27 - Wonky Fans

I've got a new helper!

I think fan blocks are super cute, but I have a fear of templates and curved seams- I am trying to overcome them - but why bother when there is a super fun and easy way to make wonky fans that look just as great? Let me show you how with Block 27 in the We Can Do It! Skill Builder Sampler.

Too cute!

I will give instructions on how to make a 12 inch finished block along with more generalized instructions so you can make any sized block you would like.

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Edited (5/15): The Skill Builder Sampler will is available for purchase in book form! It has been renamed "You Can Quilt! Building Skills for Beginners" but covers the same skills with the easy, medium and challenging blocks and is a million times better than the original quilt along. It is perfect for the beginning quilter or the experienced quilter who wants to branch out and learn new skills. Find more information and order a signed copy in my Etsy shop or order on Amazon.

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Background:

Cut a square 1/2 inch larger than your finished block size - in our case a 12.5 inches square.

Fan Blades:

The blades can be as tall or as short as you would like, but a good rule of thumb is for the blades to be two thirds the size of the finished block. In our case that would be 12 x 2/3 = 8 inches tall. Remember that this is a wonky block, so the measurements don't have to be exact.

Find a piece of fabric about 8 inches tall and cut the straight edge at an angle.

Move the ruler over and angle it until you have another wedge shaped piece. Cut.

Repeat as desired.

If I am making multiple fans I like to stack 3-4 layers of fabric together to speed cutting.

The blades can be fairly rectangular or quite pointed. The points should be at least 1/2 inch wide or you will have problems with bulky seams. A good rule of thumb is for the pointy ends to be between 2 and .5 inches wide and for the tops of the blades to be 3-6 inches wide. Each fan will need 6-9 blades, depending on the width of the blades.

Place two blades right sides together and stitch from top to bottom with a 1/4 seam allowance. Press the seam to the side.

Repeat until your fan is large enough to cover the background fabric from edge to edge. If the top edge of the fan is uneven trim it even with scissors. Remember, this is Wonky - don't get out a plate or compass to make it perfect!

Press under the top edge of the fan 1/4 inch.

Pin to the background fabric.

Zig-zag along the edge or use your favorite decorative stitch.

Yea! Fan blades attached!

Corner Round:

Next we need to cover up the bottom edge of the blades and add the corner round piece. Find a squarish piece of fabric that is at least 1 inch longer than the distance between the corner of the background fabric and the start of the blades.