Learn how to make a pinwheel quilt block. It is a basic quilt block made from two squares of fabric in the same color or two different colors. It’s a fast and easy classic quilt block that is perfect for beginners.
Pinwheel quilt blocks are one of the most popular quilt block patterns. They’re simple to make and can be used in a variety of different quilts. Once you’ve mastered this block, you’ll be able to create all sorts of amazing quilts.
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Materials
Fabric
Equipment / Tools
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Quilting Ruler
- Rotary Cutter
- Straight pins
- Iron
- Ironing board with a pad
- Sewing machine
Making Half Square Triangles
This tutorial will show you how to make a pinwheel quilt block using simple techniques. The Pinwheel Quilt Block is a simple four-patch quilt block made from four half square triangles (HST).
Each half square triangle is made using two colors of fabric squares. You will need 4 half square triangles.
Here is a tutorial for the half square triangles.
Instructions
Cut fabric the Squares. Refer to your quilt pattern for the square size and number of units required. Every two squares make two finished HST units.
Next, Mark the Squares. Starting with equal size squares of fabric, place the ruler diagonally on the back side of the lightest square. Use a pencil to draw a diagonal line from one corner to the opposite corner.
Place the lighter square on top of the darker square with the right sides together matching the edges all the way around. Secure with straight pins.
Sew a scant 1/4-inch seam allowances on each side of the marked line.
Separate Triangles by cutting along the diagonal seams alone the center line using a rotary cutter. You now have two half-square triangles.
Press seams to one side toward the darker fabric or open, trim the square.
Laying out the Classic Pinwheel Quilt Block
So, you have your 4 half square triangles sewn, pressed, and trimmed. Now it’s time to lay them out and sew them together to create your pinwheel blocks.
Begin by laying out the four half square triangle units to form pinwheels. Making sure that they are pointing in the correct direction.
Pinwheel Block Assembly
Sew together the top two blocks using a quarter inch seam Allowance.
Press the seams to the right.
Sew the bottom two blocks together using a quarter inch seam allowance.
Press the seams to the left.
Next align the top and bottom block sets so that the middle seam nests together. This allows the points to line up nicely.
Sew the top to the bottom, using a quarter inch seam allowance.
Press the seam open.
If necessary, trim your block to the square size specified in the quilt pattern you are working on.
That’s it, you have a beautiful pinwheel quilt block ready to use in your pattern.
Here is a diagram to help visualize the steps in creating an easy pinwheel block.
Once you learn how to sew this fun quilt block, the possibilities are just endless. Here are a few easy quilt block patterns to start with.
You can find Victoria crocheting, quilting, and creating recipes. She has worked in restaurants for many years. Her many crochet patterns and quilt patterns are enjoyed by many. In her professional career, she has worked in management in a wide variety of businesses including higher education as a dean of a division. All the while attending college part-time to achieve her doctorate in higher education with an emphasis in e-learning.