The electric fan quilt block is made entirely of hourglass units.

The arrangement creates a pinwheel in the center.

Made with just 4 squares of fabric in 3 colors, this block is easy to make.

It looks more complex than it really is.

ELECTRIC FAN QUILT BLOCK

I have made a few different pinwheel quilt block variations lately: the Louisiana Star and the Dutchman's puzzle.

I've also made quite a few blocks using the same fabric line. (Perfect Union from Edita Sitar by Laundry Basket Quilts).

Once I've used up all the fabric, I'm going to create a sampler type quilt with all the blocks. So stay tuned for that.

A few of the other blocks I've created are the Celtic twist, the Indiana Puzzle, the Square in a Square, the Economy Block and the friendship star.

↓ ↓ ↓ PIN IT ↓ ↓ ↓

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SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR QUILTING

Once again, I'm using my favorite quilting tool for this block, the Triangle Square Up Ruler.

You will also need some basic quilting tools like the ones I have listed below.

fabric
thread
rotary cutter / cutting mat / straight edge
sewing machine (This is my new machine that I absolutely love!)
sewing scissors
pencil
iron and wool ironing mat
HST Ruler

For all my best quilting supply recommendations, check out my Amazon storefront.

FABRIC REQUIREMENTS FOR A 6" ELECTRIC FAN BLOCK

This tutorial is for a 6 inch block.

If you'd like a larger size, please check out my pattern.

It includes 7 different sizes! 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15, & 18 inches.

The pattern comes with step-by-step instructions, color diagrams and a cutting chart.

It is available in PDF format, so you can view it on your device or easily print it out for reference.

To grab the printable pattern click the ↑image above↑ or the ↓link below↓

PRINTABLE CUTTING CHART WITH INSTRUCTIONS

CUT MEASUREMENTS FOR 6 INCH ELECTRIC FAN

You will need four squares of fabric all cut to 4 1/2 inches.

2 background
1 light
1 dark

HOW TO MAKE AN ELECTRIC FAN QUILT BLOCK

This block is made up entirely of hourglass blocks, then arranged to form a pinwheel in the middle.

Be sure to check out the video tutorial as well.

MAKING THE HOURGLASS BLOCKS

To make the hourglass blocks, begin by making half square triangles with the pieces.

collage depicting making half square triangles

Step 1 - On the back side of each background piece, draw two lines diagonally. Each line should be 1/4 inch from the center diagonally. To do this, place a quilting ruler with the quarter inch marking lined up from point to point. Draw along the side of the ruler. Repeat on the other side of center.

Place the background squares on top of the light and dark squares with right sides together.

Step 2 - Stitch along the drawn lines.

Step 3 - Cut each square in half between the stitched lines. Press the seams toward the color half and away from the background half.

collage with steps for an hourglass block

Step 4 - On the back side of the light HST draw two lines perpendicular to the seam. Each line 1/4 inch from center as explained in step 1.

Step 5 - Place a light HST on top of a dark HST. Make sure the background is opposite of the other background half and the dark fabric is opposite of the light fabric.

Step 6 - Stitch along the drawn lines.

Step 7 - Cut in half between the stitched lines.

Step 8 - Trim the block to 3 1/2 inches.

Repeat steps 4-8 with the remaining HST's.

Step 9 - Press 3 blocks toward the dark fabric, and one block toward the light fabric.

Trim tails.

ASSEMBLING THE ELECTRIC FAN BLOCK

Now it's time to assemble the block.

Note: Because of the nature of this block, nesting of seams is not possible for all seam junctions.

Another wrinkle is the fact that the hourglass units are made in mirror images of each other.

This can also affect things.

I feel that the most important intersection is the center of the pinwheel.

Before sewing, check that each seam is oriented correctly. Adjust and re-press if needed.

hourglass units arranged in an electric fan formation

Step 10 - Layout the block. The unit you pressed toward the light fabric should be placed in the bottom left with the dark half of the hourglass at the top.

Place the remaining blocks around so that the dark triangles form a pinwheel.