How to Make a Swirly Whirly Quilt Block

Quilt Block Patterns Quilting May 15, 2026

How to Make a Swirly Whirly Quilt Block

I think I have a new favorite quilt block. From the moment I made this one I fell in love with it. It has got a traditional look with a spin to it and I love the movement it has. For my demo video I decided to go with red, some blues and beige. The block has a great patriotic feel to it. Join me as I show you how to make a swirly whirly quilt block. It is always fun to discover new blocks or put a twist on a classic one.

Unfinished, this block measures 10 1/2″ and when finished, measures 10″. That makes it a great size for making a quilt.

Video Highlight: You will learn how to make 2 1/2″ half square triangles using the 2-at-a-time method and how to make them using the 8-at-a-time method. These are both great methods.

Watch the Tutorial Here

What to Cut to Make One 10″ Finished Block

I have put the total number of pieces. Cut pieces from your favorite fabrics.

Pieces Needed:

Fabric 1 (Shown in Darker Blue):
A – 4 squares cut 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″
B – 1 square cut 6″ x 6″
C – 2 squares cut 3 1/4″ x 3 1/4″
Fabric 2 (Shown in Red):
D – 5 squares cut 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″
E – 2 squares cut 3 1/4″ x 3 1/4″
Fabric 3 (Shown in Lighter Blue):
F – 2 squares cut 3 1/4″ x 3 1/4″
Fabric 4 (Shown in Beige):
G – 1 square cut 6″ x 6″
H – 2 squares cut 3 1/4″ x 3 1/4″

Need Supplies?

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Tips

General quilting supplies are needed to make this block. A scant 1/4″ seam allowance is used.

Make the Half Square Triangles 2-at-a-time

To make these half square triangles using the 2-at-a-time method, draw a diagonal line on the backs of the 2 H pieces and the 2 E pieces. With right sides facing line up the H and the F squares.

Repeat with the E and the C squares. Sew a 1/4″ seam allowance along both sides of the line.

Press to the darker fabric. Cut in half on the drawn line and then trim to 2 1/2″ square. Repeat with the remaining half square triangles and set them aside.

Make the Half Square Triangles 8-at-a-time

On the back of a piece G draw two diagonal lines and then 2 lines at the half mark of the square in both directions. Using a 1/4″ seam allowance, sew along both sides of both diagonal lines. It will form a double X.

Cut on all of the drawn lines. Press to the darker fabric and trim down to 2 1/2″ square (as shown in the 2-at-a-time method)

Lay out the block as show and sew together the individual rows first. After that, sew the rows together to make your 10 1/2″ block.

Block Layout

Possible Quilt Layouts and Color Ideas

It is always fun trying out different color combinations and block placements with my Electric Quilt 8 software. The first one is using scans of the actual fabric I used. You can see how a larger quilt with these fabrics looks. These are all made with the same number of blocks. Look at all of the different results.

Other Blocks I’ve Made

If you love different quilt blocks then you may be interested some of these. Clicking on the photo takes you to the blog post that shows you how to make the block.