Weathervane Quilt Block Tutorial
Folk Sampler Sew Along Block 14
There were a few requests for a Weathervane block so here it is! This is a classic traditional block made up of various foundational shapes including squares, rectangles, Half Square Triangles, and Flying Geese. This is an easy block to piece but it takes time to work through making all the pieces so let’s get right to it. Oh and a little disclosure, I got a late start making my blocks this week and the afternoon western light got really strong as the hours went on. I tried moving away from the light and shadows to photograph but the photos are a little weird this week.
The finished size of this block is 12” (the unfinished size is 12 1/2”) because that’s what we’re working with in the Folk Sampler Sew Along. As with all quilt blocks you can change the size of the block by changing the size of the pieces within which is explained in this post. In my Flying Geese, and Half Square Triangle tutorials (linked in this post) I explain how to make these two foundational shapes in any custom size you desire. Throughout the following instructions I will refer to the colors as the ones I chose for my olive background block shown on the left in the photo above: sky blue, stripes, and olive green. As you plan your block, swap my colors for your personal choices.
For the natural dyers, the dye recipes I used for both my blocks are olive green, and light indigo blue.
Finished Block Size 12”
1/4” seam allowance
Cut List
For the Squares:
Cut 4 olive squares: 2 1/2”
Cut 4 sky blue squares: 2 1/2”
Cut 1 sky blue square: 4 1/2”
For the Rectangles:
Cut 4 striped rectangles: 2 1/2” x 4 1/2”
For the HST’s:
Cut 4 olive squares: 3”
Cut 4 sky blue squares: 3”
For the Flying Geese:
Cut 1 striped square: 5 1/2”
Cut 4 olive squares: 3 1/4”
To begin we will make all the foundational pieces starting with the HST’s, and then move along to the flying geese.
Make the HST’s
Gather the 4 olive and 4 sky blue (3”) squares you cut for the HST’s and head over to my HST tutorial to make a total of 8 HST’s. Begin the tutorial at the part where it says ASSEMBLE. When you get to the TRIM part, trim your 8 HST’s to 2 1/2”. Set the HST’s aside and move on to making the Flying Geese shapes.
Make the Flying Geese
Gather the 1 striped square (5 1/2”), and the 4 olive squares ( 3 1/4”) you cut for the Flying Geese and head over to my Flying Geese tutorial. Cut the larger striped square in half from diagonal corner to corner twice as shown in the tutorial. Cut the 4 smaller olive squares in half from diagonal corner to corner once as shown in the tutorial. Make a total of 4 Flying Geese with these shapes. When you get to the TRIM YOUR GEESE section of the tutorial, trim them to 2 1/2” x 4 1/2”. Okay, now we have all the pieces we need to make a Weathervane block!
We’ll begin piecing the block by sewing the 4-patch corner blocks. Gather your 4 olive squares (2 1/2”) and 4 sky blue squares ( 2 1/2”) along with your 8 HST’s. Lay out the shapes as shown below to sew the first 4-patch block.
Sew the pieces together to create two horizontal rows as shown below. Press the seams open or to the side if you prefer.
Sew the rows together and press the seams open or to the side if you prefer.
Repeat the instructions to make 3 more 4-patch blocks with the remaining squares and HST’s.
Gather your 4 striped rectangles ( 2 1/2 x 4 1/2”) and your 4 Flying Geese. Lay out the shapes on your work surface as shown below.
Sew them together as shown below and press the seam open or to the side if you prefer.
Repeat the instructions to make a total of 4 sets as shown below.
Alrighty, let’s get this block assembled! Lay out all the pieces on your work surface as shown below.
Sew the pieces together to form 3 horizontal rows as shown below being sure to match at the seams by pinning. Press the seams open or to the side if you prefer.
Sew the rows together being sure to match the seams by pinning. Press the seams open or to the side if you prefer. And there we have a Weathervane block!
We’re just cruising right along! Next week we will be 3/4 of our way through the sew along. If you have any questions be sure to ask them in the comment section below for all to reference. Please continue to share your gorgeous work on Instagram and use the tag #folksamplersewalong. What a beautiful gallery we’re creating! Do go check it out if you haven’t yet.
