Pinwheel Quilt Block Tutorial

Like this? Click or tap to share it

blank

There’s something so cheerful and festive about the pinwheel block — and it’s also an easy block that is well within the abilities of beginning quilters. Pinwheels look great in quilts for children or in Christmas projects.

The block is made by sewing together four half-square triangle blocks in such a way that the block seems to be spinning like the pinwheels children get at school fairs.  The only tricky part is getting all the triangle points to match at the center of the block. The key to perfectly aligned points is learning how to sew a scant 1/4″ seam.

Cutting the Fabric

Each pinwheel block starts with four half-square triangle blocks. Learn how to make two half-square triangle blocks from two fabric squares, or a no-marking way to make four triangle blocks from two squares.   blank

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Before you sew, lay out the triangle blocks as you want them to be in the pinwheel block. Make sure the pinwheel “spins” the way you want it to. I lay out the blocks right next to my sewing machine, so I can check that the triangles are oriented the right way while I’m sewing. blank
  2. Sew the top two blocks together, then the bottom two blocks. blank
  3. To sew a pair of blocks, lay them with right sides together. Pin where the existing seams meet to prevent shifting while you sew, then sew with a scant 1/4″ seam.  blank
  4. You will now have two units: one on top, and one on the bottom. Notice that the points of the triangles meet 1/4″ from the edges of the units, not at the very edges. That’s what you want, so your points will still be sharp after you sew the top and bottom units together. blankPress the center seams on the top and bottom units in opposite directions, so the units will nest together when you sew the next seam. blank
  5. Lay a top unit and bottom unit with right sides together, pin where the seams meet, and sew down the long side. Press the block open. blank
  6. The block should now look like this: blank

You’ve made a pinwheel block that is ready to go into a quilt! Friends will be lining up to snuggle in your pinwheel quilt. blank

Free Pinwheel Baby Quilt Pattern and Tutorial

Learn how to make this charming little baby quilt from 10″ layer cake squares.

blank

Featured photo by Heidi Elliott, Flickr.com

Similar Posts

8 Comments

  1. Hello. Could you tell me where I can find some beautiful “vintage looking” colorful floral fabric like what is pictured on “Tutorial: How to Sew Pinwheel Quilt Blocks” cover picture? Joann’s doesn’t have anything quite like those and I can’t seem to find anything online. Thank you.

    1. The vintage prints in the first set of pinwheel blocks are reprints of 1930s fabrics. You might try searching for “1930s quilt fabric” on fabric.com, but I have had good luck finding thirties prints at local quilt shops. If you have a good quilt shop near you, that’s a good place to look. You might also find thirties reprint fabrics on Etsy or Ebay. Good luck!

      Christine

  2. Thank you for such clear and concise explanations and photos regarding making pinwheels for a quilt. My instructions included with the pattern were confusing and with your help all is clear to me now! Thanks again. Candy

  3. Great job…well explained !! I am sending it to my 11- year old granddaughter in Japan because we bought her a sewing machine and I think she can cope with your instructions ! Thank you very much….

  4. oh that s terrible,after all the hard workhave you rotated the seams before sewing?that might help

  5. I have a terrible time matching my
    Center points… I have made my 1/4 seam and it matches perfectly till I get to the center and the points do not match…,
    Frustrating!!!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.