Block of the Month -- March, 2008
“Whirling Chain”

Diagram: Fabric: Cutting Directions: Dark squares Medium-dark to dark green (1) 2" x 16" strip* (1) 3½" square Medium triangles Medium-light to medium green (2) 3 7/8" squares Background Tan (1) 2" x 16" strip* (2) 3 7/8" squares

Assembly Instructions:

1. To make 4-patch units: Align the two strips, right sides together, and seam along one long edge. Press the seam toward the darker strip. Cut the strip unit crosswise into 2"-wide strips to form 8 2-patch units. Place 2 units right sides together, with light fabric against dark. Seam along one long edge; press. Repeat with the other 3 pairs of 2-patch units. Trim each 4-patch unit to 3½" square if necessary.
   *If you prefer, you can cut 8 2" squares of each fabric and assemble the 4-patch units as shown in the diagram.
2. To make the triangle units, draw a diagonal line from one corner to the opposite corner on each background square. Pair each background square with a medium square, right sides together. Sew a scant ¼" on each side of the line; cut the units apart on the first line, pressing toward the darker triangle. You should now have 4 3½" half-square triangle squares. Trim units to size if necessary.
3. Piece units in rows and join rows as indicated in the diagram.

• Use 100% cotton fabrics for the block. Wash fabrics before cutting. Do not use fabrics that bleed or run!
• Arrange the patches on a piece of felt, flannel or batting before sewing to aid in assembly.
• Stitch all seams a scant ¼". Please try to be accurate!
• Unless otherwise specified, press seams toward the dark fabric if possible, taking care not to stretch any bias edges.

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