4. Match previously sewn quarter square triangles to Accent fabric half square triangle right sides together.
5. Sew a ¼ inch seam on long side of triangles.
6. Press seams toward half square triangle.
7. Make 4 tri square triangle units.

Whirlwind Finishing Instructions

Layout the 4 tri square triangle units as shown and chain piece block together with a ¼ inch seam.