Weathervane Quilt Block tutorial

A couple of weeks ago in our quilt group we each brought 12.5” quilt blocks to donate to a charity quilt.  We were also asked to bring the instructions to make the block as well.  I've always loved the very traditional “Weathervane” quilt block, so that's what I chose to make.  And since I wrote up the instructions for my quilt group, I thought I would also share them here! 

Here’s what you’ll need:



Print 1: 
4 @ 4.5” square

Print 2:
1 @ 4.5” sq,
4 @ 2.5” sq, and
4 @ 3.25” sq

Background: 
Cut 12 @ 2.5” square
4 @ 3.25” square



Step 1:  On the 4 (3.25”) background squares, draw a diagonal line from corner to corner with a pencil.



Step 2:  Place each 3.25” background square RST (right sides together) with a 3.25” print square.  Sew about 1/4” on each side of the drawn line.



Step 3:  Carefully cut along the drawn line.  Press HSTs open with the seam allowance toward the print side.



Trim each HST to be 2.5” square.  You need 8 total (2.5”) HSTs.



Step 4:  As shown in the photo, lay out 2 HSTs, 1 (2.5”) background square and 1 (2.5”) print square.




Sew the top two squares together using a 1/4” seam.  Repeat for the bottom two squares.  Press seams away from the HSTs.



Sew the top and bottom units together, matching center seam.  Press seam open. 



Repeat to make 4 of these Unit A blocks.



Step 5:  On 8 of the 2.5” background squares, draw a diagonal line from corner to corner with a pencil. 



Step 6:  Place one 2.5” background square RST on one corner of a Print 1 (4.5”) square. 




Sew on the drawn line.  Trim 1/4” away from stitching. 



Fold open the corner and press. 



Step 7:  Place a second 2.5” background square RST on an adjacent corner of the 4.5” print square. 



Sew on the drawn line.  Trim 1/4” away from seam.

 

Fold open the corner and press.



Repeat to make 4 Unit B blocks.



Step 8:  Lay out block elements as shown in the photo. 



Sew into rows using 1/4” seam.  Press seams of row 1 and 3 towards the center.  Press seams of row 2 away from center.



Sew rows together, matching seams.  Press.  And you’re done! 

Block should measure 12.5” square.