Need Help with Fan Block
 

I think this is a fan block, although I can't find anything similar online. I was gifted a bunch of pre-cut pieces to assemble this block but am missing the strip between the fan blades and the curved center quarter piece. There are two pieces of fabric in my stash that I think could work. I'd appreciate advice on which one, though.

I will pick out the assembled block to see whether the strip is straight or curved. I can't find anything online about a block like this.

that looks like a bias cut piece added. one can sew it to a the pie curve with the fan section on top, sew and then flip the added bias piece up.

I agree, it looks like a bias piece. Interesting. I'll bet it is easier to add than a curved piece.

I tried finding a video on doing that. no luck so far.

It's called "Grandmother's fan". You should find lots of tutorials and photos.The strip is cut as a circle. How else could it be done? Or, just eliminate the strip. It's not required to make a nice block. The pink matches better.

bkay

Stack-n-Whack® Fan Ruler Tutorial - Piecing the Fan (stacknwhack.com)

Try this

Exactly! the strip isn't needed. it is added by some quilters. so if it is a problem, do the block without that addition.

great link! Thanks!

I agree that it's a bias strip, and I think it adds a lot of interest to the block. I vote for the pink fabric at the bottom of the picture.

I did fans a few years ago and just applique onto 10" squares. I made a template of cereal box to iron over the edges. Came out great

I like the brighter pink as well. Is it possible to share a photo of the back side of the block?

found this with bias info. https://nancyzieman.com/blog/quiltin...f-the-month-7/

bkay - if you can find a grandmother's fan block pattern with the strip in, please share it. I have looked and looked.
thimblebug - here is the back.

I have picked the block apart and see that the strip is a curved piece. Once the strip was picked out, I tried the two pinks behind and the light pink wins. I guess I'll trace the strip carefully onto template material and use that to cut out strips for the block because without it the dark blue centers don't fit. I've started sewing the fan blades into pairs and this will make twenty blocks, so that isn't such a terrible amount of cutting curves even if it's a struggle.

Thanks for the tips. I found a tutorial that shows how to attached a curved piece around the top of the fan to square the blocks and I think that's the route I'll take, applique not being my favourite activity.

Wow, good for you, looks like you have it figured out. Look forward to seeing your progress.

Help with fan block -- my method
 

Momma always did applique with this block. Grandma put the fan point in the corner--thus not needing an end piece. Aunt Jo put triangles at the point.

I do a curve top by squaring it off.
1. Fold your fan in half.
2. Draw the top of the fan onto freezer paper.
3. Fold freezer paper in half to get the full fan Or just fold your fabric and cut out on the fold. This is the top portion of the fan for squaring off the piece adding extra on both sides as it will need to curve around some.
4. Cut the square top to the size you want your block to be in the final size with your fan also laying on the fabric to get the correct measurement.
5. Don't Forget to add your seam allowance to all edges.
6. I always baste my pieces so they lay perfect and it is easier to rip out if needed.
7. Once it is right for you, Machine stitch the fan to the top and the one side.
Enjoy.

Grandma Never sewed anything on the machine and Momma did only once. I quilt everything on the machine starting in the center and working out using a regular large embroidery hoop to keep everything tight.

Hope this helps. It works for me but I have never written out the directions before. Try it with a scrap before doing the actual quilt to be certain it works for you.